Arkle Challenge Trophy Preview
The Arkle Challenge Trophy is the second race of the Cheltenham festival. Some 20 odd runners will take on the 2 mile track in class 1 company. As part of Genie’s Cheltenham online betting guide we will be previewing all of the big races in this year’s festival. If you’re thinking of having a bet check out the free bet offers at the base of the page.
Following the Supreme Novices Hurdle each year, it would be easy to fall into an anti-climax but the Arkle Challenge Trophy has typically been the most tightly fought and entertaining race of Tuesday at the festival in recent years. In 2009 ForPadyDePlasterer came in at 8/1, bringing in a massive gamble in the worst opening day for the bookies in many a year. He beat off stiff competition from Kalahari King at the line after race favourite, Tatenen, fell at the third.
Arkle Challenge Trophy Betting Guide
Captain Cee Bee heads the ante post market for 2010 at odds of 7/2 with Paddy Power. Sizing Europe is second favourite at 6/1 with Ladbrokes. Last time these 2 horses met was at Leopardstown on Boxing Day and Sizing Europe came out on top that day when Captain Cee Bee fell at the last when well in contention. The Philip Harty trained Irish runner, who won the Supreme Novices Hurdle in 2008, will have to be careful of his jumping if he wants to see of stiff competition in this classy field.
Sports Line is our ‘one to watch’ in this race. The Willie Mullins trained stead jumps like a salmon and looked massively impressive at Navan in recent times, which was followed by an encouraging run at Leopardstown where he was beaten only by the weather and the distance. Recent planned outings at Naas and elsewhere being abandoned due to weather will have hampered preparation somewhat but it may prove to be a blessing for the punters, as it will insure that you can get a tasty price with his best surely yet to come. A very juicy 14/1 is currently available with both Bet365 and William Hill.
Other favoured race entrants also include Somersby, Long Run and Riverside Theatre. We will preview the betting in full when it comes up to race time and the field has been confirmed.
We hope that you enjoyed our Arkle Challenge Trophy guide. Please keep an eye for online betting updates and tips and let us know your thoughts through our comments section below.
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