Arturius Fine After Lingfield Defeat

Arturius is reported to be in good form despite disappointing in the betdirect.co.uk Winter Derby at Lingfield.

Philip Rothwell's charge was sent off the 4-1 joint-favourite with Cimyla after notching an impressive win at Wolverhampton on his previous start.

However, after taking a prominent early position, the four-year-old faded to finish a nine-length 12th of the 14 runners.

'He is fine this morning,' said Rothwell.

'We just rode him wrong. We knew there would be no early pace in the race so we thought we would ride him handy.

'However, he was way too keen and after half a mile I knew we'd made the wrong decision.

'We know now that he needs dropping in and covering up to help him settle.

'His next target will be back on the turf, a Listed race at the Curragh in a few weeks.'

Rothwell enjoyed one of biggest successes of his career when he sent out Native Jack to claim the Sporting Index Handicap Chase over the cross country course on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.

He is now targeting the La Touche Cup at the Punchestown Festival with a possible 50,000 on offer for completing the double.

'Native is fine also, he is very well in himself,' added Rothwell.

'His next target will be the La Touche Cup and we'll try for the Blue Square bonus of 50,000 for winning both races.'

C) PA Sport