Tidal Bay is a doubtful runner in Saturday's Argento Chase at Cheltenham.

The 12-year-old won the Grade One Lexus Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas but Paul Nicholls says he is "odds against" to run at the weekend.

The champion trainer told Betfair: "After working this morning, he came back slightly lame. Myself and Clifford (Baker, head lad) have looked him over and the problem is hard to diagnose. It could be either an infection brewing in his off-hind foot, and or he has pulled a small muscle, but we don't know at the moment."

Nicholls added: "We will obviously monitor him in the next 24 hours, and then make a decision on his participation.

"It isn't a serious problem - and he may well yet run on Saturday - but I thought it was best to keep everyone informed. At this stage, though, I think it is odds-against him running at Cheltenham at the weekend."

The Argento has already lost its headline act, with Gold Cup favourite Bobs Worth ruled out by Nicky Henderson.

Nicholls has also raised the possibility JCB Triumph Hurdle favourite Far West may not have another run before the Festival. The four-year-old is unbeaten since arriving from France, winning at Chepstow and twice at Cheltenham.

Nicholls had suggested Far West could run this weekend in the Triumph Hurdle Trial, but he will instead saddle either Sametegal or Irish Saint in that contest.

"I was always going to run one of the other two this weekend. There's no plan with Far West, he's completely A1, though. I haven't been searching for another race for him and it wouldn't be crucial that he even had another run before the Triumph," said the Ditcheat handler.

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
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Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
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Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests