Kabral Du Mathan and Old Park Star could go head-to-head in a mouthwatering early season clash at the Cheltenham November Meeting.
The two-mile novice chase division promises to be one of the most exciting throughout the campaign and this weekend's Arkle Trial presents an opportunity for someone to flex their Festival credentials.
2019 was the last time the Arkle Trial winner went onto land the main event in March, but Saturday's entry list is packed with star quality.
Kabral Du Mathan has improved head over heels since joining Dan Skelton from Paul Nicholls and steps down in trip after blatantly not staying the three miles in the Stayers' Hurdle. His chase debut up at Perth was arguably the finest of the season so far, beating a subsequent winner by 19-lengths.
He could face Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner Old Park Star, who is currently favourite for the Arkle in March. The six-year-old is unbeaten since moving to Nicky Henderson and is a top prospect over fences.
Baron Noir wasn't beaten too far by Old Park Star in the opening race of the 2026 Festival and could improve plenty now sent over the larger obstacles.
In the same colours, Hurricane Pat is another graduate from last campaign's crop of novice hurdlers, and Starmount could also join them.
Gordon Elliott and Henry De Bromhead send Bowensonfire and Workahead over from Ireland; both worthy of at least a second look.
Arkle Trial full entries
Baron Noir
Bowensonfire
Folie Golith
Hurricane Pat
Kabral Du Mathan
Newtown Rambler
Old Park Star
Passing Diamond
Pourquoi Pas Papa
Putapoundinthejar
Starmount
Workahead
Arkle Trial antepost odds
(Odds will display when market is available)
Any odds displayed were correct at the time of writing and are subject to fluctuation.
