Cheltenham Festival 2013 - Arkle Trophy

2.45 Cheltenham Festival* (Day 1, Race 3)

Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1)  (5YO plus)

Winner £85,425

Arvika Ligeonniere: Was travelling all over the opposition when fourth in the Albert Bartlett (came to an absolute standstill) of 2010 but promise in abundance shown when bolting up over 2m at Punchestown Festival that same year and not put a foot wrong chasing until taking soft fall in Irish Arkle, having impressed with Drinmore win and then when batting to hold off Oscars Well in latter stages of 2m Grade 1 at Christmas; Won’t mind the rain and can go well, but slight worry that he will jump to the right and wouldn’t want to be in battle for the lead.

Baily Green: Completed a seven time with win over Tofino Bay in November and still ran well the last twice, only three lengths behind Arvika Liegoinnare in Racing Post Novice Chase; Up against it here but deserves huge credit for doing what he did previously.

His Excellency: Tail-swishing sort who tends to do too much when race is over as a contest; Beaten by Majala at Warwick when they last met, and not good enough.

Majala: Much improved for this season, taking it to three wins this season when winning Warwick Grade 2 that quite literally fell straight into his hands; Others preferred.

Overturn: Best dual purpose horse in country without a doubt and underlined that when second in Champion Hurdle; Taken to fences like duck to water, winning three chases with ease by double figures, all of them in small fields (although with only 6 rivals, this will be no different); Big chance here even with ground having gone against him (econd in Chester Cup on soft).

Simonsig: Looked truly special as novice hurdler last season when outstanding winner of Neptune and Grade 2 at Aintree, and won both his starts over fences with ease, for all that they were uncompetitive affairs (claim that can be levelled at many in this field); Faces rival likely to take him on for lead in Overturn and toughest test yet but a more than worthy favourite who will take beating.

Tap Night: Clearly useful as his form in winning two novice chases shows (also beat Captain Conan over hurdles in Grade 2) and put flop behind him in nice style when making it two from three over hurdles at Ayr latest; Far more neeed to mix it with best of these though.

VERDICT: SIMONSIG looks to be a worthy favourite but has become slightly too short to back at odds on considering he’s had just the two runs over fences, while Overturn’s chances have been dealt no help but the soft ground; Regardless, it’s a cracking duel on paper between the two and one that shouldn’t be missed. Arvika Lirgooniere is the only other rival within streets of these two, so the race is best left from a punting perspective with only two places for betting purposes, there’s little value here. 

*Late start due to ground conditions