Ghizao boosts Arkle prospects Ghizao emerged from the Newbury fog this afternoon to become the clear favourite for next year's Arkle Trophy. Although he did not start the season with the reputation of many in the Paul Nicholls stable, there has been little wrong with his performances as he followed up a success at Cheltenham in the Bathwick Tyres Supports Heros Andover Novices' Chase. Timmy Murphy made his move at the top of the straight and the 11-4 shot kept up the march to finish four and a half lengths clear of Captain Chris and Surfing. Nicholls said: "He's actually one who could have done without the hold-up in the weather as I really wanted to get one more run into him around now. "He'll go straight to Cheltenham now, as he'd be the sort you could run at Aintree afterwards." Murphy added: "It wasn't as foggy to ride in as it probably was to watch. The ground was very testing and it was hard work, but we didn't go a blistering gallop. His jumping was good, but I do think he's a better horse than he showed here. "Paul said he didn't have the ideal preparation because of the weather and he gave me a better feel in Cheltenham the last day. He's made hard enough work of it, but I think he's better than that." Sky Bet, totesport, William Hill and Paddy Power offer 6-1 for the Arkle, with Ladbrokes going 5's.
