Taaffe looking forward to Argo run Tom Taaffe expects the likelihood of a sound surface to bring out the best in Argocat in the bet365 Oaksey Chase at Sandown today. Winner of last season's Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park before arguably a career-best effort to finish third in the Betfred Bowl at Aintree, the seven-year-old has endured an protracted campaign this time, not seeing the racecourse until February. After a couple of readying runs over hurdles, Argocat returned over fences in the Webster Cup at Navan last month and turned in a fine effort to fill the runner-up spot behind Felix Yonger. Gold Cup-winning trainer Taaffe said: "We're really looking forward to seeing him run. "He's in good form and the ground should be ideal. He's always run well on nice ground. "His last run in Navan was a very good run, so we're hoping for the best." Argocat is one of 10 runners declared for the two-and-three-quarter-mile Listed contest and is joined on the trip from Ireland by Henry de Bromhead's Home Farm. He was outclassed when pulled up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but his trainer feels he is better than he showed that day. "He was very disappointing the last day. I think we have him back right again so we're going to give it a go. He's in good form," said De Bromhead. Paul Nicholls fires three bullets, with main hope Al Ferof joined by Rebel Rebellion and Rolling Aces. Colin Tizzard is unsure what to expect from Third Intention, another horse who drops in grade after finishing down the field in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham. Tizzard said: "It's a very competitive race, but he's in good form at home and it will be interesting to see how he gets on. We over-faced him last time and this sort of race is more up his street. "We've protected him for a long time running in novice chases and graduation chases, but it's time for him to go into the real world now. I don't know if he's well handicapped or not, to tell you the truth." Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson are ending the season in fantastic form and the combination is represented by Menorah. Richard Woollacott's Raajih, Off The Ground from Emma Lavelle's yard and the Venetia Williams-trained mare Pepite Rose complete the field.
