Clonmel Oil Chase preview

Connections of Arvika Ligeonniere are looking forward to starting the eight-year-old's second season over fences in the Clonmel Oil Chase at the County Tippperary course on Thursday.

The Rich Ricci-owned gelding showed himself to be a tip-top prospect by winning all five of his completed starts last term culminating in the Ryanair Novice Chase at Punchestown.

However, Willie Mullins' charge did blot his copybook with a fall in the Arkle Chase at Leopardstown when odds-on favourite and he was pulled up in the race of the same name at Cheltenham in March.

"For Arvika it's the right way around - his best form seems to be going right-handed," said the trainer's son, Patrick.

"Two and a half miles shouldn't be a problem and he looks well in at the weights so it's a good starting point for the season."

In same ownership, the Mullins team also run Mikael D'Haguenet, who may not have lived up to his tall reputation but is a smart performer nonetheless when getting his act together.

"As regards Mikael D'Haguenet two and a half is probably his optimum trip as well. Again he gets in very well at the weights so we're going to let him take his chance too," said Mullins jnr.

"The two of them are in good form and ready for their first run of the season. Arvika would obviously be our main hope but Mikael is a good super sub."

Robbie Hennessy reports his stable favourite Rubi Light to be in fine shape, although he would like to see rain ahead of the Grade Two heat.

"He's in great form. He worked the other morning when Andrew (Lynch) was very happy with him," said the County Meath handler.

"He schooled him over a few fences and he went very well. He would probably prefer if we got a bit of rain, but what can you do. The more rain the better, though, really. He'll go on the ground, but it's just that he goes on the soft a lot better than a lot of them.

"They're expecting rain, but how much they get is difficult to know. I'd like to see the word 'good' gone out of the going description and I'd suppose in any case Arvika Ligeonniere looks the one to beat as he has that bit of class."

Renewing rivalry are Gordon Elliott's Toner D'Oudairies and the Noel Meade-trained Texas Jack, who were second and third to Rolling Aces in the Powers Irish Whiskey Chase at Down Royal earlier this month. John Ryan's consistent sort Foildubh completes the sextet.