Al Ferof

Age: 7

Trainer: Paul Nicholls

Novice Chase Wins: 2

As soon as Paul Nicholls elected to send Al Ferof over fences, he was always going to be a major player in the ante-post markets for the 2012 Arkle and last year's Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner didn't disappoint followers on his debut at Cheltenham's Open meeting.

Sent off 5/6 favourite on his novice chasing debut, the John Hales-owned grey produced a foot-perfect round of jumping round Cheltenham, eventually beating Astracad by seven lengths.  However, Ruby Walsh never had to get busy with his mount and he would've won by a lot more had Walsh elected to push the six-year-old out to the line.

Handed a tougher assignment next time out, Al Ferof was sent off 4/11 favourite for the Grade One Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown Park and this would prove to be a real battle for the Ditcheat inmate.

Sent to the front with three fences to go, Al Ferof struggled to put daylight between himself and the eyecatching For Non Stop and it would prove to be a battle until the finish.  However, Walsh managed to urge his mount to victory to hold on by a neck and maintain his unbeaten run over fences.  However, it showed he is a real battler and certainly cemented his place towards the head of the Arkle 2012 Betting.

Nicholls is almost certain to send Al Ferof to the Arkle after he was comfortably beaten against seasoned chasers in the Victor Chandler Chase where he was dispatched by Somersby and Finian's Rainbow, however, it will hand the grey more experience and a return to novice company will be a major plus.

Check out the Latest Odds for Al Ferof.