Is the Arkle really competitive? Its a two horse race for me, and I think the form shown by SS should make him an 8/11 shot. Hurricane Fly has a few rivals who I think could test him, including previous winner Binocular, and we have only seen the Fly once this season, albeit in great style, so it could be argued that he is one that might not be all that it seems.
I backed Fly at 5/4 the other day with Bino as a saver, purely because of the value aspect, I will do the same with Al Ferof using the PP offer as I only can see him or SS winning the Arkle.
As for PC, he was the best hurdler of the lot and one bad run doesn't make him an unworthy horse for an Arkle tilt, many a good horse has had a blip in their novice season.
If you gave me the million I would put it on Quevega, however I think she is the right price for her chance, as is Big Bucks.
Nass, I accept the Arkle hasn't turned out as competitive as some, and I was mightily impressed with SS's last win at Newbury. No, i wouldn't oppose him, even though some might feel his form isn't as good as Al Ferof's. Nonetheless he still has to jump round at Cheltenham- never a gimme for any horse!
I agree that one bad run by PC doesn't make him unworthy but the opposite is likewise true ie.fences aren't hurdles and his chase form could have been achieved by a much lower rated hurdler making the transition to fences. On that basis, I shouldn't be taking 11/4 Peddlers for The Jewson, either. He needs to prove himself to me.