Chase Can Surprise in Argento

The defection of the reformed Tidal Bay has taken some of the lustre off the Argento Chase (14:25) at Cheltenham today, but that doesn’t detract from the appeal of the race from a betting perspective. Most of the field have questions to answer, with Grands Crus bringing the best form but increasingly looking a doubtful stayer, and Imperial Commander returning from a long absence due to injury. The latter has also had a setback this season which has delayed his comeback, and the fitting of a tongue tie sounds a further warning. Hunt Ball’s trainer has been at pains to point that he is much better on good ground, and Weird Al was laboured on his reappearance. That blows the race wide open, and the one which appeals most at current odds is last year’s winner Midnight Chase. Neil Mulholland’s gelding comes here on the back of a poor effort in the Lexus over Christmas, but that run is easily forgiven as he was unable to find a rhythm and his usually excellent jumping let him down. He will be much happier back at his favoured venue today, and should lead this field a merry dance. Better ground would have been ideal, but he’s actually won on all 3 occasions he’s met heavy ground, and should handle conditions as well as any. Conceding weight all round will be no cakewalk either, but he still looks overpriced at 18.5 on Betfair, and is sure to trade much shorter if taking up his accustomed position at the head of affairs.

In the Victor Chandler Chase, it doesn’t take a genius to predict that the imperious Sprinter Sacre will take the world of beating, but the race for second is intriguing, and Somersby makes much more appeal than likely 2^nd favourite Sanctuaire, who needs to show he can operate left-handed over fences, and didn’t entirely convince with the way he went about it when winning at Kempton last time. Somersby won this race at Ascot last year, and is always at his best fresh, so can be expected to run to his best on his first run for Mick Channon. Channon’s record with the horses he’s acquired from Hen Knight reads well,  and while he’s never one to rely on completely, this is probably the time to catch him.  The best way to play him is to be second to Sprinter Sacre in an Exacta, rather than in the Betfair RFC market.

Recommended Bets:

Back Midnight Chase  in the 14:25 Cheltenham @ [18.5] (NAP)

Back Sprinter Sacre/Somersby (Exacta)  in the 13:50 Cheltenham  (NB)

http://sports.betfair.com/Index.do?mi=108050342&ex=1&origin=MRL