Osana on Arkle route

Osana is set for one more run before taking his place among the entries for the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy.

Now with Edward O'Grady, Osana is one of 47 potential runners in the two-mile novice championship on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival on March 16.

Michael Goodbody, racing manager to Osana's owner Thomas Barr, said: "Osana is very much on course for the Arkle. We are planning to run him in the Grade Two Flyingbolt Novice Chase at Navan on February 14, which will be his final prep before the Festival."

He added: "Edward has been pleased with how he has taken to chasing and I think the faster pace and bigger field of a championship race, especially at Cheltenham, will play to his strengths."