The rematch: exciting novices Al Dancer and Getaway Trump face off again

1.50 Cheltenham
Racing Post #responsiblegambling Arkle Trophy Trial Novices' Chase (Grade 2) | 2m Old | ITV4/RTV

Al Dancer and Getaway Trump are becoming well acquainted with one another and two of the most exciting novice chasers in Britain lock horns for a third time in a trial for the Racing Post Arkle at Cheltenham in March.

Both previous encounters have gone to Al Dancer, who had his old rival in fourth when scooping the rearranged Betfair Hurdle at Ascot in February, and he again came out on top when both made their chase debut at Cheltenham last month.

On that occasion five and three-quarter lengths separated the pair but that win lumbers Al Dancer with a 3lb penalty, so there should be less between the pair based on weights and measures.

The only time Al Dancer, who has had a tendency to race keenly, was beaten in his last four starts was when he raced without a hood in the Grade 1 Supreme Novices' Hurdle, but connections have decided to remove the headgear.

"He's much more settled now and there's no need for the hood," said trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies. "He's growing up all the time and did everything he had to on his chase debut – I thought it did really well.

"He's got a small penalty but beat Getaway Trump far enough last time, so it doesn't really concern me, and the ground is no issue."

Getaway Trump: expected to have improved for his chase debutCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Despite the outcome of their previous meetings, Getaway Trump is rated 4lb superior to Al Dancer on official figures and champion trainer Paul Nicholls is expecting a big step forward from his seasonal reappearance.

"He had a great introduction to fences at Cheltenham last month," said Nicholls. "He got a bit tired from the back of the second-last and is bound to have come on for that. He just blew up that day but I'm looking forward to seeing how he goes this time."

Al Dancer and Getaway Trump face two rivals who are not running to make up the numbers, and both Rouge Vif and Put The Kettle On know plenty about winning.

Rogue Vif, a three-time winner over hurdles, finished third at the highest level at Aintree in April and kicked off his chasing career with a dominant success at Market Rasen last month.

"He's really exciting," said trainer Harry Whittington. "It's a tough race with some top-class rivals, but we'll know where we are after and he's been in good form since his win.

"The ground is a worry, but he was third in a Grade 1 at Aintree last term on soft ground and won a novice hurdle with a penalty on it. He was also running well on heavy at Newton Abbot first time out last season until he blew up.

"He's a very well-balanced horse and a natural jumper, so I don't see the track being an issue."

Harry Whittington: thinks Rogue Vif is an exciting prospect over fencesCredit: Alice Whittington

Put The Kettle On has by far the most experience over fences, with three chase wins since May, and she failed by just half a length to land a Grade 3 at Tipperary last time.

Trainer Henry de Bromhead said: "Put The Kettle On has been a great mare and we're looking forward to running her. She seems to have settled in well."

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