Connections say they will send Charbel out in the Racing Post Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham for a rematch with Altior.
The duo went head-to-head in the Grade One Racing Post Henry VIII Novices’ Chase on December 3 last year, with Altior romping to a six-length success at Sandown.
That was the son of Iffraaj?s second outing of the season after he narrowly beat Le Prezien in the Kalahari King Beginners’ Chase at Uttoxeter back in October.
Trainer Kim Bailey admitted that options were open for the Festival, with a run in the longer JLT Novices’ Chase also under consideration for Charbel.
However, after seeing the gelding on the gallops earlier this week, the Northamptonshire handler is convinced the Arkle is the right place to be despite the presence of the mighty Altior.
“David Bass rode Charbel in Lambourn (on Friday) and was delighted with how he worked,? he told kimbaileyracing.com.
“We have decided on heading for the Arkle Chase to take on Altior. My thoughts are fairly normal ones and they are that he loves two miles.?
