ARGENTO CHASE AND CLEEVE HURDLE TIPS FOR CHELTENHAM JANUARY 30TH

We're getting our last glimpse of Cheltenham before the festival begins in six weeks time. I have a feeling that over the course of tomorrow's card, we're going to see at least one or more solid reference races for outings at this year's Gold Cup Festival. The first big one of the day is 2:35 Argento Chase where we have a talented field of 7 facing off over 3m1f. The two betting favourites on the way in here, are the talented Carruthers and Tom Scudamore's Madison Du Berlais. The spoiler looks to be the deadly Ruby Walsh/Paul Nicholls tandem shaping up again with Inchidaly Rock – a quirky sort who has victories over the course and distance. He's stepping up to Graded level for the first time and I think he could spring a real surprise if given the right type of trip. 
Carruthers came 4th in last year's RSA Chase and he turned back Paul Nicholls and Ruby with Big Fella Thanks last time out in December at Newbury. He looks to be the betting favourite around 9/4 while Madison Du Berlais is seeking out that first victory of the season. He's been beaten 3rd and 2nd in his two outings this year to Kauto Star, so you can hardly blame him. He has been running at or near the highest level for some time now and it's going to be an interesting prospect if he gets into a duel with the fiesty Inchidaly Rock, who is fresh off the novice circuit. You'll find Inchidaly Rock trading at 10/3 and Madison Du Berlais at 11/4. 
Taranis, another Paul Nicholls charge, has been unraced since 2007 and he's looking to step back into the business today. His last outing was the 2007 King George (won by Kauto Star) where he was pulled up. You'll find him at 14/1. Ollie McGern looks a long shot at 25/1, while Joe Lively trades at 12/1. The misfiring Knowhere brings up the rear at 33/1, I expect him to drift quite high on the exchanges. 
I think Carruthers and Inchidaly Rock may duel for the lead most of the way, Madison Du Berlais could take advantage if they tire. 
The Neptune Investment Management Novice's Hurdle is another Grade 2 affair and we've got a field of 7 ready to go 2m4f. This one looks a duel between the highly-rated undefeated Nicky Henderson 5 year-old General Miller and the Paul Nicholls up and comer Royal Charm. The Nicholls gelding gets the edge at 5/4 against General Miller's 2/1 listing. Both of these are stepping up in class for this one to compete at Graded level for the first time. One jumper who does know a thing or two about Graded races is the 5/1-rated Henry Oliver Charge Restless Harry, who was just beaten by the talented Reve de Sivola in the Grade 1 Challow Novices' Hurdle at Newbury. 
If you're looking for an outside tip here, try the highly-rated William Hogarth who has finished 2nd in his last two races, he's a consistent sort and could be in with a shout for a place, surely, but also could challenge over the last few furlongs. He looks a snip at 16/1. 
If given the right directions, I think Restless Harry could sweep this one here, but the undefeated General Miller may have a thing or two to say about it. Keep your eyes on William Hogarth on the each-way. 
The final race we're examining is the 3:40 Grade 2 Betfair Cleeve Hurdle over 3 miles. There's plenty of talented selections here boasting double digit prices and if 7/2 early favourite Lie Forrit doesn't get the victory, some punters will definitely be going home with large payouts. That's unusual for a horse to be rated so highly who has never won in graded company, but we still expect him to keep improving. He is certainly the best long-shot of the day. Fair Along, who trades at 10/1, drops down from Grade 1 action and he's already got a Grade 2 victory under his belt this year- scoring in the John Smith's Hurdle at Wetherby. I think he's a very strong each-way shout. 
Paul Nicholls erratic jumper Tatenen heads off here at 14/1 and he's just not consistent enough for me.  Tidal Bay is an interesting selection at 11/1, but I don't see him competing against the better runners in this race without a fall or anyone being pulled up. I think he could be a factor on a place if given the perfect trip. Kayf Aramis trades at 14/1 and steps back down after a 4/8 at Grade 1 level in the Long Walk Hurdle at Newbury on December 29th. 
The question to answer here is just how progressive is Lie Forrit? Fair Along looks set to capitalize and 7/1 Katchit is also worth a look.