Ark ready for chasing bow

Leading novice hurdler Roman Ark is likely to make his chasing debut at Carlisle on Monday.

Malcolm Jefferson’s grey rattled off a three-timer last winter, including one of the best performances by a novice when thrashing Baby Run and Turpin Green in a Grade Two event at Haydock.

He was subsequently a shade disappointing in the Tote Gold Trophy and the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle, although his trainer hopes he has a bright future over fences.

Roman Ark had been entered for Saturday’s Famous Grouse Novices’ Chase at Ayr, but will wait for the Rydal Beginners’ Chase at the Cumbrian circuit.

“I don’t think he’ll run at Ayr this weekend – I’m looking at Carlisle on Monday now,” said Jefferson.

“He jumps well – he jumped some fences last season. It will be nice to get him out and I’m hoping for a good season with him, the only thing is that he has nearly always needed his first run.”