On-target Kalashnikov has Arkle in sights

KALASHNIKOV proved a big shot on his chasing debut and is now 6-1 favourite (from 7-1) with Paddy Power for the Arkle at Cheltenham.

Last season’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle runner-up went off the 1-4 hotpot for Warwick’s two-mile novice chase and scored by 11 lengths under jockey Jack Quinlan.

“We’re delighted,” said the five-year-old’s trainer Amy Murphy, who will now chase a £60,000 bonus put up by Plumpton for any horse who scores at the Sussex track on December 3 and doubles up at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

“He made a couple of novicey mistakes, but he was entitled to do so, and he was probably only 85% fit today. Other than that, he was good and I’m sure he’ll improve.

“We’ve had our eye on the Plumpton bonus for a while.”

■ WILLIE MULLINS’ Footpad, who landed last season’s Arkle among five triumphs over fences, makes his eagerly awaited return to action in the Poplar Square Chase at Naas today.