Banbridge is ripe for Arkle if his trial time holds water

The Arkle Novice Chase is one of the highlights of the first day of the Dublin Racing Festival and a Joseph O’Brien inmate looks the answer to it.

O’Brien will saddle BANBRIDGE (58) for the Grade 1 contest at Leopardstown, a sevenyear-old who impressed against the clock when zooming to victory in the Arkle Trophy Trial Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham back in November.

On the same card ANY SECOND NOW (82) is the clear selection for the Irish Gold Cup according to Time Test speed figures.

His runner-up performance in last year’s Grand National was sensational from a time perspective and he has to be of considerable interest priced at 16-1 for Leopardstown.

There’s some great action on the Sunday of the festival when HONEYSUCKLE (72) bids to put her critics in their place by winning the Irish Champion Hurdle for a fourth time.

BLUE LORD (77) in the Grade 1 Dublin Chase and GAELIC WARRIOR (60) in the Grade 1 Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle are two others that should justify their speed ratings.

Returning to Saturday, there’s a tasty card at Sandown featuring the Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase.

Our speed figures indicate that Nicky Henderson’s BALCO COASTAL (54), pictured left, should come out best if his effort in Newbury’s Fulke Walwyn Chase is anything to go by. He was only fifth of six that day but the winner’s time was a fifth of a second under standard and Balco Coastal was only beaten just over six lengths.

LASKALIN (57) has two entries this week, handicap chases at Sandown on Saturday and Wincanton on Thursday. The eight-yearold should be successful at either venue.

NOISY NIGHT (66) has a commanding Time Test rating in Kempton’s 1m handicap on Wednesday and, if he wins, he will enhance his chances for the Lincoln.

Trained by Harry and Roger Charlton, the fouryear-old belted home to almost land a 6f handicap at Newcastle in December. This longer trip should suit.