Arkle Challenge Trophy Preview

Arkle Challenge Trophy Betting Preview

Race Type: Chase

Distance: 2m

Race Profile: Named in tribute to the great horse Arkle, the race that bears his name is for novices aged five years old and upwards. Run at a furious pace and over challenging fences the race is a severe test of a novices’ ability. Former top class hurdlers have a good record in the race, with 10 of the last 11 winners rated 142+ over hurdles. Winners often go on to become high class national hunt chasers.
Ten Year Trends:

Only 1 of the last 10 favourites has won.
6 of the last 10 winners had won their last race.
9 of the last 10 winners had raced at least three times that season.
Only 3 of the last 10 winners have been aged six or younger.
The average starting price of the winner is 6/1

Race Preview: No one horse has stamped their authority on the race, with the antepost market still wide open. Former high class hurdler Medermit has the most solid form with victory in the Scilly Isles Chase at Sandown propelling him to the top of the Arkle betting. The horse he beat that day, Captain Chris, subsequently routed a small Pendil field at Kempton and is fifth in the betting. Finian’s Rainbow is still unbeaten this season but his form is questionable having beaten only seven horses in those three races. Ghizao is interesting for Paul Nicholls having twice beaten Captain Chris convincingly.

Our Verdict: Finian’s Rainbow