Arkle favourite Sprinter Sacre will have no more than 14 rivals after Cheltenham published the latest scratching stage for the Festival novice races.
Nicky Henderson’s flamboyant youngster is trading at even-money with some bookmakers for the two-mile (3200m) showdown after taking his unbeaten record over fences to three in last week’s Game Spirit Chase at Newbury.
Last year’s Champion Hurdle runner-up Peddlers Cross, who was dismissed by Sprinter Sacre at Kempton over Christmas, heads the opposition for the Arkle along with Al Ferof, Cue Card, Menorah and Bog Warrior.
Sanctuaire, who had not been committed for the race by trainer Paul Nicholls, was the lowest-priced horse of the 12 to be withdrawn.
There were no great surprises among the 25 confirmed in the RSA Chase with Grands Crus, Bobs Worth, First Lieutenant, Join Together, Sir Des Champs and Invictus all still involved.
Plenty of those entered in either the Arkle or RSA still hold an alternative option in the 34-strong Jewson Novices’ Chase over the intermediate distance of two and a half miles (4000m), and this looks the definite target of recent Newbury winner For Non Stop who came out of the Arkle.
The novice hurdle scratchings were also released and some 61 remain engaged in the Festival curtain-raiser, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
All the market leaders are still there, headed by Simonsig, Galileo’s Choice, Steps To Freedom, Midnight Game, Darlan and Cinders And Ashes.
Henderson has withdrawn Captain Conan and All The Aces.
There is no need to panic for those who have pre-post vouchers on Novices’ Hurdle favourites Fingal Bay and Boston Bob as they remain among the 77 in contention.
Only 11 were removed from the 66-strong Triumph Hurdle – all of them outsiders.
PA AAP TURF
