Cheltenham Novices

There's more to the Cheltenham Festival than just the all-aged championship races. For many racing fans the major novice contests are equally enthralling as the very best young horses from both sides of the Irish Sea clash - often for the first time at a major meeting. Below we list the following categories:Juvenile Hurdlers at CheltenhamNovice Hurdlers at CheltenhamBumper Horses at CheltenhamNovice Chasers at Cheltenham LadbrokesVCBet (free fifty pound bet)Stan James (free twenty five pound bet)Blue Square (free twenty five pound bet) JUVENILE HURDLERS CHELTENHAM HURDLERSAKILAK4yo trained by Howard JohnsonForm: 11Entered in: Triumph Hurdle (2.00 Friday) Trained by John Oxx on the Flat and a half-brother to winning two-mile hurdler Akshar. Highly-impressive debut when slamming 15 rivals at Cheltenham in January but trainer admitted he was 'undercooked' when gaining workmanlike follow-up at Haydock in February. Had suffered from a cough in between wins and reportedly was a gallop short at Haydock. Likely to be spot on for Cheltenham where the Triumph Hurdle is his intended target. ARCH REBEL4yo trained by Noel MeadeForm: 13Entered in: Fred Winter Juvenile Novices Handicap Hurdle (5.20 Tuesday), Triumph Hurdle (2.00 Friday) Shot to the top of the Triumph Hurdle market with a stylish debut over flights in bad ground in Grade 2 company at Leopardstown over Christmas before disappointing behind Strangely Brown when a warm favourite for a similar event there last month. However his stable was only just emerging from a spell in the doldrums at that time, and this former decent flat racer could well be a different proposition at Cheltenham, particular if he encounters a sounder surface there. BARATI4yo trained by Michael O'BrienForm: F32Entered in: Supreme Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Tuesday), Triumph Hurdle (2.00 Friday) Kept good company after opening his account at the first time of asking on the flat, but ultimately became a trifle disappointing. Fell on his debut for his new connections in the Leopardstown race won by Arch Rebel, but has put that behind him with a couple of creditable efforts in defeat behind Strangely Brown. Another that should appreciate a sounder surface, his shrewd handler is sure to have him spot-on for the Festival. CERIUM4yo trained by Paul NichollsForm: 1191Entered in: Supreme Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Tuesday), Fred Winter Juvenile Novices Handicap Hurdle (5.20 Tuesday), Triumph Hurdle (2.00 Friday) Three times a winner in his native France, he's adapted well to the British scene apart from one blot at Chepstow when he wasn't 100 per cent. He put that effort behind him with a well-executed success in a reliable Cheltenham trial at Wincanton that stamped him as one of the best juvenile hurdlers around. Every inch a future chaser, he still has bags of speed and, though entered in the Champion and Royal & SunAlliance Hurdles, the plan is to have a crack at the Triumph Hurdle this time round. PENZANCE4yo trained by Alan KingForm: 111Entered in: Supreme Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Tuesday), Fred Winter Juvenile Novices Handicap Hurdle (5.20 Tuesday), Triumph Hurdle (2.00 Friday) Shrewd trainer backed him at 40-1 for the Triumph Hurdle prior to an easy hurdling debut success at Taunton and he has since gone on to win at Huntingdon and - very impressively - in a Grade 2 juvenile at Kempton. An 82-rated handicapper on the Flat, he's a half-brother to high-class miler Soviet Song and he's taken to hurdling really nicely, improving with every start. He jumps and travels well and he's a smart young hurdler that should continue to progress. STRANGELY BROWN4yo trained by Eric McNamaraForm: 111Entered in: Triumph Hurdle (2.00 Friday) Tough staying handicapper on the flat, who enjoyed a profitable summer in 2004 when trained by Stuart Williams, and the son of Second Empire has proved a revelation since having his attention turned to hurdling. He followed up a maiden win at Limerick with a game defeat of Sky's The Limit at Punchestown, before staying on best of all to retain his unbeaten record in a Grade 2 contest at Leopardstown. All his hurdle form so far has been on ground with ease, but he proved his effectiveness on better going on the level and looks a lively Triumph contender for his new handler Eric McNamara. VOY POR USTEDES4yo trained by Alan KingForm: 1U16Entered in: Supreme Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Tuesday), Triumph Hurdle (2.00 Friday) Winning ex-French recruit who unseated rider on his British debut at Lingfield before setting the record straight with a good effort in decent race at Huntingdon. Out of his depth when sixth of seven behind Inglis Drever in Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle but still likely to be useful back in novice company. Entered in the Supreme Novices' and the Triumph, he is well capable of running a big race in whichever is his chosen target. YANKEEDOODLEDANDY4yo trained by Pat HaslamForm: 