Nine declared for Argento Chase Captain Chris, Diamond Harry and Time For Rupert are the star names among nine declared runners for tomorrow's Argento Chase at Cheltenham. With top-class novice Grands Crus taken out as anticipated, King George VI Chase third Captain Chris heads the betting for Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson. The talented, but fragile, Diamond Harry missed the Christmas 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. "If there is a bit of improvement there, that would be great. I think we see the best of him in the spring. Obviously he needs to improve to beat Kauto Star and Long Run, but you'd like to think he's the one they've got to beat in the Argento." The King George was Captain Chris' first attempt at three miles and he has another furlong and a half to contend with this weekend. Johnson, however, does not expect stamina to be a problem for last season's Arkle winner. "I didn't think the trip was a problem in the King George as we've always seen him as more of a stayer than a quick horse," said the jockey. "It was obviously nice to win the Arkle last year, but we've always thought he would get further and we'll obviously find out a lot more after the Argento." Time For Rupert has thrived since his Newbury triumph, according to trainer Paul Webber, who is looking for a big performance to boost his Cheltenham Gold Cup claims. "We couldn't have been more pleased with his six weeks since Newbury and I think he's in tremendous form," said the Oxon handler. "The ground should be fine and the track is fine, so we're going to find out exactly where we are. "I think we're all hoping to prove that we can finish third or fourth in the Gold Cup by winning tomorrow. Let's hope the dream is still alive on Saturday night. "I hope there are no hard-luck stories as this is a very nice race to win in it's own right."
