Fair Not A Long Shot For Cheltenham Glory

Fair Along consolidated his position at the head of William Hill's Irish Independent Arkle betting with a effortless win at Newbury in the Weatherbys Printing Novices' Chase.

Sent off the warm 2-5 favourite Philip Hobbs' Triumph Hurdle runner up jumped well throughout eventually going on to score by a distance from Killaghy Castle.

William Hill reacted to the performance by cutting Fair Along to 7-2 from 9-2 for the Irish Independent Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival.

William Hill's Spokesman Ben Clarke added: "Since his switch to fences Fair Along has continued to develop into a seriously good chaser and unlike some of his Arkle rivals he already boasts the all important Cheltenham form. He wasn't up against alot today but you can only beat what's in front of you and it will take an extremely good performance by one of his rivals to knock him off the top of our Ante-Post list."

Irish Independent Arkle: 7-2 Fair Along (from 9-2), 10-1 Lennon, My Way De Solzen, 14-1 Schindlers Hunt, 16-1 Acambo, Briareus, Buena Vista, Glenfinn Captain, Twist Magic, 20-1 Jack The Giant, Killaghy Castle, 25-1 Afsoun, Esprit Saint, Gemini Lucy, 33-1 Blueberry Boy, Conna Castle, Good Spirit, Howle Hill, Natal, Nous Voila, Power Elite, Rasharrow, Skys The Limit, Stoway, Wanango, 40-1 Tidal Fury, 50-1 Penzance.