Starluck scores on chase debut

Starluck got his chasing career off to a successful start over three rivals in the Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide Novices' Chase at Huntingdon, although connections are undecided about an Arkle Chase bid.

AP McCoy took the mount with a view to riding him in the "Arkle", and the 4/9 favourite scored with the minimum of fuss without having to come under any undue pressure.

Settled just off the pace set by Pascha Bere and then Mister Stickler, he jumped with accuracy bar a couple of minor errors before McCoy sent him to the front at the second last.

He readily came clear from that point on the bridle and scored by six lengths from Pascha Bere. Alan Fleming's inmate is now a general 12/1 chance for the Arkle.

McCoy said afterwards: "I'm pleased enough with that. He's very brave and even though there's no doubt he lacks a bit of size, he's not frightened and has loads of bottle.

"At times you can just feel the little horse finds it a bit tough, but for a small horse, he has plenty of courage. I said to Alan that I'm not sure it would be fair on him to go straight to the Arkle and we've got to do what's right for the horse."

Fleming said: "He's a plucky and brave horse. There were a couple of little novicey mistakes, but overall Tony was pleased. We won't make a decision on the Arkle today and we'll let the dust settle. What we might do is go for a race at Sandown at the Imperial Cup meeting and then go to Aintree.

"That could be fairer on the horse. It's two weeks to the Imperial Cup meeting (March 12) and we know he's more suited to Aintree. It was his first time (over fences) and he's probably not done as much over fences as a normal novice at this time of year.

"You have to get it right, there's Aintree and Punchestown as well so it's important to try to win one of those before the end of the season or today has been a waste of time.

"The Arkle horses might not be as good as the Champion ones at the moment, so he might just have a better opportunity there. I'd hold fire (on bets) until Sunday or Monday. Andrew Waites (owner) is back in the country tomorrow, so we'll have a big chat and do what's best for the horse, make a decision from there."