Nine runners for the grade 2 Argento Chase at Cheltenham on Saturday. Paul Nicholls trained the winner for the past two years with Taranis in 2010 and Neptune Collonges in last years renewal.

It's a race that has not looked kindly at the favourites with not one going on to justify their position in the last nine years. This year it's Philip Hobbs's Captain Chris who goes off as the one most fancied, currently a 5/2 chance with Paddy Power.

This eight year old was last seen taking third slot in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day after a shot at the Haldon Gold Cup in November ended without his partner after a mistake in the latter stages.

He is joined by Cheltenham lover Time For Rupert 10/3 who arrives after winning the Betfair Graduation Chase at Newbury in the middle of December, back to a tougher task here but he is more than up to the job if luck is on his side while Diamond Harry 10/3 appears from November when taking fourth in the Betfair Chase.

Midnight Chase 11/2 is another who usually performs well at Cheltenham, he was last seen at this track back in March when taking fifth in the Gold Cup. Third slot in the Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase was his last adventure on Boxing Day at Wetherby. He is reported to be in great shape and is one that gives little concern for the gallop up the hill.

Tidal Bay, Little Josh, Knockara Beau, Any Currency and The Sawyer complete the star studded field.

Age Trend: Range: 7 - 11yo.

Trainer Trend: PF Nicholls has trained two winners in the last ten years.

Jockey Trend: AP McCoy has ridden two winners of this race for two different trainers in the last ten years.

Favourite Trend: The favourite has not won this race in the last ten years.

Weight Trend: Range: 11-4 - 11-10.

Official Rating Trend: Range: 138 - 167. (No OR for the 2004 winner.)