1.55 FRANK WARD SOLICITORS ARKLE NOVICE CHASE (GRADE 1) 2M1F

Domesday Book: Lightly raced type who got off the mark on only his second start over fences, at Limerick last month. Finished last of six behind Douvan in a Novice Hurdle at Punchestown last January and difficult to envisage him turning the tables here.

Douvan: Unbeaten in six starts since joining Willie Mullins, the 2015 Supreme Novice Hurdle winner is already a short priced favourite for this year’s Arkle Chase. A front runner who likes to dominate his rivals, he has the ideal conditions here, with just two opponents. It is very difficult to imagine an upset and an impressive performance could even see the Irish horse starting odds on at Cheltenham in a little under two months.

Velvet Maker: Well-regarded by connections and considered an Arkle horse after impressing on his chasing debut at Navan. On something of a recovery mission having been well beaten by Douvan over Christmas, on the formbook at least, he looks booked for second spot.

VERDICT

Douvan has already beaten both these opponents and appears to have little to fear from either. Granted a clear round of jumping, he should win this easily before going to Cheltenham as one of the Irish bankers.