Jonbon's biggest danger? El Fabiolo cut for the Arkle after 19-length chase win

Wednesday: Fairyhouse

A ready 19-length success on his chasing debut has seen El Fabiolo become Jonbon's biggest threat in the two-mile chasing division, at least according to some bookmakers, with the Willie Mullins-trained youngster cut to between 7-2 and 11-2 (from 7-1) for a potential Arkle bid.

Winning rider Paul Townend suggested the Simon Munir and Isaac Souede-owned five-year-old also had the potential to step up in trip from his 2m beginners' chase strike if asked to do so, and layers make him no bigger than 10-1 for the Turners Novices' Chase over 2m4f.

It was not a foot-perfect round of jumping from the 150-rated hurdler, but he showed the potential for him to develop into a high-class operator in this sphere when gaining more experience.

He has now won three of his four starts since joining the champion trainer, with El Fabiolo's sole defeat coming when beaten a neck by Jonbon in the Grade 1 Top Novices' Hurdle at Aintree in April.

El Fabiolo (left): was a neck behind Jonbon (right) at last season's Grand National festivalCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty)

Townend said: "He'll learn from today, I think. He's not there yet but there's a brilliant jump in him. He didn't have much racing last year but I think he's going to be a smart horse. His run against Jonbon looks good now."

Victory in Wednesday's rescheduled Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase marked back-to-back wins in the race for Mullins, Townend, Munir and Souede.

It was in the same contest that Irish Arkle scorer Blue Lord made a winning chasing debut last season.

Townend added: "A better race will suit El Fabiolo. He could end up going up in trip as well – he's versatile enough. If you wanted, you could use his jumping and stay at that trip.

"Any time I asked him [for a big leap] he was good, and anytime I went to let him in [closer] he was just a bit unsure – in a good race you don't get in too often."

Ha D'Or: impressive chasing debut win under Townend completes doubles for the rider and Willie MullinsCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Mullins and Townend doubled up on the card thanks to an impressive performance from Susannah Ricci's five-year-old Ha D'or in the 2m5f novice chase.

The 11-length winner, sent off 2-1 favourite, produced a smart round of jumping on his first start over fences and had finished second to El Fabiolo on his previous appearance at the Punchestown festival.

Harrington newcomer impresses

Jessica Harrington looks to have unearthed a bright young prospect in the shape of fillies' bumper winner Marie Philippe, who could be set for a tilt at the Dublin Racing Festival.

Owned by the Backbenchers Racing Syndicate and ridden by Barry O'Neill, the four-year-old newcomer scored more decisively than the winning margin of three quarters of a length might suggest.

Assistant trainer Kate Harrington said: "There's so much more improvement in her. She's a big chaser for two or three years down the line.

"She was very impressive and is just gorgeous. For a filly her size who is only four, she's really nice and very exciting. It's a nice tonic for Mum, who is in hospital today. She's over the moon with this."

Results, replays and analysis

Sporting Life Arkle (Cheltenham, March 14, 2023)

Coral: 11-8 Jonbon, 4 Appreciate It, El Fabiolo, 8 Sir Gerhard, 10 Mighty Potter, 12 Dysart Dynamo, Fil Dor, State Man

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