Faster pace to suit Menorah

Philip Hobbs believes the stronger guaranteed pace in the Racing Post Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival will be of great benefit to Menorah.

The former classy hurdler has a tendency to give the odd fence a clout in his races since being sent over bigger obstacles.

Menorah was a faller at Doncaster when last seen, but Hobbs expects the faster pace a week on Tuesday will help his jumping in one of the hottest renewals of the race for years.

He said: "I do think he has been a bit unlucky, his schooling at home has always been very good.

"In his races he jumps 90% of his fences very well but of course 90% is not good enough, so we hope we can get everything together on the day.

"A strong pace will suit him much better - these muddling novice chases haven't been ideal. Sprinter Sacre looks as though he might be exceptional, Peddlers Cross obviously disappointed last time.

"Cue Card would be a danger if he was back to his best and he'll probably make the running, so we'll see.

"His schooling has been brilliant since he fell. Maybe Doncaster might even have taught him a lesson, you never know," the Minehead handler told At The Races.