Articulum set to take on Kalashnikov in Kingmaker Articulum is set to travel to Newbury this weekend to take on Kalashnikov in the Agetur UK Kingmaker Novices’ Chase. Kalashnikov is a general 7-1 chance for the Racing Post Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival next month. He won his first two starts over fences, but was beaten by Dynamite Dollars in the Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase at Kempton over Christmas. Terence O’Brien’s nine-year-old got off the mark at the second attempt over the bigger obstacles when successful at Naas in December. As well as the Arkle, he also holds engagements in the RSA and JLT Novices’ Chase at the Festival. O’Brien said: “He seems in good form. He was due to run at Leopardstown last weekend, but I pulled him out because the ground was just too quick there. “He was second to Getabird on his first run over fences and he won the last day, but it was only a three-horse race so we’re not sure where we are with him. “It will tell us whether we go for a handicap or head for the Arkle.” Kalashnikov’s trainer Amy Murphy has also given the six-year-old an entry in Newbury’s Betfair Exchange Chase, registered as the Game Spirit, the same day — but that is just as a precaution. “He’s absolutely fine. He did his last piece of work this morning,” said Newmarket-based Murphy on Tuesday. “Warwick is the plan. We put him in at Newbury as a precaution after the way things have been over the last few weeks. We thought he may as well have two entries rather than one.” Also Among the potential opposition to Kalashnikov is Harry Fry’s French import Dalila Du Seuil, who made a winning British debut at Exeter last month. Dan Skelton’s Destrier has won both his starts over fences and is another to hold an Arkle entry. Other Kingmaker possibles are Charlie Longsdon’s Castifiore, Dr Richard Newland’s Dustin Des Mottes, Mick Channon’s Glen Forsa and the Nicky Henderson-trained Whatswrongwithyou.
