2016 Cheltenham Festival: Arkle trends a positive for Douvan

David Metcalf | February 4, 2016

Douvan is odds-on at 1/2 with Coral to provide champion Irish trainer Willie Mullins with back-to-back success in the Arkle Challenge Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival, and the stats suggest he is worthy favourite to land the Grade 1 contest run over 2m on Tuesday, March 15th.

Mullins saddled Un De Sceaux to victory 12 months ago, and in Douvan has a gelding who is one of the most exciting prospects seen for many a year.

The French recruit won all four of his starts last season after joining the County Carlow handler, and they included breathtaking successes in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival and the Herald Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.

Turn of foot a potent weapon

Douvan looked a real monster in both, travelling powerfully throughout and showing a devastating turn of foot when asked to go about his business.

To me, he had the potential to make up into a Champion Hurdle contender, but connections have the reigning champ for that in the shape of Faugheen and decided to go down the chasing route this season.

Douvan was sent off 2-11 favourite for his eagerly-awaited comeback and debut over the larger obstacles, and after being sent straight into the lead by jockey Ruby Walsh jumped with superb accuracy and speed throughout before easing clear between the final two fences to score on the bridle by 9 1/2 lengths.