Date: Tuesday 10th March 2026
Arkle Novices’ Chase Preview
The Arkle is one of the most trends-reliable races of the entire Cheltenham Festival, with the market usually a very strong guide. Class, experience over fences and recent winning form are all key factors, and the majority of winners come from the top end of the betting.
This year’s renewal again looks to revolve around a handful of high-quality novices, particularly those with strong Irish form and proven ability over two miles. Horses with multiple chase runs, previous graded success and ratings in the mid-150s or higher are typically very hard to oppose.
Based on the trends and overall profiles, these are the runners that come out strongest.
TURF TALK RATINGS - LEADING CONTENDERS
| Horse | Rating |
|---|---|
| Kopek Des Bordes | 228 |
| Lulamba | 224 |
| Kargese | 220 |
| Steel Ally | 207 |
| Jax Junior | 198 |
| Hansard | 182 |
The ratings are headed by the two obvious class acts in the race, with a clear gap back to the remainder. This looks a fairly typical Arkle on paper, with the strongest novices dominating the figures.
MAIN SELECTION
Kopek Des Bordes (6/4 available)
He looks the standout on the key Arkle trends. He has the rating, the graded form and, crucially, the level of chase experience that is usually required to win this race. His profile matches very closely with recent winners, particularly those coming through the stronger Irish novice routes.
With multiple chase runs under his belt and already operating at a high level, he looks the most solid option in a race where class and experience tend to come to the fore.
SECOND SELECTION
Lulamba (2/1 available)
Another high-class novice who fits the majority of the key trends, although his slightly lighter experience over fences is the only small question mark compared to the main selection. In terms of raw ability, he clearly has the talent to win a race like this.
If he jumps cleanly and settles into a rhythm, he looks the most likely to challenge the favourite and could easily prove good enough if progressing again.
THIRD SELECTION
Kargese (7/1 available)
She brings a slightly different angle into the race and looks a solid alternative to the two market leaders. Her overall profile fits well enough with the trends, and she has already shown she can perform at a high level.
While she may need the top two to underperform slightly, she still looks capable of getting involved and appeals as the best of the rest.
SUMMARY
Kopek Des Bordes sets the standard on both ratings and trends and looks the most likely winner in a race that usually favours the classiest novices. Lulamba brings the strongest challenge if his jumping holds up under pressure, while Kargese looks best placed to capitalise should the front two fail to deliver.
