Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase — Cheltenham, 10 March 2026

A seven-runner Grade 1 novice chase over 1m 7f at Cheltenham on Good To Soft ground. This is a quality contest, and the form book shows several credible winning claims backed by strong recent records in Class 1 company.

The Selection: Kopek Des Bordes

Kopek Des Bordes commands the vote. His credentials are exceptional in the filters that matter. Over distances under 2m 2f he has 5 wins from 6 runs — the best record in the field. In Class 1, he has 3 wins from 4 runs. At Cheltenham itself, he is a perfect 1 from 1. His combined RaceMetrics score of 1574 is the second-highest in the field, and he carries a price of 2.50, reflecting his status as a co-favourite.

The only caveat is his 113-day absence, but his form string (11-1141) shows he was winning at the business end before the break. With Paul Townend in the saddle and W P Mullins as trainer, he has the connections and the pedigree. This should be his day.

The Dangers

Lulamba at 2.63 is the shortest price and lands top spot on combined RaceMetrics score (1575). He has 5 wins from 6 runs over distances under 2m 2f and 3 wins from 4 in Class 1 — fractionally ahead of Kopek in those metrics. His recent form is spotless: 12111-1 reads as back-to-back wins before a break. However, he is untried on Good To Soft going, which is a material concern. He also has no Cheltenham record (0 from 1). Those blanks are enough to narrow the gap, but he remains a serious challenger.

Kargese at 6.00 is worth noting. His RaceMetrics Rating of 1613 is the highest in the field. She has a perfect record on Good To Soft going (1 win from 1 run) and a course record of 1 from 2 at Cheltenham. Her Class 1 form is solid: 3 wins from 10 runs. The issue is her overall win strike rate — 4 from 11 over his distance — is fractionally tighter than the top two. But her track record on today's conditions and her elite rating make her dangerous at the price.

Verdict

Kopek Des Bordes at 2.50 to land the Grade 1. Perfect record at Cheltenham, elite form in Class 1, and the best distance credentials make him the logical lay-down in a strong renewal.