Bailey delighted after exciting chaser Charbel impresses on debut
Whether it will be the Racing Post Arkle or JLT Chase in March has to be one of the nicer problems to ponder for a trainer, although Kim Bailey was simply enjoying the moment after landing the high-quality Kalahari King Beginners’ Chase with Charbel, who was having his first start over fences.
Charbel, fifth in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival last campaign, was cut into 25-1 (from 33) with Paddy Power for the JLT Chase, while Sky Bet went 20-1 (from 33) for the Racing Post Arkle.
The son of Iffraaj showed a game attitude in the closing stages to withhold the challenge of Grade 2-winning hurdler Le Prezien and last season’s Champion Hurdle fifth Top Notch – form that is sure to look strong by the end of the season.
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