Apache in frame for Irish Arkle

Noel Meade is considering a tilt at the Irish Arkle with Apache Stronghold after he finished second at Grade One level for a third time in the Topaz Novice Chase at Leopardstown on Monday.

Having previously chased home Valseur Lido in the Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse in November, the seven-year-old found Don Poli too strong on his first start over three miles.

Meade is unsure whether Apache Stronghold got home over the longer trip and he could come back to around two miles at Leopardstown on January 25.