2021 Cheltenham Festival: Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does the 2021 Cheltenham Festival take place? Tuesday 16th March – Friday 19th March, 2021
What time does the Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase start? Tuesday 16th March, 2021 – 13:55 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for the 2021 Cheltenham Festival? The 2021 Cheltenham Festival will take place without spectators
What TV channel is the 2021 Cheltenham Festival on in the UK? ITV will be televising the first six races of each day, while Racing TV subscribers will be able to watch all of the action
Where can I stream the 2021 Cheltenham Festival in the UK? The first six races of each day can be streamed live on the ITV Hub, while Racing TV subscribers can live stream all of the action
THE LOWDOWN
Shishkin was a thrilling winner of the opening race of last year’s Festival as he won the Supreme and he looks the standout horse in this year’s Arkle. With his biggest rivals dropping out, it has cleared the path for Shishkin who will really take some beating here. When remaining upright, Shishkin is yet to be beaten he was able to back up last year’s success by winning his following three races when going chasing. In a small field, it will take a very good horse to topple the favourite Dan Skelton’s Allmankind shapes as the biggest threat. He has never finished outside of the frame and is three from three when chasing the ground could prove to be his downfall.
THE PREDICTION
Shishkin is the one they all have to beat in the Arkle and few would back against this Nicky Henderson trained horse. He was a brilliant winner at the Festival last year and has taken to chasing extremely well. His most recent run at Doncaster in January was his third straightforward success in a row and with such a small field to take on, the favourite can justify his extremely short price by romping to victory here.
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