Captain Chris is the new favourite for Saturday’s Argento Chase at Cheltenham after connections of Grands Crus decided to sidestep the race.

David Pipe had been mulling a switch to full company for Grands Crus in the Grade Two event after his comfortable success in the Feltham Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

The trainer feels tackling this weekend’s Cheltenham Gold Cup trial could count against his Festival chances.

“He does not run on Saturday,” said Pipe.

“We’ve decided we don’t want to give him a hard race with Cheltenham just around the corner in March.

“He could run at Newbury on February 11, Betfair Trophy day, in a three-mile novice chase, not in the Denman.

“The horse is absolutely fine, though, we just decided not to run.”

His absence leaves the Philip Hobbs-trained Captain Chris as Coral’s 11-4 favourite for the race with Diamond Harry next best at 100-30.

Grands Crus is a 9-1 shot for the Gold Cup while they make him their 9-4 favourite for the RSA Chase.

Pipe again reiterated that a decision on which race Grands Crus will contest will not be hurried, but Coral spokesman David Stevens believes his absence on Saturday puts the novice engagement in pole position.

“Although his Festival target will not be decided until nearer the time, we are happy to lay Grands Crus for the Gold Cup as the decision to bypass the Argento Chase, a recognised Gold Cup trial, suggests the novice contest is the more likely option,” he said.