Arkle favourite set for prep run

Noland is likely to be seen in action again this week having returned from a lengthy layoff to secure a cosy success at Folkestone last month.

The Paul Nicholls-trained seven-year-old won the Supreme Novices´ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival two years ago, and is as short as 11-4 favourite with totesport and betdirect to add the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy to his CV next month.

Despite having only jumped fences once in public, Nicholls believes the gelding will take a power of stopping on March 11.

"He picked up a bug and was not right for a few days after Folkestone but he´s in tip-top shape now," said Nicholls.

"The plan is to run at Sandown on Friday as long as the ground is good. Otherwise it will be Kempton on Saturday.

"If he gets to the Arkle in the same shape, he´ll be the one to beat."