This year's novice chase superstars are unprecedented - but are any vulnerable?

Shishkin: faces Energumene and Allmankind in mouthwatering ArkleCredit: Edward Whitaker

Forget The Avengers, this year's novice chasers could be the greatest collection of capeless crusaders ever assembled.

We've got potential superstars at all distances across Britain and Ireland and the Arkle Chase looks so strong it could overshadow the Champion Hurdle as the main event on day one of Cheltenham.

It's rare to have a novice chaser rated 170 or better going into the festival. The most recent examples were Douvan, Un De Sceaux and Altior, who all went on to win the Arkle Chase, but this year we are in the unique position of having three – Shishkin, Monkfish and Royale Pagaille.

Read the full story

Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.

Subscribe to unlock

Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data

Already a subscriber?Log in

Sam WalkerRacing Post Reporter

Published on 25 February 2021inIn Focus

Last updated 17:24, 19 March 2021

Copy