1112Entered in: Triumph Hurdle (2.00 Friday) A cheaply-bought type that has belied his purchase tag. He won his first three starts over hurdles at Sandown, Huntingdon and Cheltenham before running into the classy Akilak and going under by six-lengths. Overall form still reads well and goes on most types of ground. Reportedly still on target for Triumph Hurdle and his mainly flat-oriented trainer knows what to do when a good jumper comes his way. NOVICE HURDLERSAKSHAR6yo trained by Dermot WeldForm: 14Entered in: Supreme Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Tuesday) Decent performer on the level for Sir Michael Stoute, and turned in a good effort when overcoming unsuitably soft ground to get up close home on hurdles debut in a maiden at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting. Unable to cope with tougher opposition in similar conditions when a well-beaten fourth behind Justified next time, but with better going sure to suit, a bold showing at the Festival would come as no surprise. LadbrokesVCBet (free fifty pound bet)Stan James (free twenty five pound bet)Blue Square (free twenty five pound bet) BREWSTER8yo trained by Ian WilliamsForm: 1112Entered in: Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Wednesday), Brit Insurance Novices' Hurdle (2.35 Friday) Already stays well as he illustrated when winning a Grade 2 three-mile novice event at Cheltenham just before Christmas. He also looked smart when beating Ladalko in Grade 1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury in late December and lost nothing in defeat when chasing home French raider Ambobo back at Cheltenham in late January. Set to go straight to Festival without another run and his target will rest with conditions - Brit Insurance hurdle if it's good and Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle if soft. GOLD MEDALLIST5yo trained by Philip HobbsForm: 111Entered in: Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Wednesday) Won at Group 2 and Listed level on the Flat and has done nothing wrong so far over hurdles. Stayed well on the level and has won over two and a two and a half miles over hurdles. Settles well and is a most accurate and fluent jumper in what we've seen of him so far. A major fancy for the Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle and he's well worth a step up to that class. Reportedy going well at home in his big-race preparations. HOMER WELLS7yo trained by Willie MullinsForm: 1122Entered in: Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Wednesday), Brit Insurance Novices' Hurdle (2.35 Friday) Ultra-tough gelding, who came from way off the pace to record a scarcely-believable victory in the Slaney Hurdle at Naas in January under an inspired Ruby Walsh. Holds entries in the Royal & SunAlliance and Brit Insurance Novice Hurdles, with the latter looking the more suitable as he could well be taken off his feet early in the shorter event. Has also raced only on ground with an ease to date, a major worry given likely conditions at Cheltenham. JUSTIFIED6yo trained by Eamon SheehyForm: 2411Entered in: Supreme Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Tuesday), Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Wednesday). High-class sort who stamped himself a major contender for Cheltenham honours with a runaway success at Punchestown at the beginning of February. A strong traveller with a potent turn of foot, his two defeats in November are easily forgiven due to a combination of a slow pace and bad luck. Holds an engagement in the Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle, but seems much more likely to take his chance in the Festival curtain-raiser, where the likely strong gallop over the two-mile trip should prove ideal. Yet to encounter ground faster than yielding, but a quicker surface is unlikely to pose a problem. MARCEL5yo trained by Martin PipeForm: 2113Entered in: Supreme Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Tuesday) An ex-French recruit who is already a prolific winner since coming across the Channel. Odds-on flop at Exeter in mid-February but connections have blamed ground for that shock reverse and stress he'll bounce back under more favourable conditions. Has won under a hold-up ride but seems at his best when forcing the pace and operates at around two miles. Stands his racing well and would come as no surprise to see him being the one they all have to beat in Supreme Novices' Hurdle. MY WAY DE SOLZEN5yo trained by Alan KingForm: 1151Entered in: Supreme Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Tuesday), Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Wednesday), County Handicap Hurdle (5.20 Friday) Already has the physique of a chaser and has had a spin over fences in his native France. Acclimatised well to the UK and wins at Leicester, Bangor and Exeter read like solid efforts. Close fifth to Marcel at Sandown could have been even better had he not been hampered at halfway. Should stay further than two miles and set to head for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle where his chances would be further enhanced by his favoured soft ground. NO REFUGE5yo trained by Howard JohnsonForm: 121Entered in: Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Wednesday), Brit Insurance Novices' Hurdle (2.35 Friday) Smart Flat performer and cost 180,000gns when bought out of Sir Mark Prescott's stable last autumn. Taken to hurdling well although has a bit to learn about jumping which can only improve with experience. Plenty of ability as wins at Aintree and Warwick testify and not disgraced when second to Ladalko at Sandown. Best form on soft ground and holds entries in Brit Insurance Novices' Hurdle and Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle. More improvement highly likely. POLE STAR7yo trained by James FanshaweForm: 2112Entered in: Supreme Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Tuesday), Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Wednesday), Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (4.00 Wednesday), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (3.15 Thursday), Brit Insurance Novices' Hurdle (2.35 Friday) Has been revitalised by hurdling having lost his way after getting jarred up in the 2003 Ascot Gold Cup. Learnt from being put firmly in place by Marcel on hurdling debut when landing odds in minor event at Doncaster and Newbury. Beaten half a length by Gold Medallist in a four-runner event at Huntingdon on his latest start - getting 4lb from the winner - but the likely stronger pace at the Festival might suit him better. Holds multiple entries at Festival and his target unclear at the moment but thoroughly deserves a step up in class as he looks the very type to progress even at the age of seven. PUBLICAN5yo trained by Pat FahyForm: 3131Entered in: Supreme Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Tuesday), Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Wednesday). Two-time bumper winner and originally an intended runner in the Cheltenham equivalent, but became ineligible when running for a fifth time in that sphere. Narrowly beaten by a potentially smart sort on his initial foray over hurdles in a hot maiden at Leopardstown, when his jumping left a bit to be desired, he subsequently bolted up against lesser opposition at Naas. Although with plenty to find on form, the son of Overbury is open to significant improvement and has been well-supported in recent weeks. QUEEN ASTRID5yo trained by Dermot WeldForm: 1Entered in: Supreme Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Tuesday), Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Wednesday), Brit Insurance Novices' Hurdle (2.35 Friday) Raced only once below Listed level in nine starts on the flat, and successful in that grade in Leopardstown's Saval Beg Stakes when trained by Liam Browne, this likeable filly is unbeaten in her sole start over obstacles. That came in a 2m2f maiden at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting, where she ran out an authoritative winner over Letterman. However like many of her sire's progeny, she seems best with give underfoot and as a front-runner is likely to face plenty of competition for the lead. ROYAL PARADISE5yo trained by Thomas FoleyForm: 1311Entered in: Supreme Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Tuesday), Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Wednesday) Fifth in the Bumper at last year's meeting when trained by Francois Doumen, this half-brother to Royal Rosa has taken to hurdling like a duck to water, winning all but one of his five starts and being undone only by a slow pace in the other. A tough and durable sort with a touch of class, he booked his Cheltenham ticket with an impressive victory in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown, a race used as a stepping stone by several subsequent Festival winners. His target is the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle, which his trainer won in 1994 with Danoli, and he looks sure to be suited by the likely strong pace there - the one worry would be very fast ground, as he seems particularly well suited by an ease. VILLON6yo trained by Len LungoForm: -111Entered in: Supreme Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Tuesday), Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Wednesday) Still unbeaten in two bumpers and two hurdles and is settling much better than he did on his final run in a bumper at Haydock. Connections dream of next season when he'll be tackling fences but there is a chance he could still hit the jackpot over hurdles. Minor setback means he'll be going to Cheltenham without another run and he's in both Supreme Novices' and Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle. Has plenty of speed but has also won over a testing two and a half miles in the mud at Hexham. WASHINGTON LAD5yo trained by Pat FahyForm: 4311Entered in: Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Wednesday), Brit Insurance Novices' Hurdle (2.35 Friday) Placed on all five bumper starts without managing to win one, Pat