Dodging scores as Ted third Dodging Bullets (2/1) shot right into the Arkle picture with a comfortable success in the Racing Post Arkle Trophy Trial at Cheltenham on Sunday. The Paul Nicholls-trained horse jumped and travelled well under Daryl Jacob, who was sitting motionless on his mount turning for home in the slipstream of the ridden along Raya Star. He galloped on well up the hill to win by five lengths, with Alan King's horse having to settle for second. Nicholls admitted some of his horses have run disappointingly this season for no apparent reason, but was delighted to see Dodging Bullets show his true colours. Nicholls said: "It frustrates me that some of the horses have not run as well as I expected them to, and some have run dire races for absolutely no reason. You can do all the tests you like but nothing shows up, so you are always a little nervous, but this horse has run as he looked at home. "He's been in good form and the best thing we have done with him is go chasing. He's in the Arkle picture on that run, but we won't be in a hurry with him this season. The Henry VIII Chase at Sandown is a possibility, but I might run Hinterland in that race. "A race at Newbury over Christmas might suit, but I won't run him in bad ground. "He's come from being what I would call a wound-up Flat horse to a more relaxed jumper - there's always been a bit of an issue with him mentally, but physically he's grown up a lot. I had to persuade the owners to let me go chasing with him, but he's very sure-footed and good over a fence. "He's come on a lot since Kempton and learned a lot. He's galloped up the hill properly today and is a proper horse." Alan King said of Raya Star: "Very happy with him, no excuses he was beaten by a better horse on the day. It's a learning curve and I'm very satisfied with him." The trainer of the third, Ted Veale, was also delighted with the performance of his gelding. "You've got to be delighted with that run," said Tony Martin. "He wouldn't be rated as high as Dodging Bullets and Raya Star over hurdles and therefore wasn't really entitled to win the race. "He's run a grand race though and it's a learning curve with him. We'll try and pick up a small race with him somewhere and take it from there." Ted Veale's jockey Barry Geraghty was also sure that the experience would stand his mount in good stead. "He ran a very good race and he'll learn from the experience," said Geraghty.
