Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices Chase Preview - Cheltenham Festival
Published on: 10/03/2020
Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices Chase Preview - Cheltenham Festival
March 10, 2020 14:10pm - Cheltenham
Distance: 1m 7f 199y
Grade: (Grade 1) (Class 1) (5yo+)
Runners: 11
Winner: £98,473
Going: Soft
The Racing Post Arkle Chase Challenge Trophy is the second race on Day One and is a target for the quick novice chasers looking to make an impression. It is run over 2m and requires precise jumping at a fast pace which is a real challenge. The Grade 1 race has been won by the likes of Moscow Flyer, Sprinter Sacre and Altior, so whoever wins will be in illustrious company.
Notebook will start as favourite and his biggest challenge will come from Fakir D`Oudairies who finished second to the aforementioned frontrunner at Leopardstown last time out. Joseph O`Brien`s horse has landed two wins this season and could reverse the order with the favourite this time around. He likes the ground and has Cheltenham experience under his belt. The fact that Notebook doesn`t always behave himself could also come into play on the big day.
Meanwhile, Rouge Vif looks great value for a place at 12/1. This useful novice hurdler impressed last season, winning as Grade 2 at Kelso. He improved after a wind operation when chasing and won another Grade 2 novice at Warwick beating Nube Negra by seven lengths. His form should not be ignored.
Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices Chase Winners - past six years:
2014: Western Warhorse (6) - Tom Scudamore (David Pipe)
2015: Un de Sceaux (7) - Ruby Walsh (Willie Mullins)
2016: Douvan (6) - Ruby Walsh (Willie Mullins)
2017: Altior (7) - Nico de Boinville (Nicky Henderson)
2018: Footpad (6) - Ruby Walsh (Willie Mullins)
2019: Duc des Genievres (6) - Paul Townend (Willie Mullins)
Latest Betting odds:
Notebook 10/3
Fakir D`Oudairies 4/1
Brewinupastorm 6/1
Cash Back 7/1
Esprit Du Large 10/1
Rouge Vif 12/1
Maire Banrigh 14/1
Put The Kettle On 20/1
Al Dancer 20/1
By Neil Morris
Published on: 10/03/2020
Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (10/03/2020 13:24:37) but are subject to change.
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