Paul Nicholls can underline the strength in depth of his novice chasing team by sending out Opera Mundi to success at Newbury today This five-year-old is as low as 16-1 for the Arkle Challenge Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival after winning on his debut over fences last November. That was a hugely impressive performance, with the French-bred turning what looked a competitive event into a procession, coming home 22 lengths clear of previous winner Petitjean.
Although he benefited from a 13lb weight-for-age allowance, the margin of victory suggests he would have come out well on top even without that advantage. Opera Mundi looks to have improved over the summer after a fair hurdling campaign last term and Nicholls has admitted he holds this one in some regard.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article