Captain all set for Arkle

by Michelle Fortune , 15 March 2010

Ground conditions should suit Captain Cee Bee when he runs in Tuesday's Irish Independent Arkle Trophy, according to his trainer Eddie Harty.


Favourite for the Arkle, Captain Cee Bee is returning to Cheltenham for the first time since his Supreme Novices' Hurdle win in 2008 and Harty could not be happier with him.

Indeed, the trainer is delighted with the ground conditions at Prestbury Park believing it to be perfect jumping ground.

"Everything is fine, the horse is in great form and we are all set for tomorrow now," said Harty.

"The weather has gone right for him and the ground looks perfect, you can't ask for better than that.

"I don't think anybody can have much of a complaint over it, it was never going to be soft ground and I'd say it's probably even a bit better than when he won the Supreme, so that has to be a positive.

"It should be just perfect, good jumping ground."

Winner of two of his three starts over fences, Captain Cee Bee hit the deck when looking sure to take a hand in the finish of a Leopardstown Grade One over Christmas, handing the advantage to Henry de Bromhead's Sizing Europe.

He recovered from the fall to win at Naas and Harty is pleased with how his charge is looking ahead of his engagement.

"He did his last proper work out eight days ago with some good exercise in-between," Harty went on.

"He got here on Saturday, he travelled well and looks like he is looking forward to it - he's well-keyed up for it."

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