Ground puts Arcalis bid in doubt

Arcalis, impressive winner of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last March, is far from certain to take his chance in the Champion Hurdle Trial at Haydock on Saturday.

Trainer Howard Johnson had hoped to use the Commhoist Logistics-sponsored contest as a stepping stone towards a tilt at the Champion Hurdle itself but the prevailing heavy ground will not favour the grey.