Current Irish Independent Arkle Trophy favourite Captain Cee Bee is the biggest danger to Henrietta Knight’s big Cheltenham hope Somersby according to jockey Robert Thornton.
Thornton who takes the ride on Somersby on the opening day of the festival in two weeks is confident that his mount can mix it with the very best after winning on him at Sandown in early December beating the well regarded Crack Away Jack.
"He was good at Sandown, very good, and a pleasure to watch. It's an honour to ride him and one that's a little bit out of the blue as I wouldn't have ridden a lot for Henrietta Knight," said the confident Thornton
"I went down and sat on him the other day and will school him in the next few days to get to know him properly and he looks the one who can mix it with Captain Cee Bee."
Somersby is the 6-1 second favourite with Ladbrokes to land the Arkle Trophy behind Captain Cee Bee, who Thornton believes to be the class horse of the race having won on the Irish raider in the Supreme Novices’ at the festival in 2008.
"I won the Supreme on him and if you take the race from halfway down the back you'd say I was first beat, I was off the bridle and scrubbing, and it was pure class that got him onto the heels of the leaders at the second last.
“From turning in he always felt like he was going to pick up and win and he did. He's definitely a top, top class horse," added Thornton.
Captain Cee Bee was impressive when winning last time out and currently heads the betting at the festival at 7-2. For all the latest markets and festival specials head to leading bookmaker Ladbrokes who are also offering a £25 free bet for new customers.
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