Arvika leads Irish Arkle hopefuls
Arvika Ligeonniere is one of five entries from Willie Mullins in the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Chase at Leopardstown on January 27.
The eight-year-old missed the last campaign through injury, but is unbeaten over fences having won two Grade Ones on his last two outings.
Ireland’s champion trainer has a strong back-up squad, headed by Graham Wylie’s Boston Bob, who would be taking a drop in trip having scored over two and a half miles on his chasing debut.
Mikael D’Haguenet could run as well as Twinlight, who won the Craddockstown Novice Chase last time out, and Marito, who has had just one run over fences for Mullins.
Mullins’ brother Tom has entered last season’s County Hurdle winner, Alderwood, who is yet to win in two runs over the bigger obstacles. Stablemate Klepht could also run.
Jessica Harrington was talking of stepping Oscars Well up in trip having apparently been beaten fair and square by Arvika Ligeonniere at Christmas but she has nevertheless given him the option, along with Jenari.
Harrington has also entered the mare Burn And Turn.
Tony Martin’s Grade One-winning hurdler Benefficient completes the 11 possibles.
