Midnight Chase takes the Argento Chase

Midnight Chase (9/2) notched another win at his beloved Cheltenham in the Grade 2, Argento Chase.

Neil Mulholland's stable star was recording a fifth win at the track as he adopted his usual front-running tactics and got into a good ryhthm with his jumping.

The challengers lined up in behind on the second circuit headed by Little Josh and Diamond Harry (10/3jfav) but they had both been seen off at the second last.

It left Tidal Bay to go in pursuit in the closing stages after Ruby Walsh cajoled him into contention but he could not reel in the gallant winner and went down by two and three quarter lengths.

Knockara Beau (22/1) ran on from miles back for third as Time For Rupert (10/3jfav) ran another below-par race back in fourth while Captain Chris was pulled up in the early stages by Richard Johnson after a series of erratic jumps out to the right.

Winning trainer Neil Mulholland said: "He's great for the yard and it's great for Lady Clarke (owner).

"I'm delighted, we've had a bad time so this is great.

"We just haven't had the horses. We've had success for a couple of years and a lot are badly handicapped.

"Him and Dougie get on great together."

Mulholland added: "I thought he was in the same form as a year ago but he's got stronger and he's very genuine.

"He loves racing and he loves Cheltenham so he has to go for the Gold Cup after that."

Paul Nicholls said of Tidal Bay: "I'm pleased for the horse and he's had a good run round. We can make a plan now but we'll keep all options open."

George Charlton said of Knockara Beau: "We'll be back in March, probably for a handicap."

Sky Bet make the winner a 16-1 chance to repeat the dose back here in March in the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup