DALSTON Lad might at first glance appear to be a Cheltenham hopeful, but trainer Dan Skelton has ruled the possibility of a run there out of the equation, and instead will target Aintree for the six-year-old son of Ocovango (Monsun).

Bred by John and Caroline Bourke at Longrove Stud in Golden, Co Tipperary, Dalston Lad was sold as a foal at Tattersalls Ireland for €15,000 to Michael Roche and Gatelodge Stables.