Sceaux looks special in Arkle

Un De Sceaux blew away his two rivals with an electric display in the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase at Leopardstown.

The 8/11 favourite took up his customary front-running position in the 2m1f contest and produced some extravagant leaps in a fine display of jumping.

Gilgamboa was the first to crack as he came off the bridle after the second last while Clarcam cried enough before the last in the Grade 1 event.

Ruby Walsh let Un De Sceaux ease clear before the last and pushed him out briefly on the run-in to record a comprehensive 15-length success.

The Willie Mullins-trained gelding was recording his second victory over fences and is now as short as 4/6 for the Arkle at Cheltenham.

"His jumping was fantastic today, and he looked reasonably settled. He stood off the first one down the back and got a bit close to the second last but otherwise he was very good," said Mullins.

"He's passed the test today, and the Arkle will be his target at Cheltenham. I was concerned about the ground today but if anything he was better. He€'s a bit stronger this year but is not down to his best racing weight yet.

"He was quite calm today and if he can repeat that performance (at Cheltenham) he will be tough to beat. I thought he was awesome today."

Ruby Walsh added: "They're two good horses behind him, Gilgamboa and Clarcam.

"We went a good, honest gallop. I think the boys thought I might go a bit faster, but I thought I was going plenty quick.

"He jumped really well. He was good and brave down the back, he was very clever at the second-last and he quickened away from them and won very well at the death.

"I'd love the way he quickened off the bend and galloped all the way to the line. It's a tough test here. People don't realise how stiff Leopardstown is.

"For a front-runner that does everything on the bridle and going forward, he does find. He doesn't stop. You know there's a bit in the tank.

"This hasn't been an easy horse to mind, train, ride, anything. To get him where he is now is a job well done."

Comparing Un De Sceaux to some of the other top two-mile chasers he has ridden, the jockey said: "I suppose he's a bit like Azertyuiop. Azertyuiop was forward-going.

"Master Minded was a great ride. Azertyuiop took a bit of riding. He was always on your hands and wanting to go and this fellow is the same.

"I love the way he goes at fences, he doesn't back off."

Walsh went on: "I know from riding him in Auteuil, and even from the day Barry Geraghty rode him in Auteuil, that when you give him a smack there is something in the tank. He's not just a 'flash harry' that when you get after him, he goes to a trot, when you do give him a smack, he does find plenty.

"I was letting him go forward today as he won't be running again before Cheltenham so I was trying to teach him.

"I was letting him go forwards - today was all about 'go' because the Arkle will be all about 'go'.

"He was long at the first down the back and I was giving him the office to go if he wanted to and if he wanted to get in (close) the option was there for him, but he stood at the wings and came."

Arkle betting on Un De Sceaux - Betfair 11/10 (from 2), BoyleSports 1/1 (from 2), Paddy Power 4/5 (from 2), Ladbrokes 4/6 (from 7/4). (Additional reporting by Alan Magee)