Trainer Sam Thomas is confident in the chances of his Cheltenham-bound trio. The Welshman has three chances across respective races at Prestbury Park next week.
His small but select team will be captained by Steel Ally in the Arkle Challenge Trophy. The eight-year-old is advanced in years for a novice chaser, but has the ability to match. He is unbeaten so far over fences, easily landing the Kingmaker Novices’ Chase at Warwick most recently.
He will be joined in the travelling band by C’Est Different and Celtic Dino. The former is an in-form candidate for the Pertemps Final on day three, with Celtic Dino prepared for the County Hurdle on day four. He also has an entry in the BetMGM Cup (formerly the Coral Cup).
Thomas is not shy about expressing his faith in his charges. Speaking to the Press Association via the Racing TV, Thomas said: “We’re extremely lucky. We’re well aware of how hard it is at Cheltenham, but I wouldn’t swap our three for many that’s for sure.”
“He jumps well and he stays” – Thomas on Steel Ally
Steel Ally would ordinarily have a strong chance at the Cheltenham Festival on his form this season. Unfortunately, the Arkle appears to be one of the hottest races of the meeting. Lulamba, Kopek Des Bordes and Romeo Coolio all potentially lie in wait.
Thomas is realistic about his prospects, but is hopeful of a big run.
“Steel Ally will go for the Arkle and we’ll be hoping to pick up any pieces if the top horses don’t perform, I suppose. He deserves his chance on what he’s done this season and I think he’s versatile ground-wise. His better jumping performance was on better ground, I’d say.
“I know they’ll go quickly, but I think on a nicer surface you’ll see a better round of jumping from our lad. I’m not really fussed what the ground is, but touch wood one thing we do hopefully have in the bank is that he jumps well and he stays, which is what you want.”
As for his handicap contenders, C’Est Different is likely to prove popular. There is a chance we have yet to see the best of him either.
“C’Est Different is in a nice place. He’s a progressive type, we don’t quite know how good he is and this will tell us a bit more.
“He’s a lovely horse and hopefully he’s got a bit more to come.”
On his third and final chance, Thomas is quick to highlight Grade 1 form as a guideline to Celtic Dino’s chance.
“We would be leaning towards the County at the minute with Celtic Dino. He was beaten 11 lengths by Sir Gino off level weights on a speed track and quick ground in the Christmas Hurdle, so that form should hopefully put him in the picture of running a good race.”