Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase Betting tips

I am a massive fan of Fair Along and would love to see this pocket rocket of a horse land the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday. Philip Hobbs' charge is unbeaten in three starts over fences and clearly sets the standard on form having already beaten chief market rival My Way de Solzen in the Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown in December. The five-year-old beat My Way de Solzen by 10 lengths on that occasion so connections will fancy their chances of repeating the dose meeting the latter on just 4lb worse terms in this prestigious contest. However, I am of the opinion that Alan King's charge, who captured the World Hurdle at last year's Festival, will exact revenge this time as I am as sure as can be that he did not give his true running at Sandown. My Way de Solzen had scored at Lingfield 10 days earlier going into the Henry VIII and I reckon that he was feeling the effects of those exertions. Indeed, two starts on soft going within the space of just over a week is a big ask for any horse. Subsequently, the selection has recorded to bloodless victories and both races have worked well from a form perspective. With the likes of Lennon and Tidal Fury set to badger Fair Along for the lead, this race will be run at a break-neck pace, which will play into My Way de Solzen's hands given his ample stamina reserves. Lennon has done little wrong since being switched to fences and has won all three of his starts in this sphere with the minimum of fuss. It would be folly to underestimate him, but by the same token he does have a lot to find with the principals on all known form. In addition to Fair Along and My Way de Solzen, Don't Push It is undoubtedly a principal in this event. Jonjo O'Neill's improving chaser gave Sun Alliance Chase favourite Denman a fright here, before successfully returning to the Prestbury Park slopes and then going on to prove his effectiveness over the minimum trip when easily scoring at Chepstow. If his jumping holds up - and there's no reason to think it won't - the seven-year-old will come right into this, as the way the race is likely to be run will suit and his finishing kick will not be easy to contain. But My Way de Solzen looks stronger to me so I reckon Don't Push It will still have to settle for a minor role. First-season trainer David Pipe will be hoping to inherit his father's knack of producing winners of this race - Martin has sent out the winner four times in the last decade - but the Somerset handler's representative, Buena Vista, has a fair bit to find, as does Irish raider Gemini Lucy. Jack The Giant and Twist Magic, first and second respectively in the Wayward Lad Novices' Chase at Kempton over Christmas, both have each-way claims, but nothing more. Former smart novice hurdler Faasel did the job well enough when landing the odds on his chasing bow at Catterick but this race will be run at the speed of light and his inexperience over the larger obstacles would have to be a major concern. Verdict - 2pts My Way de Solzen @ 7/2 (VCbet)