Fahy's five year-old has quickly made up into a very useful hurdler. Having cut his teeth when third to Queen Astrid at Leopardstown, he appreciated the step up to 2m4f when shedding his maiden tag at Fairyhouse in January. Reappearing just a week later at the scene of his debut over obstacles, the five-year-old really dug deep to land the Golden Cygnet Novices' Hurdle under Tony McCoy. Given a break since then, this tough stayer holds a choice of engagements at Cheltenham and looks sure to give a good account of himself wherever he goes. WILD PASSION5yo trained by Noel MeadeForm: 2114Entered in: Supreme Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Tuesday), Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle (2.00 Wednesday) Fell early in last season's Triumph Hurdle, but has done little wrong in his second campaign over flights. Narrowly denied by Royal Paradise at Roscommon, he benefited from a canny ride when beating Justified at Navan before following up in the Grade 1 Royal Bond at Fairyhouse. His stable was under a cloud when he disappointed in the Tolworth Hurdle and it would be no surprise to see him bounce back, though whether he will prove quite up to winning is questionable. BUMPER HORSESALBERT MOONEY5yo trained by David WachmanForm: 2-11In his second season in bumpers, having indicated promise in both starts at the beginning of 2004, and unbeaten in two this term. Showed a nice turn of foot when pulling away from Celtic Sammy in the second of those wins at Fairyhouse, with Supreme Novices' hope Publican back in third. Expected to be ridden by his regular amateur rider, J P Magnier, who has tasted success against the pros at the top level on Rhinestone Cowboy, and with quicker ground unlikely to pose a problem very much worthy of respect. EYE ON THE BALL6yo trained by T HydeForm: S12Sent off a warm favourite when slipping up early in a firm ground bumper at Tipperary in August, he made no mistake next time at Roscommon, dismissing some inferior rivals with ease. Not seen in public subsequently until the Leopardstown Christmas meeting, where he came from off the pace to chase home the promising Merdeka, doing his best work in the closing stages. Another who may well be amateur-ridden, he probably has a bit to find but cannot be ruled out. KARANJA6yo trained by Victor DartnallForm: 111Unbeaten in three bumpers, at Sandown and Windsor just before Christmas and, more recently, at Newbury. Related to winners over hurdles and fences. Best form was when beating Be Be King by three and a half lengths at Newbury in a Grade 2 contest that is generally regarded as the best UK bumper before Cheltenham. Very prominent in ante-post lists for Cheltenham Bumper and proven stamina should stand him in good stead particularly as the race is sure to be run at sound pace. MISSED THAT6yo trained by Willie MullinsForm: 011Sent off favourite for all three starts to date, he has won his last two and bids to give his owner her second success in the race after Florida Pearl in 1997. It wasn't a strong contest in which the son of Overbury opened his account at Clonmel in December, but he showed he was going the right way when hacking up in a winners' contest at Naas last month. Ireland normally holds a strong hand for this race, but that doesn't appear to be the case this season and this one may be the pick of a far from vintage crop. OSCAR PARK6yo trained by Colin TinklerForm: 11Set to head straight for Cheltenham after two wins from as many starts in soft ground events at Windsor and Warwick. Excellent effort in Listed company at latter track when beating the smart Lennon with the pair pulling well clear of the remainder. Comes from a family that boasts winners in bumper, hurdling and chasing company and is the sort that will only get better with experience. RASHARROW6yo trained by Len LungoForm: 1Created a good impression with an impressive display on his debut and only career run so far at Wetherby in November. Travelling strongly throughout, he cruised clear on the bridle to beat the useful Lennon (a winner since) by five-lengths. Reportedly working well at home since and likely to produce a bold bid if making the line-up for the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham. REFINEMENT6yo trained by Jonjo O'NeillForm: 12-1Won twice last season before chasing home Total Enjoyment in Champion Bumper at Cheltenham. Pleasing return to action this term at Aintree in November when landing odds quite cosily and has suffered since with yard being under a cloud with virus. Half-sister to useful bumper winner Manners and likely to make up into decent hurdler-chaser once her bumper days are over. THE MICK WESTON6yo trained by Richard PhillipsForm: 2131Good level of form when winning at Cheltenham in the autumn and Chepstow in late December. Scored on good ground by 16-lengths on first occasion and won easily by six-lengths in testing conditions at Chepstow after looking the winner a long way out. Poor effort in between can be excused as he failed to settle in slowly-run affair