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Dan Skelton hoping Optimus Prime can make Punchestown impact

Trainer Dan Skelton during Champion Day of the 2016 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse.
Image: Trainer Dan Skelton

Dan Skelton is heading into the lion's den by taking on Footpad with Optimus Prime in the Ryanair Novice Chase at Punchestown on Thursday week.

Skelton decided to miss the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals and head to Ireland with a fresh horse.

However, with the setback Footpad suffered before Aintree resulting in a change in plan for the Arkle winner, Optimus Prime now faces a very tall order.

"Optimus Prime is going over to Punchestown and obviously it won't be ideal for us having Footpad in there," said Skelton.

"But our fellow has won three chases this year and we are hoping we will get a bit of nice ground for him at Punchestown.

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"He has missed all the Festivals at home so should be a fresh horse going there and realistically we are hoping to pick up some nice place money."

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