Arkle news Connections of Flemenstar are hoping to see some ease in conditions at Leopardstown before Sunday's Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase. Peter Casey's seven-year-old has won his last two starts, most recently when accounting for the well-regarded Lambro at Naas. While Flemenstar is due to take his chance, Francis Casey, assistant to his father, admits a drop of rain would not go amiss. He said: "He seems to be in great form and the plan is to run, but I would be a bit concerned about the ground as he needs a good dig in it. "He was good the last day at Naas and he has come out of that race in great form." Plenty of Sunday's rivals will be looking to book their tickets to the Cheltenham Festival, with Willie Mullins' Blackstairmountain one of the leading lights for the Racing Post Arkle Trophy. David Pipe's Notus De La Tour makes the journey from England, while Tony Martin is represented by Gift Of Dgab. Baily Green, Foildubh and Lucky William complete the seven-runner field.
