GLOBAL Citizen propelled himself into the reckoning for the Arkle with a blistering display at Kempton.
The classy seven-year-old ran his rivals ragged to win the Grade 2 Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase, giving trainer Ben Pauling a welcome boost.
The yard had been under a cloud for much of the season, with a virus causing havoc.
But stable star Global Citizen, who was a well-held fourth on chasing debut at Carlisle, was spring-heeled under a ballsy David Bass.
Rouge Vif, Grand Sancy and Al Dancer all lined up to have a crack in the home straight but he galloped on relentlessly, with the bookies going as short as 14-1 for the Arkle in March.
The well-punted favourite Fanion D’Estruval was bitterly disappointing and trailed home in fifth place.
Pauling said: “It’s been really tough for everyone at home. The staff have been incredible and the owners have been very patient.
“It was a really good performance on ground he would’ve hated. He goes well fresh so you might not see him now until the Arkle.
“He’s got so many gears and he makes it hard for the others to get on terms with him.
“They were all queuing up in behind but he showed real guts.”
Later on the card, Jonny Burke gave Bun Doran a peach of a ride to win the Grade 2 Desert Orchid Chase.
In a race lacking depth, Burke was positive from the outset on Tom George’s two-miler.
Duc Des Genievres and Sceau Royal moved strongly on the leader’s heels, while red-hot jolly Capeland was on and off the bridle throughout.
But Bun Doran didn’t miss a beat throughout and a fine leap at the last sealed the prize.
Burke said: “He stayed on well and jumping was his forte today.
“He was keen and he stays two miles well, so I wanted to make it a good test out there. I knew that was probably the best way to catch out Sceau Royal.
“He was really good today and that was probably his Gold Cup, but he will have to step back up in class now.”
