Paul Webber is looking for a big performance from Time For Rupert in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham to boost his Gold Cup claims.

The three-time Cheltenham winner returns to Prestbury Park following a confidence-boosting success in a minor event at Newbury and is 100/30 with Victor Chandler.

“We couldn’t have been more pleased with his six weeks since Newbury and I think he’s in tremendous form,” said the Oxfordshire handler.

“The ground should be fine and the track is fine, so we’re going to find out exactly where we are.

“I think we’re all hoping to prove we can finish third or fourth in the Gold Cup by winning. Let’s hope the dream is still alive on Saturday night. This is a very nice race to win in its own right.”

Richard Johnson is convinced Captain Chris is better than he showed in the King George VI Chase, despite finishing third behind Kauto Star and Long Run.

“He feels very well in himself at home. We didn’t feel he was horrendously bad at Kempton, but we just didn’t feel he was as good as he can be,” said the jockey.

“He didn’t jump as fluently as he could do, and didn’t travel quite as nicely as he can do. We’re hoping if he can run to the King George form he’ll run a big race.

“If there is a bit of improvement there, that would be great. You’d like to think he’s the one they’ve got to beat in the Argento.”

Midnight Chase won three lucrative Cheltenham handicaps last winter before placing fifth in the Gold Cup.

After falling on his seasonal return at Down Royal, he ran a fair third under a big weight in the Rowland Meyrick Chase at Wetherby on Boxing Day.

“We’ve had a clean run since the Rowland Meyrick. Every day has gone according to plan and he’s in super shape,” said Devon-based trainer Neil Mulholland.

“He’s back on his favourite track and he’s in the right frame of mind. Our horse has proven he gallops up the hill and he’s proven he stays further round Cheltenham.”