Laurina made clear Arkle favourite after impressive chase debut

Laurina became the clear market leader for the Racing Post Arkle after a more than satisfactory chasing debut success at Gowran, proving too quick for talented Albert Bartlett hero Minella Indo.

Connections of the Sullivan Bloodstock Limited-owned six-year-old appeared to always view the former Grade 1-winning novice hurdler as a chasing type, and Willie Mullins' charge confirmed her huge potential with an eight-length victory as 30-100 favourite.

"You couldn't have asked for much more than that," said winning rider Paul Townend of the 2018 Cheltenham Festival scorer. "We hacked early on and were flying down the straight but she was good to sort herself out."

Mullins was equally pleased with the performance of the now general 5-1 favourite for the Arkle but the question of Laurina's optimum chasing trip is still to be answered after the 2m4f victory.

Paul Townend: impressed with LaurinaCredit: Edward Whitaker

"That was a very good first run from her over fences," said the champion trainer, who landed a treble. "She showed a lot of speed, albeit against a three-mile horse. She's a fine, big mare that can take fences in her stride, one we're excited about.

"I would be happy enough to even go back in trip with her, I wouldn't mind going back to two miles but Paul thought today's trip was probably what she wants.

"The obvious target for her would be the two-mile-three-and-a-half-furlong Grade 1 novice chase at Limerick over Christmas. Faugheen might be going there, so we'll see.

"There could be a mares' chase somewhere that she could tackle either, we could even let her take her chance against the older mares."

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