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The more I look at this season’s Arkle Trophy, the more of a second-class renewal it looks and, in such cases, trends don’t tend to stand up as well. I think I must have been one of the few people to have been impressed by Noland’s Sandown win. They didn't go that fast so he could never stamp his true authority on the race but what really impressed me about him was his jumping as he floated over his obstacles measuring them all perfectly which takes some doing at Sandown. Therefore, I have had a rethink about his Arkle prospects and believe his excellent jumping will keep him in the mix and, one thing is for certain, he will be the trends horse of the race.
Clopf received a form boost when Maralan won the Grade 2 Newlands Chase on Sunday. He was the horse that benefited from Clopf’s last fence fall the previous weekend and I think would have beaten Schindlers Hunt if that classy second-season chaser had negotiated the final fence. J’Y Vole had too hard a race when winning the Dr P J Moriarty Chase and Thyne Again easily reversed the form with her at the weekend. I can’t see the mare coming to the Festival now whilst the winner could do but on the proviso there is some dig in the ground. I am a big fan of the horse but just wonder if he is fast enough for two miles on usual Festival ground. Click here to bet with William Hill on Cheltenham