Mikael not among Arkle ten Mikael D'Haguenet was the notable absentee after ten horses held their ground for the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase at Leopardstown on Sunday. The French import slightly dented his huge reputation with a disappointing display at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting. However Willie Mullins still holds a strong hand with both Flat Out and Quel Esprit in the two mile and a furlong Grade 1. Flat Out made a most impressive chasing debut at Punchestown earlier this month, while Quel Esprit also scored on his only chase start at Limerick in November. Mikael D'Haguenet's conqueror Realt Dubh has been left in the race by Noel Meade, as has his stablemate Muirhead. Mr Cracker would be an interesting contender for Michael Hourigan if he lines up. The six-year-old won by a distance on his latest outing at Limerick over Christmas but Hourigan admits he would have more on his plate this weekend. "It's possible he'll run, but we haven't decided for sure yet," said Hourigan. "I don't think the trip will be a problem for him if he does go as he ran well over shorter trips over hurdles. He won well over Christmas, but I don't think he had much to beat really. "We need to step him up in class and see how he gets on. He needs to show us a bit more before we can start thinking about Cheltenham." Noble Prince, Saludos, Shirley Casper, Tramp Stamp and Uncle Tom Cobley complete the possibles.
