Arkle Betting: Sprinter team rule out Champion Chase route

News / Timeform / 19 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Sprinter Sacre was the impressive winner of the Betfair Super Saturday Chase at Newbury

"The Nicky Henderson-trained six-year-old is a short-priced ([2.36]) favourite for the Racing Post Arkle Chase after stretching his 100% record over fences to three with a superb performance at Newbury..."

Owner Raymond Mould has moved to quash any speculation that his brilliant novice Sprinter Sacre could be supplemented for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham...

The Nicky Henderson-trained six-year-old is a short-priced ([2.36]) favourite for the Racing Post Arkle Chase after stretching his 100% record over fences to three with a superb performance at Newbury on Friday that saw him post a Timeform rating of 160p.

Sprinter Sacre is now considered just 1 lb inferior to Al Ferof ([6.8]) for the Cheltenham opening day clash but has the all important "p" accompanying his rating to suggest that further progression is to be expected.

Peddlers Cross is the other member of the Arkle "big three" at this stage, that one rated 154p and available to back for the contest at ([4.7]).

"It's hopefully the Arkle this year and then go on to the Champion Chase next year," Mould told At The Races.

"I'd rule the Champion Chase out this year and Mr Henderson has never mentioned it. He's got Finian's Rainbow in it anyway. We'll stick to the natural progression.

"If we're lucky enough to win the Arkle then we'll hopefully go for the Champion Chase and there's no reason in my opinion this horse won't get further.

"I have thought about the King George for him in the future at some stage, but we'll take it one step at a time.

"We're not going to rush him - he's not very old."

Mould also revealed Sprinter Sacre had a wind operation after fading into third place behind Al Ferof in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at last year's Festival.

"The horse had a wind problem at Cheltenham last year that's why he didn't get up the hill and he's much bigger and stronger now," he added.

"He had a bit of a wind problem which has been rectified."

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