Arkle Chase Tips : 2.10 Cheltenham Tuesday Selections and Race Preview

Cheltenham Festival Tips » Arkle Chase Tips : 2.10 Cheltenham Tuesday Selections and Race Preview

The Arkle is the second race of the Cheltenham Festival and is the centrepiece for the leading 2m novice chasers, meaning the race is without fail as frantic as it is high-quality.

The focus on Tuesday quickly shifts to the Arkle, the championship contest for two-mile novice chasers. This year’s renewal has the look of a high-class affair, with strength in depth on both sides of the Irish Sea and several runners open to further progress over fences.

A Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville double is firmly in the conversation if Lulamba takes his chance. A smart hurdler last season, his only defeat came in the Triumph when Poniros swooped late to deny him close home. Since going chasing, Lulamba’s record reads two wins from two starts, both by wide margins at Exeter and Sandown. His latest success required more effort than the bare result suggests, yet he found plenty when it mattered, which is often the sign of a high-class operator.

Ireland could counter with Kopek Des Bordes, who made a striking impression on his chasing debut in November before being sidelined with injury. He has not been seen since, so race fitness is the unknown factor. History is not on his side either, as only two horses have landed the Arkle with just one previous start over fences. Even so, his pace and previous Cheltenham form make him a major player if fully wound up.

Romeo Coolio is another under consideration, though his target has yet to be confirmed. He is proven at two miles, but there is a sense that he may appreciate further in time. If connections opt for the Arkle route, his blend of stamina and cruising speed would make him a serious contender in what is likely to be a strongly run race.

The supporting cast adds further intrigue. Kargese brings quality and receives plenty of respect as a mare taking on the geldings. Kappa Jy Pyke has progressed quietly through the ranks and shaped with promise last time out when held up off the pace before staying on strongly to pick off rivals late. Salvator Mundi advertised his ability with a wide-margin success that turned heads, though this will demand more.

The way Kappa Jy Pyke finished his most recent race could be a pointer to how this contest unfolds. With several likely to force the issue early, a patient ride may prove decisive up the hill. Last year’s winner showed that a strong finisher can capitalise when others tire, and a similar scenario would not surprise. It is a race that grows in appeal the more you study it, and one that could have a major say in shaping the novice chasing division for seasons to come.