Last year’s Arkle produced arguably the most impressive performance of the meeting when Nicky Henderson’s Sprinter Sacre cruised to an effortless win. However, not far behind that breathtaking victory was the performance of Henderson’s novice hurdler Simonsig in the Neptune Novices’ Hurdle, eventually coming home seven lengths clear.
Simonsig followed up with an equally emphatic victory at Aintree and the Lambourn trainer wasted no time in switching him to fences. He has won his two outings at Ascot and Kempton by 49 lengths and 35 lengths respectively. Whilst it is true that the opposition did not amount to much, he could hardly have been more impressive and he is already odds-on favourite in the Arkle Trophy betting.
As much as punters like to see a great champion, they would rather have something to bet on and opposition to the favourite has arrived in the form of Donald McCain’s Overturn. The popular dual-purpose horse ran the race of his life at last year’s Cheltenham festival, repelling all challengers in the Champion Hurdle except the winner Rock On Ruby. He then reverted to the flat and ran another fantastic race in attempting to win his second Chester Cup under the welter burden of 9st 10lb. In the end he was just beaten by his stable companion Ile De Roi in receipt of almost a stone.
After finishing in midfield at Royal Ascot, McCain took the brave decision to try Overturn over fences. He admitted that he did so with some trepidation and only so long as the horse seemed to be enjoying it. The nine-year-old appears to have taken to fences like a duck to water, winning three from three by an accumulative distance of almost 70 lengths. His victories have come at Sandown, Doncaster and Musselburgh, making all and jumping boldly. He will almost certainly assume his customary front-running role at Cheltenham and represents a real threat to the favourite.
The main Irish challenge comes from Arvika Ligeonniere who blotted his copybook when falling four out at Leopardstown in January. He had previously won two Grade 1 events without his rider having to get too serious. He beat Oscars Well in December with Benefficient back in fourth place but that form was turned on its head last time. Benefficient ran out a 20 length winner from Oscars Well after Arvika Ligeonniere had departed.
Nicky Henderson has a possible second string in Captain Conan, a winner at Cheltenham in November and twice since at Sandown. The six-year-old was all out to prevail by a neck last time and the trainer expressed the view that he is likely to miss the Arkle in favour of a longer race.
Summary
This race has all of the hallmarks of a classic racing duel. The front-running Overturn and the classy grey Simonsig stalking him. Overturn’s best chance of success would be on good ground with some quick accurate fencing to put Simonsig under pressure but he will have to meet every fence spot on. Nicky Henderson’s exciting novice was not extended to win hurdles events at Cheltenham and Aintree last season and looks poised to follow in the footsteps of stable companion Sprinter Sacre.
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