Following his impressive win at Ascot today, Simonsig is now 9/4 favourite (from 11/4 favourite) for the Arkle Chase at the 2013 Cheltenham Festival.
After the race, trainer Nicky Henderson said:
“The whole thing was about jumping … (and) I’m delighted with the way he jumped. He was accurate (and) the horse has enjoyed himself.
“He’s a very, very, very good horse.
“This is a lovely place to educate a horse. It was tempting to stay over hurdles but Barry (Geraghty, jockey) was very keen for him to go chasing.
“Practice is good for him. He doesn’t need a lot of work.”
Simonsig won the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March and was trained as a point-to-pointer by Ian Ferguson in Ireland.
Leon Blanche, Head of Communications at Boylesports, commented:”Fresh and exuberant, Simonsig was at times measured, at times brilliant at his fences and jumped very well, reminding us of the class act that he undoubtedly is. He could be exceptional and it will take a very good one to beat him at Cheltenham in March.”
Updated Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase betting at Boylesport
Simonsig 9/4
Arvika Ligeonniere 6/1
Overturn 6/1
Captain Conan 7/1
Oscars Well 9/1
Montbazon 16/1
Hinterland 16/1
Sire De Grugy 16/1
20/1 bar
