'It will be quite a big test' - Arkle hope El Fabiolo set for chasing debut

Wednesday: 11.35 Fairyhouse
Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase | 2m | 4yo+ | RTV

Willie Mullins will unleash what could be one of his top novice chasing prospects in the beginners' chase at Fairyhouse when Arkle hope El Fabiolo makes his first start over fences.

We haven't seen the highly regarded five-year-old since he readily landed a novice hurdle at last season's Punchestown festival, but the Simon Munir and Isaac Souede-owned youngster is already third favourite for the Arkle.

Priced between 5-1 and 7-1 for that possible target, El Fabiolo gave Arkle favourite Jonbon a real scare when denied by only a neck in the Grade 1 Top Novices' Hurdle at Aintree last April.

Anthony Bromley, racing manager to Munir and Souede, is excited to see the 150-rated hurdler make his seasonal reappearance but anticipates "quite a big test" for Paul Townend's mount.

El Fabiolo: no bigger than 7-1 for the Sporting Life ArkleCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Bromley said: "El Fabiolo is a lovely prospect. The team have been pleased with him at home and we're looking forward to getting him out.

"He is quite inexperienced because he didn't run that much over hurdles, but that means there's probably room for progression as well."

Colonel Mustard, runner-up to Jonbon in last season's Kennel Gate Novices' Hurdle and third to State Man in the County Hurdle, is set for his second start over fences after finishing fourth behind Hollow Games on his chasing introduction at Navan last month.

The Noel Meade-trained Highland Charge won the Grade 3 Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle when last seen in March but was rated 12lb below El Fabiolo over hurdles, while it would seem most unlikely that Top Bandit will run here after finishing second to Appreciate It at Punchestown on Monday.

"It's a pretty strong beginners' chase," said Bromley. "I'd have a lot of respect for Colonel Mustard, who has already had a run over fences this season. I think this will be quite a big test for our first start over fences."

Colonel Mustard (right): runner-up to Jonbon in last season's Kennel Gate Novices' Hurdle at AscotCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Colonel Mustard's trainer Lorna Fowler said the recent cold snap has done her no favours when it comes to the classy seven-year-old's training.

"He's in great form, but there's no doubt things haven't been ideal for getting the preparation we wanted," said Fowler.

"We felt he'd improve from his first start back at Navan, and he probably needed the run a little more than expected. We just haven't been able to get the work that we wanted into him, though.

"We'd like to learn more about him over fences. I think in time he'll appreciate stepping up in trip."

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