Ante-post favourite Captain Cee Bee is among 36 possibles for the Irish Independent Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham on March 16.
Eddie Harty’s ace, winner of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle two years ago, has won both his completed starts over fences since returning from a long lay-off. There were 11 horses withdrawn at the latest scratching stage including Cousin Vinny, Kempes, Quwetwo, Roberto Goldback and Tchico Polos.
However, the main fancies have stood their ground for the two-mile novice chase championship including Henry de Bromhead’s Sizing Europe, Henrietta Knight’s Somersby and Riverside Theatre.
The latter’s trainer Nicky Henderson has left in Long Run but the French import is more likely to go for the RSA Chase the following day. French Opera and Mad Max complete the Seven Barrow handler’s team.
Six of the remaining 12 Irish entries are trained by Willie Mullins – Citizen Vic, Mikael d’Haguenet, Quiscover Fontaine, Shakervilz, Sports Line and Uimhiraeceathair
Latest prices: 7-2 Captain Cee Bee, 6 Somersby, 13-2 Sizing Europe, 10 Riverside Theatre, 12 Sports Line, 14 Tataniano, 20 An Cathaoir Mor, Osana, 25 Shakervilz, 33 Bergo, French Opera, Kangaroo Court, Mad Max, Quiscover Fontaine, The Nightingale, Woolcombe Folly, 40 bar
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