The second race of the Festival, the Arkle is run over the demanding Cheltenham fences at a distance of two miles. The ultimate test of speed and fluent jumping, it is almost always run at a frenetic pace and it almost always goes to one of the classiest horses in the race.

This means that shocks are a rare occurrence, but this year’s race looks wide open. A tricky betting heat is led by 2008 Supreme Novices’ winner Captain Cee Bee who was unlucky not to beat market rival Sizing Europe over the Christmas period. Fascinating French import Long Run will also be looking to prove he is capable of landing the Grade 1, despite his tender age.

Captain Cee Bee is the current 5/1 favourite for the Grade 1 showpiece while Sizing Europe is a 6/1 shot to remain unbeaten over fences.

Arkle Chase - Ladbrokes

2m, Cheltenham Festival, March 2010
5 Captain Cee Bee, 6 Sizing Europe, 7 Tatatiano, 8 Somersby, 10 Long Run, 10 Riverside Theatre, 14 Osana, 14 Sports Line, 20 Cousin Vinny, 20 Take The Breeze, 33 Ashkazar, 33 Bedlam Boy, 33 Kempes, 33 Noble Alan, 33 Woolcombe Folly, others on request (1/4 odds 1,2,3)