Warwick gold for D'Argent

D'Argent: Warwick specialist

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Alan King's veteran stayer D'Argent returned to his best form with victory in the totesport.com Classic Chase at Warwick on Saturday.

The grey, who won at the Midlands track three times as a novice and was second in this three years ago, showed his liking for the course once again with a gutsy win at 18/1 under Robert Thornton.

Very few got into the race as the front runners had it between them throughout, helped by the mid-race departure of the favourite Arnold Layne.

Naunton Brook attempted to make all but the eventual winner was never far off the pace as Strong Resolve and Blue Splash also followed the brisk lead.

Thornton sent D'Argent to the lead four out but was followed through by another veteran in Philson Run (14/1), who looked a real threat turning into the straight.

But Thornton's mount had plenty left in the tank and out-jumped his rival to win comfortably in the end, with Naunton Brook (18/1) staying on well for third and Blue Splash fourth.

More his grade

"He won all his novice chases round here and he has run well in this race before, finishing second, so he obviously likes it here," Thornton told Channel 4.

"He travelled well all the way. He had blinkers on for the first time in the Hennessy but that was possibly a a step too far. This is more his grade and the blinkers have helped his jumping.

"He's a funny horse. He needs to have a fence in front of him to aim at and he was a little bit idle up the straight, but he ran on well to the line."

The fancied Trust Fund never threatened to land a blow, while High Chimes ran in snatches before being pulled up and Not Left Yet was beaten when crashing out five from home.

Phillip Hide made a successful return to the saddle when he partnered Verasi (7/4) to victory in the toteexacta Novices' Chase.

The 34-year-old had been sidelined for almost a year through injury but showed plenty of confidence to drive Gary Moore's gelding to a six-length success over market rival Old Benny.

"It is great of Gary to give me the opportunity but it was very last minute and I only got the go-ahead from Dr Turner yesterday afternoon," he said.

"It has all worked out well and I have been looking forward to it. I'll keep riding while I enjoy it."