2011 Arkle Challenge Trophy Prices and Betting Preview

Favourite: Medermit, but only just

Form Play: Captain Chris TBP

Value Play: Realt Dubh Win-Only

The Arkle is a more interesting fixture than it usually looks to be as it’s a solid proving ground for Grade 3 winners or high-quality late-bloomers emerging off the novice circuit. Connections will see this one as a great opportunity for a betting score in lieu of just the ample prize money. The TBP market looks especially competitive in this one and, since we’re without a clear favourite, the win-only market retains value as well.

There is no genuine stand-out with Medermit, Ghizao and Finians Rainbow being the current fancies- all trading within the 5.0-6.0 range. Medermit was undone by Hell’s Bay in a New Year’s Day effort at Cheltenham and that’s a definite stroke against him. If the ground is soft at all, it might be best to stay off Medermit but he’ll likely have more to offer on going listed as good or firm.

Ghizao conquered a Grade 2 chase at Cheltenham back in November and he really looks to be enjoying the chase circuit over the hurdles division. He’s gotten the better of Captain Chris in both of his last efforts and, though he deserves respect, the price looks just a bit short on him.

Realt Dubh is getting some action but is just outside the favourite’s corridor. Noel Meade’s seven year-old has run well in Ireland this year after a six-race campaign. A falling effort undid him at Galway back in October and a second place finish to Jessies Dream at Fairyhouse are the only real blemishes as he’s conquered everything else. A score in the Bord Na Mona With Nature looked especially impressive as he hit at 10/1 over the well-fancied Mikael D’Haguenet.

Captain Chris has hit the board in some capacity in every race but his flat debut at Kempton 9 races ago. He has run second to Ghizao, Medermit and Silviniaco Conti this year and the loss to Medermit was much closer than you might think. He then progressed to post a 153 from a previous 141 in his most recent race – a well-fancied Grade 2 victory when sent off at 2/5 at Kempton. He has won at Cheltenham over hurdles and doesn’t look to be bothered by the chase course. Captain Chris is a monster in the TBP market anywhere around 5.0 – especially if you’re getting paid on more than three places.

Starluck is an intriguing option at a 17.0 win-only price and has just switched over to chasing after an accomplished career over hurdles. He took his first chase with AP up and could be set for another ride with McCoy in this one. He’s a player is he gets the right jockey and he’ll likely hit at a nice price. He’s an unknown quantity but looks tidy from an OR perspective.