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A compact but talented field looks set to contest one of the most enticing races at this weekend’s Cheltenham fixture as ten quality geldings prepare to tackle the Grade 2 Argento Chase. This 3m1f110y challenge brings together Grand National winner Mon Mome and former Gold Cup contender Madison Du Berlais along with Neptune Collonges, Tidal Bay and The Sawyer.

The youngest of the entrants appears to be the one to beat from the ante post perspective with Paul Webber’s Time For Rupert taking the bulk of the early money. The seven year-old son of Flemensfirth hasn’t finished outside of the first two since a disappointing spin at Ascot back in November of 2009. The Cheltenham specialist has run his last five races over this surface and his runner-up finish to Big Buck’s shows plenty of credibility but punters will wonder if Tidal Bay can get the best of him like he did back in January of last year in the Cleeve Hurdle? Time For Rupert trades as low as 11/8.

Tidal Bay hasn’t scored since that Grade 2 victory but could be poised for a slice of this one as he comes in as a co-bottom-weight. He stayed on pretty well to finish second to Imperial Commander in the Grade 1 Betfair Chase at Haydock back in November and that was, incidentally, his last outing. It will be interesting to see if he fires off the brief lay-off. Tidal Bay can be backed as high as 11/2.

Punchestowns will be looking to get back to his best here as his 2010 record if highlighted by a score over Tchico Polos in the Challengers’ Novice Chase at Sandown back in February when sent off at a slim 4/11. He has put in his career-best figures over the Cheltenham surface but that over hurdles in lieu of fences. Punters will be forgiven for looking elsewhere as he is yet to score off the novice chase circuit. Confidence does appear to be there for the Nicky Henderson-owned eight year-old as he is second in the ante post with a 5/2 price.

Paul Nicholls’ Taranis is back to defend his score here last year when he beat out Carruthers to return at 16/1. It was a relatively comfortable victory for the French-bred son of Mansionnien and marked his return from an incredible two year lay-off. He put in a falling effort over this course on New Years’ Day.