Classy Sanctuaire cut to 16-1 for Racing Post Arkle

Report: Taunton, Tuesday

Charlie Company 40 Commando Royal Marines Novices' Chase (Class 4) 2m3f, 5yo+

THE Paul Nicholls-trained Sanctuaire was cut to 16-1 (from 33) by BetVictor for the Racing Post Arkle after he produced a classy performance on his chasing debut at Taunton on Tuesday.

Ridden by Ruby Walsh, the six-year-old, who runs in the colours of Jared Sullivan, jumped well and eased to a 16-length victory over Easter Meteor.

A winner of the Fred Winter Juvenile Novices' Handicap Hurdle at the 2010 Cheltenham Festival, Sanctuaire did not cover himself in glory when reluctant to race in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton last time.

However, he was much more enthusiastic at Taunton and could bid for another festival win.

"He went a good gallop," said Walsh, who was adding to his success on Sanctuaire's stablemate Dildar earlier on the card.

"He jumped like a stag and won as he liked. Jumping was never an issue for him over hurdles. He was never stupid and always had respect. He jumped and gallop them into the ground today."

William Hill went 20-1 (from 33) for the Arkle.

>> Nicholls and Walsh completed a treble when Ted Spread landed the 2m1f handicap hurdle. He earned a quote of 25-1 (from 33) with Hills for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.