'This is what we get out of bed for' - Banbridge brilliant in Arkle trial

Saturday: From The Horses Mouth Podcast Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices' Chase, Cheltenham

Banbridge underlined his credentials as a top-class novice chaser with a sublime display of jumping, which played a part in his Arkle odds shortening to 10-1 following the race’s November trial.

The Joseph O’Brien-trained runner was successful in the Martin Pipe at last season’s Cheltenham Festival and has taken his form to a smart level over fences.

He was impressive when triumphing at odds-on on his chasing debut at Gowran Park last month and found this step up to a Grade 2 just as easy, taking an early lead and producing an exemplary jumping performance his six rivals simply could not match.

Glory And Fortune, whose achievements include success in the Betfair Hurdle in February, looked to pose some sort of threat before Stan Sheppard was unseated two out, but Banbridge coasted home from Tommy’s Oscar to win by six lengths.

It was a performance that deserved discussion on Cheltenham Festival targets and O’Brien is unsure which direction they may go.

He also has the option of returning to further for the Turners’ Novices Chase, for which he is 10-1 chance generally.

“He's taken to chasing very well,” said O’Brien. “He's already gone a step ahead from his hurdles campaign and there's a long way to go until the next step but you couldn't be more impressed with what he's done there. He's a hugely exciting horse going forwards.

“I think we learned today that two miles is another option going forwards – his jumping was what you wanted to see from a two-miler.”

JJ Slevin was impressed with BanbridgeCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Jockey JJ Slevin was similarly enthusiastic about Ronnie Bartlett's six-year-old.

“He has a great mind for the job and it was a great performance," the rider said of his third Cheltenham winner. "It was a little concern coming back in trip but he jumped so well at Gowran. He’s so quick from one side of an obstacle to another we weren’t too concerned. With those decent horses in this you’d have a little worry but he's done it well.

“He’s a hardened novice and I’d give him ten out of ten but then I’m very positive. This is what we get out of bed in the morning for.”

O’Brien suggested Banbridge would likely appear on next on December 26 with the Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick or the Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown among his options.

“We'll see how he comes out of the race and discuss it with Ronnie but I'd imagine something around Christmas time would be the logical stepping stone," O'Brien added. "He does have the option of the Drinmore Novice Chase as well but that might come a bit soon."

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