and is a scopey type with plenty of room for improvement. NOVICE CHELTENHAM RUNNERS NOVICESCHASERSCOMPLY OR DIE6yo trained by Martin PipeForm: 211FEntered in: Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2.35 Wednesday) A formerly useful novice hurdler who has taken to fences well. Forget his defeat at Newbury in November - he was narrowly in the lead when falling four out - and he's done nothing wrong over fences judged on previous solid efforts which resulted in wide-margin success at Cheltenham. At his most impressive when making the running and normally jumps for fun. Acts on most ground and likely to be even more effective at further than three miles. CONTRABAND7yo trained by Martin PipeForm: 2213Entered in: Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase (2.35 Tuesday), Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase (Handicap) (4.40 Friday) Useful novice hurdler last season and has taken well to fences in his short career as a novice chaser. Races keenly from the front so likely to prove best at two miles for the time being but handles most kinds of ground. Has been placed in several leading novice events as well as winning Henry VIII Novices' Chase by five-lengths and normally jumps soundly. Almost sure to have more improvement in the locker. CORNISH REBEL8yo trained by Paul NichollsForm: 1113Entered in: William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase (4.00 Tuesday), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2.35 Wednesday) Won first three races over fences at Lingfield, Newbury and Cheltenham. Has idled in front more than once including during hurdling career and trainer has always said he's best suited by a strong gallop and a big field. Stays well and acts on most types of ground. Lightly-raced over hurdles and fences and likely to be still improving as a novice chaser. LIKE-A-BUTTERFLY11yo trained by Christie RocheForm: 3/1PEntered in: Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase (2.35 Tuesday), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2.35 Wednesday) Top-class mare over hurdles, winning six of her nine starts, including the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and AIG Irish Champion Hurdle. Looked a potential chasing star when bolting up on her debut over the larger obstacles at Naas in November, but bitterly disappointing next time in a Grade 1 contest at Leopardstown over Christmas when she was eventually pulled up. Has not been seen since then (she missed an intended recent engagement at Navan) and difficult to fancy with such a serious question mark over her wellbeing. LORD OF ILLUSION8yo trained by Tom GeorgeForm: 2111Entered in: William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase (4.00 Tuesday), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2.35 Wednesday) Very progressive young chaser who has already won two handicaps at Cheltenham and Newbury as well as several novice contests. A bold jumper, he loves forcing the pace and the form of his 12-length Cheltenham success over Baron Windrush appears an excellent effort. That win was over 3m 3f so there's no question over stamina and he goes on most types of ground although his best form has come when conditions are not too testing. MARIAH ROLLINS7yo trained by Pat FahyForm: -121Entered in: Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase (2.35 Tuesday) Very useful mare over hurdles and going the right way over fences, winning two of her three starts so far. After a comfortable success at Down Royal first time out, she was an unlucky loser at Punchestown, when a final fence blunder (attirbuted to her being distracted by a piece of paper) handed the initiative to Sir Oj. Had luck on her side next time when the latter's departure at the last gifted her victory in the Grade 1 Durkan New Homes Chase at Leopardstown. Purposely freshened up since then, it is not hard to see her running a big race but it will be a surprise if she is good enough to win. MY WILL5yo trained by Paul NichollsForm: 3211Entered in: Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase (2.35 Tuesday), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2.35 Wednesday), Jewson Novices' Handicap Chase (2.00 Thursday), Mildmay of Flete Handicap Chase (4.00 Thursday) Falls between the Arkle Trophy and Royal & SunAlliance Chase and connections have hinted he may be targeted at the former with stable mate Kauto Star on the sidelines. Rare blot when unseating rider at the first at Cheltenham in October but jumped pretty well otherwise when winning on four other occasions. Needs testing ground to prove effective at two miles and stamina unlikely to last over three miles unless there's no mud around. NED KELLY9yo trained by Edward O'GradyForm: /331Entered in: Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase (2.35 Tuesday) Classy, if somewhat fragile half-brother to Nick Dundee, and twice successful in Grade 1 company over hurdles. A highly-promising third to Mariah Rollins when thrown in at the deep end on his return from a two-year