Hales sings praises of his big Arkle prospect

Neptune Collonges will fly the John Hales flag at Cheltenham in two weeks time - but the Shropshire businessman was this week singing the praises of his big Arkle hope I'msingingtheblues.

Hales was at Cheltenham this week when the weights were announced for all the Handicaps at the Festival - and he was boosted by the news that Henrietta Knight was learning towards the Jewson Novices Chase for ante-post favourite Calgary Bay.

Seventh in the County Hurdle at last season's Festival I'msingingtheblues will be aiming for a hat trick when he lines up in the Arkle Chase and Hales said: "He has done nothing wrong and I thought his performance at Doncaster last time was the best yet.

"I am very hopeful. Paul Nicholls will also have Tatenen in the race and I cannot believe what I have heard in that Calgary Bay will be going in any race but the Arkle and I think we have a chance.

"He is such a little battler and he will come up that hill."

Like Neptune Collonges, I'msingingtheblues will be ridden by Christian Williams, a rider that Hales has a lot of respect for and he said: "In my opinion he is riding better than ever."

Certainly Nicholls was full of confidence for I'msingingtheblues. He said: "He has already won at Cheltenham and I believe he is right in the mix for the Arkle. He is not very big but he jumps and stays very well."

By Bob Downing