Arkle Trophy Preview - Cheltenham Festival

Published on: 14/03/2017

Arkle Trophy Preview - Cheltenham Festival

March 14, 2016 14:10pm - Cheltenham

Distance: 2 miles (3,219 metres)

Track: Left-handed

Qualification: Five-years-old and up

Weight: 11st 4 lb

Allowances: 7 lb for mares

Purse: £150,000 (2016)

In the second race of the opening day, Altior is the standout horse of the field. The Nicky Henderson-trained seven-year-old has won his last nine outings and will start as the odds-on favourite for the popular Arkle Challenge Trophy race.

With such a short price on offer, it may be worth looking at alternative markets in this race. You can take the favourite out of the equation by exploring the `Without the Favourite` market where there is much better value on offer.

One notable candidate is Charbel who put in a decent run in the same field as the favourite at the Henry VIII Novices Chase at Sandown last time out (December). With a long break behind him, it appears that he will be sent out to challenge Altior but that task could prove to be too much for the six-year-old.

While Charbel is busy taking on the 1/3 shot, there are plenty of other who will be waiting to pounce should he run out of steam in the final stages. One such challenger is Cloudy Dream who looks well-priced to win in this market. The Malcolm Jefferson-trained grey gelding has showed well in recent outings and will favour good to soft conditions.

A Hare Breath was beaten by Forest Bihan and Cloudy Dream at Doncaster and will be trying to reverse the form from that outing here. The course should suit him better and Ben Pauling has declared that he is in Brilliant form.

Speaking of Forest Bihan, the six-year-old has already impressed in four races over fences and prevailed in a Grade Two contest over Cloudy Dream at Doncaster. However, the ground might still be a little soft for him on race day.

Betting odds and tips

A Hare Breath is a long shot but the course and conditions might just be perfect for a horse that is coming into form at the right time.

You can back A Hare Breath w/o Altior at 14/1 with Bet365.

Remember, Bet365 are offering guaranteed best odds on all Cheltenham races and a 100% deposit bonus up to £200 for new accounts.

Arkle Trophy - Last three 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)

By Neil Morris

Published on: 14/03/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (14/03/2017 09:44:58) but are subject to change.