Arabella Boy cut to Festival favouritism

The Enda Bolger trained Arabella Boy moved to outright favourite for the Cheltenham Festival's Cross Country Chase with a win in the Glenfarclas P.P. Hogan Memorial Cross Country Chase at Punchestown today.

Ridden by Nina Carberry, the son of Beneficial raced prominently before moving to the front over Ruby's Double (the 23rd). A slow jump by Arabella Boy at the final fence allowed Big Shu his chance but Carberry's mount rallied well to regain his lead on the run-in. Bostons Angel (4/1) and Uncle Junior (5/2f) never looked like threatening in the race.

Bolger later stated “Arabella Boy travelled well all the way and he'll go for the Cross Country Chase, on the Tuesday, at Cheltenham next. This is his track and he'll be back here at the Festival for the La Touche.”

Paddy Power later cut Arabella Boy to 5/1f (from 7s) for the Cheltenham race with Stan James going 6/1f (from 7s).

Quotes from Alan Magee