Romeo Coolio facing just two rivals in Irish Arkle

Romeo Coolio will face just two rivals when he looks for a third straight Grade One success over the larger obstacles in the Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Chase.

Gordon Elliott’s charge was a top-level winner over the same course and distance at Christmas, when needing every yard to down Irish Panther.

He did have the option of taking on Final Demand in Sunday’s longer Ladbrokes Novice Chase, but with the wet weather that has hit Leopardstown in recent weeks set to ensure testing conditions, Elliott is happy to take the shorter option once again.

The two-mile attraction lost some of its muster when along with the aforementioned Irish Panther, Willie Mullins’ Kopek Des Bordes was not declared on Thursday morning, leaving Kargese to fly the flag for Closutton.

Henry de Bromhead’s Downmexicoway completes the trio involved.

Elliott will also field the unbeaten Mange Tout in the Gannon’s City Recovery & Recycling Services Juvenile Hurdle which has drawn a field of seven, with Mullins looking to win it for the fourth time in five years with Grade Two course winner Narciso Has who impressed over the festive period.

Mullins will also be represented by French import Selma De Vary, who carries the Rich and Susannah Ricci silks on her stable debut, and Limerick winner Bertutea.

Elliott’s contingent includes Barbizon and Immediate Effect, the mount of Sean Bowen, with the sextet rounded off by North shore who represents last year’s winning handler Gavin Cromwell and was third to Narciso Has at Christmas.

Mullins looks to hold the ace card in the opening Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle where Doctor Steinberg sets a lofty standard on what he has achieved so far this term.

Nine head to post with Elliott saddling four in opposition, including Kazansky and Santo Sospir.