Argento Chase 2012

2.35 Cheltenham

Argento Chase (Registered As The Cotswold Chase) (Grade 2) (Class 1)  (5YO plus)

Winner £56,950

Advice: 2 pts win Captain Chris (3/1 Ladbrokes, Bet365), 1 pt Captain Chris to win & place in the Gold Cup (8/1 general)

Diamond Harry: Brought all of his promise together when winning the Hennessy from similarly unexposed rival, moving like class act and winning in good time(Tendon injury kept him out of Gold Cup); Travelled ominously well in Betfair Chase but had no answers to pressure once things go serious, although it may be that he just did need the run; Distance behind Kauto Star and Long Run means that he should be right there at the finish and major player.

Little Josh: Revived by front running tactics last season when landing Paddy Power Gold Cup fron the front with great ride, but same tactics failed him off higher mark at December meeting and then on this fixture last year; Stamina for this trip also not assured.

Midnight Chase: Has improved 36lb on official ratings in last 12 months, winning six of his last seven outings before hugely creditable fifth in Gold Cup; Big chance based on that form and improved from poor reappearance effort when third in the Rowlaynd Meyrick, conceding more than a stone to front two; That effort gives him a sold chance here and loves this C&D.

Time For Rupert: Quickly made up into one of leading novice chasers of last season, bolting up on two chase starts before disappointing at Cheltenham Festival, although that should be readily forgiven (unfit for the race and broke blood vessel); Travelled well on comeback in Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby before being well beaten in the end and same result again in the Betfair Chase, when well beaten (behind Diamond Harry); Won easily in Graduation Chase last time and course record here gives hope, for all that he needs to improve on this season’s form.

Captain Chris: Took his time to get the hang of chasing but made into the leading novice chaser of last year with win in Arkle, followed up by gritty display at Punchestown; Less successful this season, unseating after the last when looking set to win Haldon Gold Cup, and then being held up by training problems before King George third, which was very creditable given that he was likely to have needed the run; Stamina questions for some to ask but his form credentials look very solid and should take the beating here.

Any Currency: Good return from long break (385 days) when second to progressive/classy types in London National; Couldn’t last the slog that was the Welsh National (no shame in that) but beaten too far in handicap company to suggest he’d be taking a hand here last time,

Knockara Beau: Hard to find a more consistent horse over hurdles and chase form isn’t that bad either (still 5lbs below last winning mark over fences); Cheltenham effort is good but well behind Midnight Chase on that form.

The Sawyer: Loveable veteran; Lots of solid efforts this season, including when third here nearly a month ago; Fourth behind According To Pete well beaten just a week ago and hard to see

Tidal Bay: High class hurdler chaser/who went something of a revival last season, running on late past beaten horses in Betfair Chase, Argento Chase and Gold Cup before unseating in Grand National; Decent return over hurdles when shaping as if he retained all ability and of interest getting weight from the main form players, for all that his poor strike rate isn’t convincing.

VERDICT: A better than usual quality renewal of the Argento, and one that could give us a proper contender for the Gold Cup. Diamond Harry and Time For Rupert both have strong claims on their best form, but CAPTAIN CHRIS’s effort when third in the King George is a strong enough piece of form to give him a hand, with the added bonus that he might improve for it having had training problems beforehand. The only possible negative regarding his prep maybe that no market leader has been successful since 1999, although he may not be market leader at the off. Tidal Bay and Midnight Chase deserve respect.