Cheltenham on Chase agenda

A return to his beloved Cheltenham is on the cards for Midnight Chase following his highly creditable run in defeat in the Rowland Meyrick Chase at Wetherby on St Stephen's Day.

Neil Mulholland’s nine-year-old has won four times in seven starts at Prestbury Park, been placed twice and also finished fifth in last season’s Cheltenham Gold Cup.

He disappointed on his seasonal reappearance at Down Royal, but there was nothing wrong with his fine third in West Yorkshire on Monday under a huge weight.

“He’s come out of the race in excellent form and I was thrilled with his run on the day,” said Mulholland.

“The ground wouldn’t have been ideal for him. He was giving a lot of weight to the first two and 11lb to Ian Williams’ horse (Wayward Prince) who finished fourth. He was third in the RSA Chase last season.

“He seems to have taken the race really well and the plan now would be to go for the Argento Chase at Cheltenham on January 28.

“We’ll see what happens there but he’ll be entered in the Gold Cup again at the Festival and probably one of the handicaps.”