Punch aims for knockout blow

Punchestowns bids to outline his Cheltenham Festival credentials when he faces a crucial test in today’s Argento Chase at the Prestbury Park track.

The eight-year-old is entered in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, Ryanair Chase and Ladbrokes World Hurdle but a place in the headline event would surely be his should he land this decent prize.

His trainer Nicky Henderson has a major fancy for the Gold Cup in the brilliant King George VI Chase winner Long Run, but Punchestowns would give the Seven Barrows handler a good second string to his bow.