D'Argent out to go one better
Alan King's D'Argent heads 25 entries for the totesport Classic Chase at Warwick on Saturday.
The 10-year-old showed a liking for the track in his novice days by rattling up a hat-trick and he ran a blinder in the corresponding race two years ago when he was beaten only by Baron Windrush.
He returned this season having been off the track for more then 18 months with a battling victory at Cheltenham and has been saved for this race.
Welsh National runner-up Mon Mome and Emma Lavelle's Tana River look big dangers, while Carl Llewellyn's novice Snakebite is a fascinating entry.
Sue Smith has three entries in the shape of Undeniable, Ross Comm and recent Haydock winner Sharp Belline.
David Pipe could rely on Bannow Strand, while Sir Rembrandt could take his chance for Robert Alner.
The one representative from Ireland is Dublin Hunter from the in-form Dessie Hughes yard.
Totesport spokesman Damian Walker said: "We've taken no chances with D'Argent as his course form is exceptional, having won three and finished second in this race two years ago from just four course outings.
"D'Argent showed he was at the top of his game with a comeback win at Cheltenham after a long break and Alan King has wisely given him enough time between races to avoid the dreaded bounce."
totesport Classic Chase; sponsors bet: 6-1 D'Argent, 7-1 Mon Mome, 8-1 Tana River, 9-1 Snakebite, 10-1 Ladalko, 11-1 Naunton Brook, 12-1 Hautclan, Howrwenow, L'Aventure, Sharp Belline, 14-1 Keepatem, Kinburn, Sir Rembrandt, Touch Closer, 16-1 Bannow Strand, 20-1 Dublin Hunter, Dunbrody Millar, Moorlands Again, Ross Comm, 25-1 Baron Windrush, Heltornic, Victory Gunner, 33-1 Mr Dow Jones, Undeniable, 40-1 Strike Back.
