King happy with Warwick hope

Alan King is not worried about the prevailing heavy ground at Warwick for D’Argent in Saturday’s totesport.com Classic Chase.

The Barbury Castle trainer believes conditions will not pose a problem for his 10-year-old, who shrugged off a 629-day absence to land a Listed race at Cheltenham last month.

King said: “I am not concerned about the ground as he handled similar conditions two years ago when he finished second in the race.”

D’Argent chased home Baron Windrush on that occasion and was only beaten by two and a half lengths.

King is confident a lengthy rest since the grey’s last run at Prestbury Park will have him cherry-ripe.

He added: “He came out of Cheltenham fairly well and has had a month to recover – he does seem fresh and well.

“He goes well fresh and I am very happy with his condition.”

D’Argent, who has been allotted second-top weight behind Sir Rembrandt on 11st 2lb, is the sponsors’ 6-1 favourite for the three-mile-five-furlong contest.