Shakervilz earns Arkle spot

Shakervilz earned a tilt at the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham with a convincing win in the concluding Flyingbolt Novice Chase at Navan.

Ruby Walsh always had his mount to the fore with Osana in the Grade 2 contest.

The pair had it between them down the straight with Shakervilz getting on top before the last.

A slight peck at the final fence didn't stop his momentum and he went on to score by a length-and-three-quarters. Major Finnegan finished to good effect to grab second from Osana close home.

"I'm absolutely delighted. Ruby asked him every question and he answered everything," said Mullins.

"He's doing everything right for me. I imagine he could travel over for the Arkle although I have to discuss it with the owner.

"His jumping was so accurate and quick and he got great experience today."

Mullins could also run Sportsline in the two-miler at Cheltenham and said of him:-

"Sportsline wasn't 100 per cent last week but is back to himself now. I might even run him at Naas next week."

Ladbrokes cut Shakervilz from 40/1 to 20/1 for the Arkle while pushing out Osana to the same price from 14/1.