Captain Conan impresses Sky Bet

Sky Bet have cut Captain Conan to 7/1 from 9/1 for the Arkle after he made a winning debut over fences at Cheltenham.

Nicky Henderson's five-year-old advertised his ability by winning the Grade Two Tolworth Hurdle on his debut for the yard last season but had always been considered a better chasing prospect.

It was therefore no surprise to see him sent off 11/10 favourite for the Racing Post Arkle Trophy Trial Novices' Chase and a good jump at the final fence was enough to put an end to the persistent challenge of Sire De Grugy.

Sky Bet's Racing PR Manager Michael Shinners confirmed: "That was a fairly impressive chasing debut from Captain Conan against 140-plus rated horses.

"The vibes were good for him beforehand - there had been Arkle support for him in the run-up to the race - and he's gone and proved his appetite for the chasing game today.

"It was on soft ground and he hasn't bolted up but he won the race with a fluent leap at the last and his Festival chances are respected."

Oscars Well unseated Robbie Power at Punchestown and is out to 10/1 from 9/1 as a result, while at the head of the market potential star Simonsig has been trimmed to 3/1 despite having yet to jump a fence in public.

Go Native was the other significant mover from the card at Punchestown and he's now 16/1 from 20s for the Champion Hurdle.

Noel Meade's three-time Grade One winner fell at the last but looked to be travelling every bit as well as Hurricane Fly, who was ultimately able to stride clear for a comfortable success.

2011 winner Hurricane Fly remains favourite to win back his crown at 5/1 ahead of reigning champion Rock On Ruby, who can be backed at 7/1 with Sky Bet.

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