Grade 1 winner can outrun his odds in wide-open Arkle

Esprit Du Large
Buy at 8 on index

The Evan Williams-trained gelding seems a bit of a forgotten horse in this contest, possibly due to his last run coming before Christmas, but it could prove dangerous to underestimate him.

No great shakes over hurdles, Esprit Du Large immediately signalled chasing would be his game when runner-up on his debut over fences to a horse who has won again since.

He made no mistake next time at Exeter, winning with a good deal in hand from a couple of rivals rated his superior. Williams had no qualms stepping his charge up sharply in class in the Grade 1 Henry VIII at Sandown next time and he didn’t disappoint.

Despite racing on the outside of the field for a long way, he travelled so well he hit the front far too soon but found plenty when challenged on the run-in, pulling clear with a reliable sort.

That probably isn’t far off the pick of the form on offer and for the second race in succession Esprit Du Large gave the impression there was a fair bit more in the tank.

The fact he stays further than 2m is no bad thing in this race, as it can be run at a breakneck gallop, he’s won three times on soft ground and is a fresh horse after three months off. A top-three finish looks well within his capabilities in an open race.

1.30 Cheltenham
Sporting (50-30-20-10) 21-24 Asterion Forlonge, 17-20 Shishkin, 13-16 Abacadabras, 12-15 Fiddlerontheroof, 11-14 Chantry House, 5-7 Captain Guinness, Edwardstone, 4-6 Elixir D’Ainay, Allart, 2-4 Soviet Pimpernel, 1-3 Berkshire Royal, 0.1-1 Mario De Pail, Hollow Sound, Jabbaar, Whatsnotoknow, Heaven Help Us.

2.10 Cheltenham
Sporting (50-25-10) 16-19 Notebook, 13-16 Fakir D’Oudairies, 10-13 Brewin’upastorm, 9-12 Cash Back, 6-8 Esprit Du Large, Maire Banrigh, 5-7 Rogue Vif, 4-6 Global Citizen, Put The Kettle On, 3-5 Al Dancer, 0.1-1 Our Merlin.

2.50 Cheltenham
Sporting (50-30-20-10) 11-14 Vinndication, 10-13 Discorama, 8-11 Kildisart, The Conditional, 6-8 Who Dares Wins, No Comment, Cobra De Mai, 5-7 Mister Malarky, 4-6 Cepage, Elwood, 3-5 Activial, Mulcahys Hill, Big River, 2-4 Vintage Clouds, Atlanta Ablaze, Burbank, Cogry, 1-3 Brave Eagle, Townshend, Quarenta, Soupy Soups, 0.1-1 Vivas, Ice Cool Champs.

3.30 Cheltenham
Sporting (50-30-20-10) 17-20 Epatante, 11-14 Pentland Hills, 10-13 Cilaos Emery, 8-11 Supasundae, 7-9 Darver Star, 6-8 Sharjah, Couer Sublime, 5-7 Fusil Raffles, 4-6 Ballyandy, Call Me Lord, Silver Streak, 3-5 Cornerstone Lad, Not So Sleepy, Petit Mouchoir, Darasso, 0.5-2 Gumball, 0.1-1 Le Patriote.

4.10 Cheltenham
Sporting (50-25-10) 34-37 Benie Des Dieux, 23-26 Honeysuckle, 7-9 Stormy Ireland, 6-8 Roksana, 3-5 Elfile, Lady Buttons, 0.5-2 Cap Soleil, Popong, Crossgalesfamegame, 0.1-1 Desaray Girl.

4.50 Cheltenham
Sporting (50-30-20-10) 13-16 Imperial Aura, 10-13 Galvin, 9-12 Hold The Note, Espoir De Guye, 6-8 Trainwreck, 5-7 Precious Cargo, Beakstown, Champagne Court, 3-5 Champagne Mystery, Earlofthecotswolds, Whatmore, 2-4 Torpillo, Knight In Dubai, Paint The Dream, Highest Sun, Lord Schnitzel, Sensulano, 1-3 Jarveys Plate, Mitchouka, Daly Tiger, De Plotting Shed.

5.30 Cheltenham
Sporting (50-30-20-10) 23-26 Carefully Selected, 13-16 Ravenhill, 12-15 Lord Du Mesnil, Springfield Fox, 9-12 Forza Milan, Newtide, 4-6 Lamanver Pippin, Smoking Gun, The Hollow Ginge, 3-5 Ocean Cove, 2-4 Redzor, 0.5-2 Anteros, Clondaw Cian, Some Can Dance.

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