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Remind me next time

The first race over fences at the Cheltenham Festival is the Arkle Challenge Trophy - a two-mile test for novices.

As the countdown to The Festival intensifies, here is our early look at one of the junior Championship contests.

Arkle Challenge Trophy Betting Odds

Despite it being a two-mile chase for novices, with the inherent dangers of that test, the Arkle has been a favourite's race in recent times. Sprinter Sacre, Simonsig, Un De Sceaux, Douvan, Altior and Footpad have obliged punters since 2012.

The last two renewals have gone against the market leaders as Duc Des Genievres (5/1) and Put The Kettle On (16/1) prevailed for Irish trainers Willie Mullins and Henry De Bromhead respectively. With Mullins accounting for four, Irish-trained horses have won five of the last six renewals. 

Nicky Henderson's score with Altior in 2017 is the lone British win in that sequence and the Seven Barrows supremo will be confident that Shishkin can emulate that success, adding an Arkle 12 months on from his Supreme Novices' Hurdle victory at this meeting.

Arkle Challenge Trophy Best Bet

Sky Pirate to win and each-way - BET NOW

Jonjo O'Neill's Sky Pirate will be something of a curious case if he makes the Arkle line-up. He first ran over fences in the autumn of 2018 and his recent Warwick win was his second victory on his 12th start in this sphere - yet he retains novice status and can compete in this race come March.

That chasing experience cannot be overstated and he's gained plenty of momentum since dropping to the minimum distance for his breakthrough success at Cheltenham in December. Hitherto, he had been labelled a weak finisher but it seems the 2m4f-3m trips he had been campaigned over were the ailment rather than his will to win.

The strong traveller recorded impressive wins at Cheltenham and Warwick in December and January, beating progressive rivals in doing so, and has been touted for a potential cut at the Arkle as a consequence. He could be some value in the market given his new-found enthusiasm and his C&D-winning form in the book.

Arkle Challenge Trophy Prediction

Shishkin to win and each-way - BET NOW

No trainer has managed more Arkle wins than Nicky Henderson (six) and his hopes of a magnificent seven are set to be spearheaded by Shishkin in March.

He hasn't looked back since an early tumble on his hurdling bow at Newbury in December 2019. He won all three starts over timber thereafter, culminating in the Supreme at this Festival last spring. 

His master trainer soon confirmed he would be going chasing immediately rather than sticking around for a possible Champion Hurdle challenge and he's graduated in fine style with a brace of routine wins at Kempton.

He looks to have quite an engine and his jumping has been perfect thus far. With the excellent record of favourites in the Arkle in the recent past, it will be a brave call to go against Shiskin.

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Arkle Challenge Trophy 2021 Betting Tips