Stagecoach Pearl’s familiarity with large fences raises hopes in Smith camp over Arkle Trophy

Though many of the 13 potential starters have far greater claims, according to the form book, the progressive seven-year-old has, at least, the benefit of nine starts over the larger obstacles – far more than any of next Tuesday’s illustrious opponents.

Twice a winner last summer for AP McCoy, the 15-times champion jockey, Stagecoach Pearl has also forged an effective partnership with Shane Byrne, the Bingley stable’s conditional jockey who has enjoyed eyecatching victories in Haydock and Aintree handicaps on the horse.

Byrne, one of the North’s most improved riders, was also in the plate last month when Stagecoach Pearl was a creditable second to Nicky Henderson’s Finian’s Rainbow – one of the Arkle favourites – in Warwick’s Kingmaker Novices’ Chase.

Though beaten 11 lengths, Stagecoach Pearl certainly put up a creditable performance while Finian’s Rainbow was, at times, far from fluent for Malton-born Andrew Tinkler.

The other leading fancy remains Mikael D’Haguenet, though his candidacy is far from certain. Willie Mullins still has the option of the RSA Chase and the Ladbrokes World Hurdle for his top-class novice hurdler who still has a big reputation but is yet to win in three starts over fences in Ireland.

It is this last statistic that gives Smith, and her showjumper husband Harvey, grounds for optimism. “It looks like being a small field which will suit us,” she said.

“He needed his last run at Warwick a bit but did nothing wrong there and was beaten by a very good horse, although everything there will be a very good horse also.

“But he’s in very good form and I hope he runs a good race.”

Third in the Champion Hurdle a year ago, Malton-born jockey Andrew Tinkler will not get the chance to ride the enigmatic grey in this year’s renewal.

The Nicky Henderson-trained horse – part-owned by bookmaker Victor Chandler – will, instead, line up in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle a week today.

Henderson already has the Champion Hurdle favourite in Binocular, and a second-string with Oscar Whisky. They head the field of 13 intended runners which remain following the latest declarations.

Yet, while Tinkler is incredibly effective on Zaynar, it is still unclear whether he will keep the ride for the World Hurdle where Big Buck’s and Grands Crus dominate the betting.

Without another obvious ride in the race, Henderson’s main jockey, Barry Geraghty, may pull rank, even though the Yorkshire rider is highly-regarded by the horse’s connections.

Cue Card – the winner of last year’s Bumper – has been withdrawn from the Champion Hurdle. He takes his place alongside Malton trainer John Quinn’s Recession Proof in the Supreme Novices, Tuesday’s Festival opener.

Trained by the likable Westcountry trainer Colin Tizzard, the five-year-old takes on many young pretenders including Henderson’s trio of Gibb River, Spirit Son and Sprinter Sacre.

Ruby Walsh suffered a pre-Cheltenham injury scare when he was stood down yesterday following a nasty final-flight fall in Naas.

Just back from a broken leg, the top Irish jockey was clutching the side of his face as he walked to the ambulance after partnering company from King Of The Refs.

Walsh was later reported to have suffered nothing worse than a cut under his left eye.

Planet of Sound is set to miss next week’s Gold Cup after picking up an infection in a hind leg. The Punchestown Gold Cup winner is the second major player to miss the race – Hennessy victor Diamond Harry was declared a non-runner last Friday.

No stable is in better form than Keith Reveley’s Saltburn yard. His two runners both won at Newcastle on Tuesday and then Bardolet followed up in Catterick’s handicap chase yesterday.

Bardolet was restrained by Reveley’s jockey-son James, a consummate horseman, and gradually crept his way through the field to prevail from Feeling Peckish.

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