Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase (Grade 1)

Off time: 14:11 | Winning time: 4m 2.40s

Brain Power⁵²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 156| DWS

10/1

Looked an exciting prospect when scoring on chase bow at Kempton in November. Failed to complete in two starts since, latest in open Grade 1 company at Ascot in January and had wind op subsequently. Trainer has won three of last six of these.

Form: 185-1UF

Footpad³⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Ruby Walsh| T: W P Mullins| OR: 162| D

5/4

Fourth in last year's Champion Hurdle, has looked better than ever with three near-faultless wins over fences in Ireland this season, holding Petit Mouchoir by 5L at Leopardstown last month. Sets the bar high.

Form: 243-111

Petit Mouchoir³⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: D N Russell| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 157| D

9/4

Had the measure of Footpad in their hurdling days, including in the Champion Hurdle here last March. May have needed run when 5L behind that rival at Leopardstown last month, but suspicion lingers that the Mullins horse is just a better chaser.

Form: F113-12

Robinshill⁵²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 142| D

66/1

Couple of minor successes over the trip at Ludlow in November, pulled up in Ascot handicap over 2m5f in January. Twice struggled in previous visits to this track and likely to meet similar fate now.

Form: 0-PU11P

Saint Calvados³¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Aidan Coleman| T: H Whittington| OR: 160| D

3/1

French import has done nothing but impress in winning three starts over fences for this yard. Made all and careered away with Grade 2 Kingmaker at Warwick (soft) last month. Looks sure to play a big role again.

Form: 116-111

Forecasts

Footpad (5/4), Petit Mouchoir (9/4), Saint Calvados (3/1), Brain Power (10/1), Robinshill (66/1)

FOOTPAD was a smart hurdler but has looked even better this season in three starts since going chasing and should take some stopping here. He jumps fast and accurate and will be suited again in a small field. He can extend the excellent recent record of favourites in the Arkle. Petit Mouchoir had his measure over timber, but was well beaten last month at Leopardstown. Connections were adamant that run was needed, but his jumping let him down early going at Footpad's pace. Saint Calvados could be the chief threat on the evidence of his excellent round in the Kingmaker at Warwick last time.