Identity Thief out to cement Arkle claims in Craddockstown

1.10 Punchestown
Ryans Cleaning Craddockstown Novice Chase | Grade 2 | 2m | 4yo+ | ATR

Already as short as 7-1 for the Racing Post Arkle at Cheltenham, the Henry de Bromhead-trained Identity Thief will be bidding to follow up his impressive chasing debut of last month.

A Grade 1 winner over hurdles last season when winning the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, Identity Thief looked a natural over the larger obstacles at this track back in October when comfortably accounting for an average field.

The Gigginstown-owned chaser faces just four rivals in his bid to record back-to-back wins over fences, two of which are also trained by De Bromhead.

Similarly to Identity Thief, Ordinary World has won his only chase start, and on that occasion he had four lengths in hand over reopposing rival Attribution at Fairyhouse over today's trip.

Ball D'arc belatedly got his head in front in this sphere at Wexford last time under Ruby Walsh and the rider stays faithful today. The Gordon Elliott-trained son of Network has always possessed a lot of natural speed and looks sure to appreciate this trip.

The last member of field is Bentelimar, who faces a tough test on his chase debut.

Henry de Bromhead, who describes Identity Thief as exciting, hopes that the six-year-old can put up another good jumping display this afternoon.

He said: "Identity Thief is very well and he looked good on debut. Hopefully he can put in another nice round of jumping and he remains exciting.

"As for Ordinary World, he was good at Fairyhouse and he seems in good form and I think he will post a good run as well. Attribution has a bit to find with Ordinary World but he won nicely at Naas last time."

Gordon Elliott, is realistic about the task at hand for Ball D’arc, and said: "He's in very good form and he did it well at Wexford. If I'm being honest, Identity Thief looks to be a penalty kick and if he stands up, I would say we will find it very hard to beat him."