Leading National Hunt trainer Dan Skelton has confirmed a targeted and disciplined approach ahead of the Cheltenham Festival, with his yard set to field runners across championship, graded and handicap races.

Speaking on Sky Sports Racing‘s YouTube channel At The Races, Skelton outlined how selective campaigning has been central to his preparation. Several horses have been raced lightly through the winter to protect handicap marks and ensure they arrive in peak condition for March.

Stressing the importance of conditioning over volume of runs, Skelton said: “To win at Cheltenham you need one or two things, you need to be 10% better than the others or preparation, preparation, preparation.”

His Champion Hurdle contender remains the stable’s headline act. After falling at Newcastle when tracking Constitution Hill, Skelton described the incident as a learning experience and maintains the gelding has the pace and stamina required for the championship test.

In the mares’ division, Take No Chances has been deliberately campaigned conservatively to protect her mark. Nurse Susan holds an entry in the Stayers’ Hurdle, where her 7lb allowance could prove significant. Panic Attack, winner of the Paddy Power Gold Cup and the Coral Gold Cup, is viewed as a leading contender for the Mares’ Chase despite competition from Dino Blue.

Over fences, Grey Dawning is aimed at the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Skelton said a mistake late in the Cotswold Chase avoided a hard race and left the horse fresh for the Festival.

Skelton also highlighted handicap prospects Supremely West, Madara and Be Aware, the latter targeting the Grand Annual Chase. In the novice division, Maestro Compi is set for the Triumph Hurdle, while Money Garo is aimed at the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.