absence at Leopardstown, he again ran well to fill the same position in the Arkle Cup over the same course and distance. Took advantage of the drop in class to record an effortless win against some modest rivals at Fairyhouse and will have strong claims if running up to his best at the Festival. However, given his problems it is hard to be confident about that, while the stiff uphill finish is not sure to suit either. LadbrokesVCBet (free fifty pound bet)Stan James (free twenty five pound bet)Blue Square (free twenty five pound bet) OLLIE MAGERN7yo trained by Nigel Twiston-DaviesForm: 1U12Entered in: Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2.35 Wednesday), Cheltenham Gold Cup (3.15 Friday) A tough little stayer that has mixed it with the best in novice and handicap company including when close runner-up in Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup. That was a cracking effort and he was also an excellent fourth in the Paddy Power Gold Cup here. His five novice strikes include the Feltham Chase in which he rallied bravely to pip Trabolgan. He's game and genuine and the type of chaser you want on your side when the chips are down. RIVER CITY8yo trained by Noel ChanceForm: 1111Entered in: Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase (2.35 Tuesday), Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase (Handicap) (4.40 Friday) Already much better over fences than he was over hurdles and has improved by leaps and bounds after starting his wining sequence in some soft summer novice contests. The experience did him the world of good and there was no fluke about the way he disposed of Contraband by a couple of lengths in Listed grade at Aintree in the autumn. Idled a little on the run-in that day and will probably stay further than two miles. Still progressing and acts on any ground - but hasn't been seen at all over the winter. TRABOLGAN7yo trained by Nicky HendersonForm: -122Entered in: Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2.35 Wednesday), Cheltenham Gold Cup (3.15 Friday) Sure to have plenty of improvement still to come as he's got so few miles on the clock over fences. Excellent second to Ollie Magern over Christmas and occupied the same place behind Jazz D' Estruval at Haydock. Made pleasing debut over fences at Lingfield and then suffered minor set-back which would suggest there are better things to come when he's 100 per cent. Hasn't raced on anything quicker than good ground and best form with plenty of give. ULAAN BAATAR8yo trained by Jessica HarringtonForm: 0112Entered in: Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase (2.35 Tuesday) Successful in a bumper and maiden hurdle, but always likely to do even better over fences and followed up impressive beginners' chase win at Punchestown in January with smooth nine-length verdict over Foreman in Arkle Cup at Leopardstown just eight days later. Seen by his jockey that day as more of a Royal & SunAlliance type on better ground, but has been taken out of that race and it will be the Arkle or nothing at the Festival. However, his participation is in doubt after a Navan defeat by Watson Lake, where he cut out very quickly in the straight and was subsequently found to have mucus in his lungs. WAR OF ATTRITION6yo trained by Mouse MorrisForm: 2-11Entered in: Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase (2.35 Tuesday) Hugely-talented and likeable type, who has always looked like he would make a serious chaser. Beat Macs Joy in a two-mile hurdle at Navan before going down narrowly to Brave Inca in a thrilling finish to the 2004 Supreme Novices Hurdle. Stepped up to 2m6f for his chasing bow at Thurles in November, he was given the most confident of rides to record a comfortable if narrow victory. Off the track for three months subsequently due to a fractured splint bone, he returned with an effortless triumph in a decent two mile contest on ground softer than ideal at Naas and looks very much the one to beat in the Arkle at the Festival. WATSON LAKE7yo trained by Noel MeadeForm: 7111Entered in: Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase (2.35 Tuesday) Failed to build on early-season promise in novice hurdling campaign, and training problems have limited him to just three starts over the larger obstacles. However he has won them all, taking advantage of a below-par showing from Ulaan Baatar when sauntering home in the Flyingbolt Chase at Navan last time. That run showed he had made a good recovery from the ligament damage sustained in the Drinmore Chase at Fairyhouse in November, where he got very tired and made mistakes in the closing stages over a trip (2m4f) clearly in excess of his optimum. His stable is back in form after a tough start to 2005, but doubts linger over this one's ability to cope with the demands of Cheltenham - his only previous visit saw him beat just three home in the 2003 Festival Bumper. LadbrokesVCBet (free fifty pound bet)Stan James (free twenty five pound bet)Blue Square (free twenty five pound bet) Source: attheraces.co.uk