The Arkle

Think it's a bit early to say revs. I see what you're getting at - many deciding to bypass UDS - but as discussed somewhere else, we will soon start hearing the 'never be scared of one horse' line from various connections. When they see that the JLT is just as difficult, some may decide to take their chance. Most will be no-hopers of course - but then you might have said that about Western Warhorse. You never know, Gilgamboa could yet end up here - even Vautour. I hope some of them give it a go otherwise it could be either a procession - if UDS trots up - or a joke race - if UDS falls over and leaves it to horses like Sgt Reckless and Clarcam to fight out the finish

Dilemna for connections. Play for place money and run well in 3rd / 4th / 5th and blow what's left of your handicap out of the water, or re-route to JLT and face a white-hot field.
Sensible manoeuvre is to wait until the other Spring Festivals to try and bag a G1 or excellent prize money.

Agreed - although i think it's foolish to presume that UDS is going to just jump round. It is a Novice Chase - and he does have previous! With his run style it's surely at least a 25% chance that he doesn't complete. The on course boys are well aware of this and they will be out to 'get' him I reckon. I also think Nicholls might declare something to race UDS early and set things up for VV. The 'Golden Freeze' method I believe it's called. If you're sitting on decent prices for the fav, that's great - but you would have to have a total lack of regard for money if you want to back him at 1/2

He might not have one that quick.

He might not have one that quick.

Solar Impulse only entry,bar Ptit Zig goes elsewhere.
Not sure anything will be quick enough,whats in front is the danger, apart from Valtat.

Johnny Burke tells us Smashing goes for the Arkle Chase and can follow home Un De Sceaux.

I've had a bit EW on here now with the news about Smashing.  42 win and 6 place seems decent to me.  Coral Cup run last year was good and seems to be improving with every run.  33L winner last time and got closer to UDS than Clarcam.  Can't see anything beating UDS if he stands up but with jockey confirming he is going for the Arkle it gives me an interest as I missed the UDS boat.

Nicky Henderson not sure about dark horses but he does say that Barry Geraghty thinks JossesHill will win Arkle

Heres another attempt at the Arkle runners (Deep Trouble out):

Un De Sceaux
Vibrato Valtat
Josses Hill
Clarcam
Sgt Reckless
Three Kingdoms
Smashing
Sail By The Sea

Think Barry may do well to get 2nd imo/or round.

Here's an article from Oddschecker yesterday that I totally agree with (see post above 26th Feb).  I make SMASHING clear 2nd best in this.  Have a read it's interesting if you like the horse.  I would say back it win & place on here and more on place as that's more likely and you get 3rd as well plus the bonus of a big price should he do the business.


http://www.oddschecker.com/cheltenham-festival/tips/2015/chasing-de-shadows

Shockster, have backed Smashing to place on here, but have backed the horse to win with PP as stakes will be returned should UDS win. A bet to nothing, really.

I can see that angle GS, just was a lot lower price at PP.  Might have some more on Tuesday morning with them though, might be a bit bigger price.