29th Jan 2011 | Horse Racing
Argento Chase Betting Preview
The quirky Tidal Bay and the classy Punchestowns battle it out at Cheltenham. Find out who we think will come out on top.
A Gold Cup trial in name, the line up aren’t threatening to win the big one in March but they have points to prove and £50,000 for the winner helps.
Punchestowns should take all the beating today. A classy hurdler he was always a chaser in the making, unfortunately his promising career took a set back when injured in last year’s RSA chase as did his reputation, he is the forgotten man in the brave new world of chasers.
His standing took another knock when turned over at 4/11 on his reappearance at Newbury, not that you could see him through the mist. Punters seem reluctant to trust him again but there are good reasons to keep the faith.
Firstly he was only beaten a head at Newbury by Pride Of Dulcote and if Paul Nicholls is correct in touting the horse as a Gold Cup contender than the form is pretty strong.
Secondly Punchestowns has always improved for his first run of the season, his trainer even stating on the Racing Post, “he’s a big horse who needs plenty of work”.
Thirdly, what has he got to beat? Tidal Bay is unpredictable and his run in the Betfair Chase surely flattered him. The Tother One is a suspect jumper and the rest of the field are regressive.
On Cheltenham Trials day the jury should only need seven minutes recess before acquitting Punchestowns and allowing him back into the world of the top three mile chasers.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 11:45 29th Jan, 2011 but subject to change
