Argento Chase: Timeform's runner-by-runner guide

Tidal Bay would have a great chance should Nicholls give him the go ahead

Timeform examine each runner in the prestigious Argento Chase at Cheltenham on Saturday...

Midnight Chase landed this contest in 2012, and made a satisfactory return to the fray when third in Charlie Hall at Wetherby. Rare poor run in Lexus last time when not jumping with usual fluency, and should bounce back.

Tidal Bay has been rejuvenated in recent months, and followed an excellent second to Bobs Worth in the Hennessy with a last-gasp success in Lexus at Leopardstown over Christmas. Late setback a slight concern, however.

Wayward Prince was freshened up by a change of scenery when good second behind Silviniaco Conti in Charlie Hall, before winning 25f listed event at Aintree last time. Plenty more required at this level of competition.

Weird Al's 2011/12 campaign rather petered out after an excellent start. Back to form when fourth in Betfair Chase in November, but looked laboured in doing so, and has a bit to prove as a result.

Calgary Bay enjoyed a bright start to 2012, winning here on New Year's Day before taking Skybet Chase at Doncaster. Heavy ground an excuse for below-par efforts for new yard, and capable of bouncing back.

Cape Tribulation was better than ever when landing pair of valuable handicap handicaps in the spring, and matched that form over fences when taking Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby last month. This is altogether tougher.

Hey Big Spender is very smart when keeping errors down, as shown when twice victorious in valuable staying handicaps last season. Out of sorts this term, however, and best avoided until showing more spark.

Grands Crus looked exceptional when slamming Silviniaco Conti and Bobs Worth at Kempton as a novice, but has had his problems since. Went well for long way in King George last time, but may prove best at up to 3m.

Little Josh is a bold-jumping front-runner who won Paddy Power here in 2010. Back to best to take Grand Sefton at Aintree last month in a tongue tie, but looked a non-stayer in this contest last season.

Quartz de Thaix is a smart jumper who has returned in top form, winning over 3m at Bangor and Haydock in November and just touched off by Master Overseer here last month. Likely to find life more difficult now, though.

Hunt Ball had a remarkable 2011/12 campaign, when last of 7 wins came in 2m novices' handicap here in March. Better effort this term when second in Peterborough Chase last month, but may have reached his limit now.

Imperial Commander has an excellent record here, beating Denman to take 2010 Gold Cup, but finished lame in 2011 renewal, and not seen since. Big ask to turn back the clock after such an absence, but folly to dismiss.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Tidal Bay
2. Midnight Chase
3. Grands Crus

Timeform View: Tidal Bay will take all the beating if deemed fit to run after a late injury scare, having looked a reformed character in recent starts. In his absence, last year's winner Midnight Chase makes most appeal, given doubts over Grands Crus' stamina for this test, and the fitness of the long-absent Imperial Commander.

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