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

Off time: 14:12 | Winning time: 3m 58.90s

Odds by:

Live Odds

Odds

Articulum

22/1

25/1

Clondaw Castle

28/1

33/1

Duc Des Genievres

5/1

Glen Forsa

9/2

Hardline

9/2, 4/1, 7/2

10/3

Kalashnikov

15/2, 8/1, 15/2, 7/1, 13/2

6/1

Knocknanuss

25/1, 28/1

33/1

Lalor

7/1, 13/2, 7/1, 8/1, 15/2, 7/1

13/2

Ornua

12/1, 14/1, 12/1

14/1

Paloma Blue

10/1

Slate House

50/1

66/1

Us And Them

12/1

14/1

SP Book Percentage 119.19

Forecasts

Hardline (10/3), Glen Forsa (9/2), Duc Des Genievres (5/1), Kalashnikov (6/1), Lalor (13/2), Paloma Blue (10/1), Us And Them (14/1), Ornua (14/1), Articulum (25/1), Clondaw Castle (33/1), Knocknanuss (33/1), Slate House (66/1)

The Arkle sees its biggest field since 2010 and a far more open contest than usual (last four favourites have won, all at odds-on). One element of the race that should be guaranteed is pace with several of these looking likely to go forward including the leading contender Glen Forsa who looks assured in the jumping department. A well-run race is sure to suit two of the Irish contenders in HARDLINE and Duc De Genievres both of whom have scored over further. The former is a powerful traveller whilst the latter represents Willie Mullins who has trained three of the last four winners. Testing ground would prove a problem for Lalor while Kalashnikov needs to bounce back from a poor run last time.