Captain Chris backed to lead the way after King George disappointment

CAPTAIN Chris, Diamond Harry and Time For Rupert are among nine runners in the Argento Chase on a top-class card at Cheltenham this afternoon.

Third in the King George VI Chase, Captain Chris heads the betting for Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson, while the talented, but fragile, Diamond Harry missed the Boxing Day highlight, but is set for a return to competitive action after finishing fourth in the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November.

Three-time Cheltenham winner Time For Rupert returns to Prestbury Park following a confidence-boosting win in a minor event at Newbury. Another horse with a fine record at the Gloucestershire circuit is the Neil Mulholland-trained Midnight Chase, while champion trainer Paul Nicholls saddles mercurial veteran Tidal Bay. Knockara Beau, Any Currency, The Sawyer and Little Josh complete the field.

Johnson is convinced Captain Chris is better than he showed in the King George, despite finishing third behind Kauto Star and Long Run. “He feels very well in himself at home. We didn’t feel he was horrendously bad at Kempton, but we just didn’t feel he was as good as he can be,” said Johnson. “He didn’t jump as fluently as he could do, and didn’t travel quite as nicely as he can do. We’re hoping if he can run to the King George form he’ll run a big race.”

Big Buck’s will face five rivals as he bids for his 15th straight win in the Rewards4Racing Cleeve Hurdle, while a clash between two of the ante-post favourites for the Triumph Hurdle lights up the undercard at Cheltenham. Grumeti and Baby Mix go head-to-head in the JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial, with the winner likely to be a warm order for the juvenile championship in March.

Grumeti made a fine hurdling debut at Taunton in December, defeating former smart Flat performer Ted Spread by 14 lengths. He then looked the real deal during a juvenile hurdle at Newbury, only to slip up after the second-last flight.

Such was the striking impression left by that performance, Grumeti was still cut in price by most bookmakers for the Triumph Hurdle. He has shown no ill effects since, and trainer Alan King is keen to get some experience of Cheltenham’s undulations before March.

Tom George is still somewhat in the dark as to how good Baby Mix is following his easy victory at Cheltenham, while another major contender is Donald McCain’s Hollow Tree, already a Grade One winner on heavy ground at Chepstow.

Qianshan Leader can take his game to the next level by winning the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster. Cheltenham Trials Day will rightly generate plenty of buzz with a view to the Festival, but this Grade Three handicap on Town Moor is arguably the most interesting race of the afternoon from a betting perspective.