Grade One Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase Guide 2023

Experienced eight-year-old over hurdles for Mullins who made chasing debut in November last year, being beaten four lengths by Fil Dor at Navan.

Followed that with an impressive grade one novice win at Leopardstown over Christmas before unseating his rider at the DRF in the Irish Arkle last month.

He’s capable of more than that, especially after impressive Leopardstown success but the front two in the market look the most likely of claiming victory here.

Heavily raced eight-year-old mare who is the first of two 100/1 long-shots for this contest. Won a mares novice chase at Ludlow last month after finishing second at Bangor-on-Dee in early February. Has dipped between flat racing and racing over obstacles in her career but boasts only one win over fences.

This is a much tougher test for her in the hands of Sam Ewing and looks set for a tough run, easy to dismiss.

Experienced eight-year-old for Sheila Lewis who has run over hurdles for the majority of his career since debut in 2019 before being sent over fences in October last year, winning a novice event at Ffos Las and Cheltenham.

Was fourth of eight in a class three novice handicap in November last year, where Harry Skelton on Frere D’armes edged out Aucunrisque. Has been off since and will have plenty to find in this company, hence his 50/1 price in the market.

Returns after a 78-day break, where he has had wind surgery in preparation for this race. Was useful over hurdles for Gordon Elliott, winning twice before being sent over fences at Navan in November last year, beating Rachael Blackmore on Heart Wood by four lengths.

Followed that with a somewhat disappointing run in a grade one novice at Leopardstown in December, behind Fil Dor, Visionarian and winner Saint Roi to finish fourth of five.

Much like Ha D’Or, it may be difficult to challenge El Fabiolo and Jonbon for victory here although wind surgery could have a part to play.

Returns after a 139-day layoff after winning on chasing debut at Chepstow in October last year in a class four novice handicap.

Looked a good prospect over fences following six runs over hurdles, of which he won none of. This looks a tough ask for the seven-year-old, especially after 139 days off to be thrown into a grade one race at Cheltenham and it feels impossible to win here.

Smart hurdler who was second behind fellow runner Jonbon in a grade one at Aintree last April before scoring at Punchestown later that month, beating Ha D’Or by four lengths.

Has since been sent chasing and is unbeaten over fences, winning a beginners chase at Fairyhouse in December last year before winning the Irish Arkle at the Dublin Racing Festival last month ahead of the likes of Banbridge, Appreciate It and Dysart Dynamo.

He comes into this one in impressive form after beating a strong field of rivals and looks the likely runner to challenge Jonbon for victory on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival and it’s set up for a top race. Massive player here.

Seven-year-old for Nicky Henderson who is 3/3 over fences and was unbeaten over hurdles until running into the freak Constitution Hill in last year’s Supreme, losing out by 22 lengths.

Has begun well over fences, winning on chase debut at Warwick before beating Boothill by eight lengths at Sandown in a grade one in December.

He was unconvincing last time out when beating Calico by five lengths when it maybe should’ve been less of a contest but Calico has gone on to win since and Jonbon is the one to beat in the Arkle this season.

Six-year-old gelding who made a good start to life over fences at Fairyhouse in December last year, beating The Goffer by 11 lengths in the hands of Paul Townend.

Has since finished fourth in a grade three novice at Punchestown and second in another grade three at Navan earlier this month.

This might be a step too far for him considering his disappointing performances in graded company, and some of these runners are absolutely top class grade one horses.

Second runner from the Willie Mullins yard here who was fourth behind El Fabiolo at the DRF last month, unable to keep up with the top three after leading for some of the race. That was his first defeat over fences after debut success at Leopardstown in December last year.

Went well over hurdles in 2021/22 before running here in the Supreme last year, falling three out in pursuit of Jonbon and winner Constitution Hill. He may struggle however to compete with El Fabiolo and Jonbon here.