Romeo Coolio shades Kargese in Arkle thriller Romeo Coolio fended off Kargese in a thrilling renewal of the Grade One Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Chase over two miles one furlong in Leopardstown. Just three horses went to post and Downmexicoway was soon dropped by the 'big two'. The 4/9 favourite was far from foot perfect after the ditch and was pushed along by Jack Kennedy in their pursuit of Kargese and Paul Townend after the second-last fence. Kargese appeared to be travelling much the better turning for home, but Romeo Coolio's trademark stamina kicked in as he closed on Kargese in jumping the last. He jumped it better than the mare and soon led on the run-in. He looked home for all money in the closing stages, however, Kargese was switched to his inner and gamely responded to challenge him close home. Romeo Coolio held on by a neck, though, from the 2/1 runner-up. Kennedy said: "We went a very strong gallop. My lad's jumping was unbelievable until the ditch down the back and just made two little mistakes then. "I was on the back foot really the whole way from there. I suppose his stamina kicked in down to the last and he probably got a bit lonely in front. To be fair to the mare (Kargese), she was good and hardy to get back at him "He does (have the heart of a lion), he is very tough. "I was very happy with his jumping, I thought it was a lot sharper today until the ditch down the back. I met the next one lovely and I kind of just let him at it himself, thinking he would come and he just put in another little short one. "Thankfully, he got it done anyway. I suppose it is (relief) a bit when you are coming into the weekend thinking he is probably your best chance of a winner. Obviously, we had a great day yesterday, but I suppose with these good horses you just want them to get over the line." Gordon Elliott added: “They went a good gallop, the pedal never came off. They went very fast. “Our lad needs every bit of the trip, he was flat out. The mare had us at it. “He made a few mistakes, but he’s very gutsy and he digs deep. He pulled up when he got to the front then and I was glad the line came when it did. “It’ll be interesting to see what Jack says. I’d say Jack maybe idled a bit as well, he thought he was home and hosed. He should have kept going, but thankfully we held on. “They are great lads and big supporters of Cullentra. This horse was bought to be a stayer, we’re hoping he’ll go the whole way. “I wouldn’t be shocked to see him stepping out in trip now. “He has three Grade One's won now, so everything else is a bonus. The lads are from the UK so they are very keen to have a runner in Cheltenham. “He’ll be in both races and we’ll make our mind up at the time which is the right race to go for.” Dave Rabson from KTDA Racing said: "He’s shown his bottle again. If you look at the two races, here and at Christmas, just after the second last you’re going ‘we’re in a bit of trouble here’ and then he shows you what he’s got. “Three Grade One's this year, he’s a proper horse now. This is what we bought him for, to go over proper fences, for big days, for Grade One's and the boss has given us three. He’s probably even par for this year with me! “We’ll sit down. Dave (Page), Mouse (O’Ryan) and myself will give our opinions, and then Gordon will tell us what we’re doing!” Paddy Power pushed Romeo Coolio out to 3/1 from 9/4 for the Arkle. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
