2.10 1m. 7f. 199yds. 11 Declared. Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1 ) of £182,125.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €102,482.00 2nd - €38,610.00 3rd - €19,323.00 4th - €9,653.00 5th - €4,845.00 6th - €2,422.00 7th - €1,202.00 8th - €619.00
FormscanBy Mark Nunan - The shrewd Gavin Cromwell wouldn’t have supplemented GABYNAKO without good reason and his charge makes each-way appeal despite taking a marked drop in trip. After winning on his second start over fences at Fairyhouse, the 7-year-old was let down by his jumping late on when a good second in the Drinmore over 2m4f and is a forgiven a flat performance at Limerick over Christmas. Now freshened up and fitted with a tongue-tie, he has the pace to hold his position and can go well under new jockey Keith Donoghue. Blue Lord is unbeaten in three starts over fences and had Riviere D’etel and Saint Sam behind when winning the Irish Arkle. The latter looks held on that form but Riviere D’etel, despite being 2lb worse off, was hampered by the winner after the last and can reverse the placings. Haut En Coleurs, one of three runners here for Willie Mullins, was notably strong in the betting when an early faller in that Leopardstown contest and is completely unexposed over fences. Edwardstone has jumped accurately in rattling up a four-timer this season and looks clearly the best of the home contingent.