Willie Mullins has revealed Energumene will miss the Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy at Cheltenham after suffering a setback. The seven-year-old has made a huge impression in winning his first three starts over fences this season – completing his hat-trick with a brilliant display in the Irish Arkle at Leopardstown last month. A mouthwatering clash with the Nicky Henderson-trained Shishkin looked one of the most exciting match-ups of this year’s Festival, but Mullins confirmed in a statement on his website Energumene will not be part of his travelling squad. He said: “Energumene has met with a setback and unfortunately won’t be running at the Cheltenham Festival next week.”
Definitely Steveo...lame apparently. I m not sure why so many were thinking he would overturn Shishkin ..I mean horse never run at Cheltenham before so might not even have acted at the track but sadly we won't get to find out...
The late absence of Energumene and just 6 runners going to post (Numitor just scrapes in above the minimum 120 rating requirement in the race conditions) make this year's Arkle something of a disappointment even before the off. Shishkin now long odds on but I'll be having a dabble on the wonderful Allmankind, who won't go down without a fight and might just be able to drag Shishkin out of his comfort zone.
I am beginning to think Allmankind is the value bet. Shiskin at 1/2 seems very short. however I also decided against Shiskin at the last minute just before the Supreme Novices last year.... decisions, decisions .....
