A Grade 1 Showcase at Carlisle
It's not often Carlisle plays host to a Grade 1 contest, but Tuesday's Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy brings the big guns north for what promises to be a cracking renewal. The £200,000 prize pot has attracted a select but high-class field of seven, with ratings spanning from 137 to 163 - that's proper championship form.
The going description of good to soft, good in places should suit most of these. It's proper jumping ground - not too testing but enough give to reward the natural jumpers. I walked the track yesterday morning and the surface looks spot on for this calibre of horse.
The Henderson Hotshot
Lulamba heads the weights with a rating of 163, and rightly so. Nicky Henderson's five-year-old has been nothing short of spectacular since switching to fences, winning three from three with the kind of authority that suggests he's barely out of second gear.
Nico de Boinville takes the ride, and that partnership has clicked from day one. The son of Kayf Tara has that rare combination of speed and stamina that marks out the very best staying chasers. His jumping has been foot-perfect, and crucially for a horse carrying top weight, he's shown he can quicken when it matters.
The only question mark is whether Henderson has him wound up tight enough for this. Seven Barrows horses can sometimes need their first run back, but this lad has been working like a dream according to my sources.
The Mullins Machine Rolls On
Willie Mullins sends two across the Irish Sea, and both demand serious respect. Kopek des Bordes is the pick of the pair - a six-year-old with a course win under his belt and P. Townend in the saddle. His rating of 158 tells you everything about his ability.
What I like about this horse is his tactical speed. He can travel strongly in behind before unleashing a devastating turn of foot. The hood goes on again, which has worked a treat in his recent wins. Townend knows Carlisle like the back of his hand, and that local knowledge could prove crucial in a small field where positioning will be everything.
Kargese, the stable's second string, is an interesting runner. The mare gets the valuable 7lb allowance and has shown she can mix it with the boys. Danny Mullins rides with confidence, and at her best, she's not far behind her more fancied stablemate.
The Dark Horses and Value Plays
Steel Ally represents the Sam Thomas yard and brings solid credentials at this trip. His rating of 153 puts him bang in the mix, and Dylan Johnston's 5lb claim helps offset the weight burden. This eight-year-old has been thereabouts in similar company and could easily pick up the pieces if the market leaders get involved in a scrap.
Jax Junior for Lucy Wadham is another with course form in the book. Tom Cannon takes over from his usual pilot, which might be significant. Sometimes a fresh jockey can unlock improvement, and Cannon's riding with real confidence this season.
Hansard looks the outsider of the field on ratings, but the Moores know how to get one ready for the big day. Caoilin Quinn is a capable pilot who won't panic if things don't go to plan early.
The Verdict
This shapes up as a proper test of stamina and jumping, exactly what the Singer Arkle should be. The pace looks likely to be genuine with several hold-up horses in the field, which should set up a thrilling finish.
My selection is Lulamba. The Henderson horse has that indefinable class edge, and despite carrying top weight, his form figures read like a progressive young chaser going places. De Boinville knows exactly what he's got underneath him, and I expect them to control this from the front or just behind the pace.
Kopek des Bordes is the obvious danger and represents the value play of the race. The Mullins second-string Kargese could easily outrun her odds with that weight allowance, while Steel Ally might be worth an each-way tickle for those seeking bigger prices.
Check the full Carlisle racecard for updated odds and declarations closer to post time.
Who is the favourite for the Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy?
Lulamba is expected to start favourite based on his superior rating of 163 and unbeaten record over fences. The Nicky Henderson-trained five-year-old has won his three chase starts with authority and represents the form pick of the field.
What makes this race significant?
The Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy is a Grade 1 novice steeplechase worth £200,000, making it one of the most prestigious races of its type. It attracts the best novice chasers and often serves as a stepping stone to even bigger prizes at the major festivals.
How does the going affect the chances?
The good to soft, good in places going should suit most runners, particularly the staying types like Lulamba and Kopek des Bordes. It provides enough give for safe jumping while not being testing enough to inconvenience the classier horses in the field.
