Harvey out for another Cheltenham win on Greatwood anniversary

Racing Post Arkle Trophy Trial Novices' Chase | G2 | 2m, 4yo+ | ITV4/RUK

With the ground at Cheltenham on Saturday stringing them out like sightings of Halley's Comet, Capitaine has abandoned ship leaving just three in a race that has been visited upon by some high-class prospects.

Al Ferof, Dodging Bullets and Le Prezien have won it for Paul Nicholls, who is no longer represented with Capitaine out, but Nicky Henderson and Philip Hobbs have tended to win it when he hasn't and they both have runners in the field that remains.

Their main obstacle this time is North Hill Harvey, who won the Greatwood on this card 12 months ago and comes into this race following success here on his chasing debut last month, when he managed the not insignificant feat of beating Sceau Royal for speed.

The downside is he must give 3lb to Ozzie The Oscar and River Wylde and, although that in theory just negates the slight edge North Hill Harvey held on his rivals on BHA hurdles marks, his trainer Dan Skelton is well aware of the task he faces.

He said: "Harry [Skelton] gave North Hill Harvey a sensible ride last time. I thought he was beaten at the last but he picked up well. He has a penalty to carry and a big step forward is needed."

River Wylde was third in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle when he last came to Cheltenham and made a pleasing start over fences at Uttoxeter just over a fortnight ago.

Trainer Henderson said: "I was really pleased with him at Uttoxeter. He did the job nicely."

Ozzie The Oscar was the last of the trio to make his chasing debut, which came at Warwick just nine days ago. He beat a smart sort in Shantou Rock, though, enough to make connections think he is ready for the step up.

Hobbs said: "Ozzie The Oscar was absolutely fine after his win at Warwick, so much so that we thought we'd have a crack at this as there are only four runners. He's in good nick and it makes sense to have a go at a more valuable prize."

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