Midnight Chase destroys Argento rivals from front

Report: Cheltenham, Saturday

Argento Chase (Registered as the Cotswold Chase) (Grade 2) 3m1½f, 5yo+

MIDNIGHT CHASE won the Argento from the front under a brilliant ride by Dougie Costello, stealing a soft lead and getting the fractions spot on as he blew the race apart from thefront.

Midnight Chase led the field over the first and was never headed as he came home two and three-quarter lengths clear of Tidal Bay, with a further ten lengths back to Knockara Beau in third.

Captain Chris, third in the William Hill King George, pulled up early after jumping wildly to the right in a race where none of the market principals were ever able to get on terms.

Time For Rupert faded tamely a long way from home after several poor jumps while Diamond Harry, who travelled far more strongly, looked momentarily threatening coming down the hill but didn't pick up in the home straight.

Midnight Chase, whose last four wins have all come at Cheltenham, was ending a frustrating run for trainer Neil Mulholland, who had saddled 26 consecutive losers before Saturday.

"It's great for the yard," he said. "We've been having a bad time of things and this more than makes up for it. We've just not had the horses this year. It's been a good couple of years but they're [the horses] badly handicapped now. If your car isn't going well you change the tyres but you can't change handicap marks." 

It was a much deserved big race success for Costello, who gave Midnight Chase a brilliant ride, saving enough to power clear of the field up the famous Cheltenham hill. Betfred, who sponsor the Gold Cup, cut Midnight Chase to 16-1 (from 40) to follow up at the festival.

Turning for home Tidal Bay looked the main danger under Ruby Walsh and trainer Paul Nicholls said: "If we keep his mind right the Martell Cup might suit him at Aintree, that's what Ruby thought. His jumping is a bit slow and a bit careful. We will see what Graham wants to do."

Geroge Charlton said of Knockara Beau: "The horse went well. I was pleased with him. I sold Tidal Bay to Mr Wylie and we were second and third. We'll be back in March. We may have a look at the Gold Cup."

Paul Webber, trainer of eventual fourth Time For Rupert, added: "Denis said he was flat out all the way. He ran on really well. We have found out that's as good as we are.

"We have to accept last year's novice form has holes in it. We are going to struggle to win the Gold Cup but we could consider making an entry in the Grand National which closes next week."