Osana's all the rage in the Arkle
Punters are putting their faith in Eddie O'Grady's Arkle Challenge Trophy hope Osana following an upbeat report from his trainer.
Formerly trained by David Pipe, and runner-up to Katchit in the 2008 Champion Hurdle, Osana has been the subject of sustained support in the past 48 hours for the Grade 1 event at Cheltenham on 16 March, according to bookmakers Sky Bet.
The eight-year-old won his first two starts in Ireland for O'Grady after moving from Pipe's yard last summer but has been beaten twice subsequently, including when favourite in the Grade 2 Flyingbolt Novice Chase at Navan on Valentine's Day.
O'Grady said: "I think he's a very good jumper and I don't think I've had him 100 per cent fit this year yet. We'd had a bad hold-up with frost before Christmas and in the race at Leopardstown he had to do the donkey work for, on paper, the best two horses around at the moment [Sizing Europe and Captain Cee Bee].
"He is going to do quite a lot of work between now and Cheltenham, so I hope to have a much fitter horse come Tuesday week."
Osana was as big as 33-1 with some firms last week but Sky Bet cut him to 16-1 (from 20s) last night.
Meanwhile, champion trainer Paul Nicholls has ruled out Taranis from his powerful Cheltenham Gold Cup team following a setback.
He was a general 20-1 fifth favourite for the race behind stablemates Kauto Star and Denman after a successful comeback from injury at Cheltenham last month.
Nicholls said: "He has a few problems again and I've not been happy with his work."
