Neptune Collonges earned himself the right to at least another supporting role in the Gold Cup after he returned to the winner's enclosure for the first time in nearly two years in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham.Three times successful in Irish Grade Ones, Neptune Collonges ran with credit to be placed behind his better-known stable companions Denman and Kauto Star at the 2008 and 2009 Festivals and his latest display looks to have scotched any possibility of a bid for the Grand National.After m

Neptune Collonges earned himself the right to at least another supporting role in the Gold Cup after he returned to the winner's enclosure for the first time in nearly two years in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham.

Three times successful in Irish Grade Ones, Neptune Collonges ran with credit to be placed behind his better-known stable companions Denman and Kauto Star at the 2008 and 2009 Festivals and his latest display looks to have scotched any possibility of a bid for the Grand National.

After missing the whole of last season and with just two comeback runs behind him, Paul Nicholls' runner was expected to be overshadowed by Punchestowns in this key trial but jockey Tony McCoy never allowed the 11-10 favourite a look-in.

As Neptune Collonges (11-2) became ever more confident, Punchestowns took a more cautious approach and began to weaken at the top of the hill.

Tidal Bay, who is not renowned for straightforward efforts, delivered another of his riddles as he emerged from a particularly unpromising position to chase down the gap between himself and Neptune Collonges to a length and a quarter.

"I'm thrilled for the horse," Nicholls said.

"It's been a long road back but he was unlucky in the Hennessy Gold Cup when we thought he would run well and he missed the break last time, but it didn't do him any harm and he had a good run round.

"He's got an entry for the National and an entry for the Gold Cup, but we'll see how he is and have a chat about the future."

Sponsors totesport cut Neptune Collonges to 20-1 from 50s for their showpiece event where he will come face-to-face with Kauto Star and Denman yet again.