2m (1m7f199y) (Old) My Pension Expert Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+)
Gaelic Warrior is readily taken on here going left handed around a tight track. He’s his own worst enemy at Cheltenham and comes up against proper two-milers more capable of jumping with him than the stayers he’s faced over intermediate trips so far. I knew I’d done my money on Il Etait Temps prior to the Supreme last year as he was tiny in the paddock and ran accordingly – his second defeat at Cheltenham. He’s more of a staying type, anyway, and stamina got him home in front at the last two Dublin Racing Festivals. Willie Mullins also saddles HUNTERS YARN who is a confident selection here, bringing a line of form that suggests he could be a class above these. Despite some significant errors in his two novice chases, his jumping is good for a two miler as he attacks his fences and gains lengths at them. He’ll be learning all the time and will love the forecast soft ground. The market is warm to his chance which is exactly what we want to see at this stage – he’s now usurped Il Etait Temps and Found A Fifty as the second favourite. Found A Fifty is second choice as you can’t argue with the form of his last two runs, but soft ground is a worry and the market is reflecting that. I think the selection has a much better chance than 11/2 suggests.
2pts win Hunters Yarn @6/1, 14:10 Cheltenham, Tuesday
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