2.30 Cheltenham
Argento Chase (Registered As The Cotswold Chase) (Grade 2) (Class 1) (5YO plus)
Winner £51,309
Pick: Punchestowns (win)
Punchestowns: Rapidly developed into a top-class hurdler, winning 4 of 7 starts including the Long Walk Hurdle and coming second in the Cleeve and World Hurdle in March; Continued in the same vein over fences when dotting upon his first 2 starts over fences and although he’s been beaten on both occasions since, has valid excuses; Bad preparation before being launched too soon into RSA Chase (injured), and should improve plenty for his reappearance at Newbury last month (gave 3lbs to runner up); Should improve plenty and arguably the one to beat.
Madison Du Berlais: Was an absolute revelation 2 seasons ago when winning this very race (off a 12lbs higher mark the Levy Board Chase (beat Denman by 23 lengths ) and Totesport Bowl; Hasn’t been in the same form since due to a mark of 169 but ran creditably on most occasions since barring a poor run in the King George; This not his favourite course.
Neptune Collonges: Has been rather underrated in presence of Denman and Kauto Star, having come third in Gold Cup behind Denman and excellent second behind Kauto 2 years ago before injury struck; Was brought down in Hennessy and while seemingly disappointed last time, could have done with a much better start and will improve for that run fitness wise; Entry here suggests stable believe he’s retained ablity.
The Tother One: Quickly made up into very smart chaser after a lay-off, coming arguably unlucky second in Badger Ales Trophy and behind The Packadge at Cheltenham; Ruined his chances by jumping badly a lot last season but has held his jumping together much better this year, coming second behind Nacarat in the Charlie Hall chase and being beaten only by Denman, Burton Port and Diamond Harry in the Hennessy last time; That run excellent and small field set to suit.
Tidal Bay: Never really went on after hugely promising novice season but showed good promise over hurdles, winning the Cleeve; Failed to build on that with a lacklustre seventh at Cheltenham but right back to form when coming less than two lengths second to Imperial Commander in the Betfair Chase last time; May prove flattered by that but this should suit.
VERDICT: The race revolves around how well The Tother One and Tidal Bay travel in this small field, but PUNCHESTOWNS still remains a horse of considerable potential and will surely improve for his reappearance run last month, so is taken to put down his Gold Cup marker.
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