Hourigan predicts bold Arteea show

Michael Hourigan expects Arteea to create a favourable impression in the Baileys Arkle Perpetual Challenge Cup Novice Chase at Leopardstown on Sunday.

The seven-year-old lowered the colours of the useful Wild Passion at Naas earlier in the month and is reported to be in fine fettle ahead of the two-mile-one-furlong event.

“It’s a good race and it’s competitive but I think he’ll run a big race,” said the County Limerick handler.

“It’s a better race than it normally is but my horse is going the right way.

“He didn’t run well at Christmas (he finished fourth behind Missed That in the Durkan New Homes Novice Chase at Leopardstown) but I fancied him to beat Wild Passion and he did it, and did it well,” he told At The Races.

Arteea is currently a best priced 40-1 with Ladbrokes to win the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival in March.