Captain returns to Cheltenham :: Horse Racing News

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02:04 Friday 10th February 2012

Updated: 15th March 2010

Captain returns to Cheltenham

PA News

Captain Cee Bee bids for his second Cheltenham Festival success when he goes to post for the Irish Independent Arkle Trophy.

Eddie Harty's nine-year-old won the Supreme Novices' Hurdle two years ago and although he missed last season through injury, he has returned with all of his ability intact, winning twice and falling at the last when holding every chance in a Grade One at Christmas.

"Everything is fine, the horse is in great form and we are all set. The weather has gone right for him and the ground looks perfect, you can't ask for better than that," said Harty.

"He did his last proper workout eight days ago with some good exercise in between. He got here on Saturday, he travelled well and looks like he is looking forward to it - he's well keyed up for it."

Willie Mullins is slightly concerned that the excitable Sports Line has come to life since arriving at Cheltenham. Second in the Irish Arkle on his last start, he is likely to test Ruby Walsh's skills to the limit.

"Though he has travelled well, he now seems a bit geed up so we will have to see what bearing that has on his performance," said Mullins. "He does seem to be excited by the whole thing but he does tend to get a bit wound up."

Somersby has been kept under wraps at home since landing the Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown three months ago. He has yet to taste defeat in two starts over fences and has pleased trainer Henrietta Knight in the build-up.

"He's done everything right at home since Sandown and we haven't got any complaints. He's very well, so we'll just keep our fingers crossed," said the Wantage trainer. "It's a very hot race and it will be a very good race. A clear round will count for a lot so I just hope we are lucky."

Robert Thornton gets the mount as Tony McCoy, who rode Somersby at Sandown, is claimed by owner JP McManus for Captain Cee Bee.

"We're very happy with the jockey. He's sat on him a number of times and they get on well. He knows him," added Knight.