Horse Racing: Neptune Collonges favourite after Argento Chase win
Frontrunner Neptune Collonges put up a spectacular show after officials’ second inspection cleared the Cheltenham racecourse for the Grade-II Argento Chase run over 3m1.5f.
His win ruled out Punchestowns’ aspirations for the Totesport Cheltenham Cup. Neptune, the talented champion racehorse, trains under the care of famed Paul Nicholls. The colt has to his credit a list of victories in a couple of Grade-I events. He, nonetheless,
had not been successful in any event for the last two years until this race where he once again proved his mettle.
Paul is extremely pleased with the performance of his ten-year-old champ, as the victory has made him a hot favourite for the Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, attracting the odds of 20-1 and the John Smith’s Grand National Meeting.
Neptune could not take part in any racing event in the last season owing to injury. Rested well, this event he put up an impressive show, soaring over the hurdles for one of the most prestigious victories of his career.
Running against the champion Punchestowns wasn’t an easy ask, but the win has made Neptune even valuable. Punchestowns was sent out to contend this meeting as an 11-10 favourite. The racehorse was seen to have come under the pressure of dominating Neptune
long before the back-straight had been completed by the field.
The champion of the last season, Cleeve Hurdle Tidal Bay, also did not have any chance of a place finish until he improved his speed during the home return.
Punchestowns is still being considered amongst the potential winners of the Cheltenham Gold Cup. His connections and fans have been ruling out the fears the horse will be unable to excel the fences, though he previously finished in the third place.
The race was enjoyed by the fans, critics and professionals alike.
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