Grand National Festival: Arzal can outline his Manifesto in Novices’ Chase

David Metcalf | April 6, 2016

Arzal ready to make Manifesto memorable

Arzal has some strong form to his name and looks the answer in the Merseyrail Manifesto Novices’ Chase that gets proceedings underway on day one of Aintree’s Grand National Festival (13:30).

Trained by Harry Whittington, this gelding was a useful hurdler and won his first two starts over fences in the manner of an exciting prospect. Arzal made all in both, jumping well in the main, before pulling clear to score easily.

The six-year-old then ran very well when stepped up into Grade 2 company finishing third to Ar Mad at Kempton, before posting a cracking effort last time out when runner-up to Vaniteux in the Lightning Novices’ Chase at Doncaster.

Arzal attempted to make all in the latter, and rallied after being headed three from home to go down fighting by 3 1/4 lengths in a race which was run in a quick time.

Form looks strong

The winner is a very useful sort who held every chance two from home in the Arkle Challenge Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival when unseating his rider, and the third home Fox Norton finished third in that contest.

Shaneshill, who finished 15 lengths behind Arzal in fourth, has also gone on to run a blinder to be runner-up in the RSA Chase at the Festival. That gives the form a solid look, especially as Arzal was attempting to give Vaniteux 4lb.