The betting currently suggests this race is all about Douvan despite him only having the 1 run over fences. After winning the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham and the Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown he was instantly made the 2/1 favourite for this race as connections already had a Champion Hurdler in Faugheen and they wouldn’t be taking each other on.

Until Sunday 22nd November he had never jumped a fence in public but any initial question marks about his jumping were put to bed as he put in a fine display with only a slight overreach at the last which he was clever over. The field wasn’t the strongest however and he probably wasn’t tested and this was merely a schooling session and this would have meant his jumping never came under pressure. He was shortened to 7/4 in places which was a surprise as he didn’t beat anything however bookmakers have a habit of shortening every horse that wins any novice or beginner chase regardless of whether it was an ‘egg and spoon’ race. This was however I’m sure a perfect start for connections who are likely to step him up in class next time where he may come up against a few horses with a bit more class.

At Kempton on Monday 23rd November, Vaniteux made his chasing debut. After previously finishing 3rd in the Supreme Novices Hurdle behind Vautour he was kept over hurdles but after 3 consecutive 2nd place finishes behind Garde La Victoire, The New One and Rock on Ruby he was firmly put in his place in the Champion Hurdle when finishing last of 8 behind Faugheen. A similarly disappointing run followed at Aintree when beating just 1 in a 6 strong field and it was no surprise to see connections decide to go chasing this season.

Sent off 8/11 on chasing debut he faced slightly better opposition than what Douvan had faced on Sunday. Vaniteux was taking on 4 horses rated 130 or higher with only 1 from Douvan’s race being rated above 130. Vaniteux was sent straight to the front and this big imposing Voix Du Nord gelding impressed with his jumping. After appearing to take a breather down the back straight he kicked on again turning for home and very quickly put a few lengths between him and his nearest rival Stephanie Frances. This injection of pace was too much for Stephanie Frances who then came down at the next leaving Qewy in 2nd but already struggling and not making any inroads into the lead. Vaniteux came clear in impressive fashion and shortened from 20/1 into 12/1 (8/1 in places) for the Arkle.

Sizing John is another Arkle contender and after finishing 3rd to Douvan at Cheltenham he finished 2nd to Douvan again at Punchestown. He returned this season and was sent chasing starting out in another ‘egg and spoon’ race. He jumped well despite being a little keen but won as expected. He has since been stepped up into Grade 2 company already in a race won previously by Sizing Europe. Again he jumped well and comfortably beat his biggest rival. He will surely come up against stronger opposition soon and will need to have improved for going chasing to reverse the form with Douvan however he has done nothing wrong to date and could well be a major player in this race at the Festival.

Being a Midnight Legend Gelding this chasing sphere should suit him much more than hurdles and with two easy wins to his name so far there may well be more to come over fences. He had 3 runs before the Festival last year and it would be no surprise to see him given one more run again this season probably around Christmas.

The next 2 in the betting are Shaneshill and L’Ami Serge and neither of these have yet to make their reappearance. Shaneshill has twice placed at the festival and is likely to turn back up at the festival this year over fences, that said his profile and breeding suggest a step up in distance may suit and he could be sent to the JLT Novice Chase like similar to Vautour last year particularly as he was stepped up to 3 miles at the end of last season and despite finishing 3rd he didn’t appear to stay the full 3 miles and whilst there is only a slight decrease statistically over 3m, the 2m4 – 2m5f is the highest strike rate distances. He’s entered in a 2m2f Beginner chase at Thurles (26/11/15)

L’Ami Serge finished 4th in last years Supreme Novices Hurdle when not getting the clearest of runs as well as being shuffled back at a crucial time. He jumped big at some of his hurdles last year whilst also looking like quite a big horse. L’Ami Serge should statistically improve for a switch to fences and it will be interesting to see where Nicky Henderson starts this one off.

Kitten Rock is next in the betting and he has won 5 of her last 6 runs with his only defeat coming when 6th in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham with Vaniteux behind. He has already run over fences this season when beating Sizing Titanium although he was expected to. Jumping well he joined the runner up down the final straight and moved marginally into the lead at the last. Pushed out he won well enough on his return however the runner up was rated a huge 40lb lower over hurdles so Kitten Rock would need to show more next time probably against better opposition.

Last years Greatwood Hurdle winner Garde La Victoire has also been sent chasing this year and has already has 2 starts over fences. He beat Bristol De Mai on his first start who has since won easily at Warwick and Garde La Victoire was then sent to Cheltenham for a Grade 2 Novice Chase. He ran keenly for a long way before jumping to the lead at the last. He won by 2 ½ lengths but was receiving 4lb from the runner up in Fox Norton. Garde La Victoire is 16/1 for Arkle glory and Fox Norton is 33/1. If you fancy Garde La Victoire then you have to think that Fox Norton is overpriced.