Oscar won’t be a winner
FINIAN’S OSCAR has been ruled out of the Cheltenham Festival after suffering a minor setback.
The five-year-old was among the leading lights for the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle following wins in each of his three hurdles starts this term, including the Grade One Tolworth at Sandown in January. However, trainer Colin Tizzard (below) reports his charge to be suffering from a small problem, which will see him miss out next week, although he is hoping Finian’s Oscar will be ready to run at Aintree next month.
Tizzard said: “It’s only a minor issue and all being well he will run at Aintree.” Meanwhile, Cue Card and Native River head a list of 14 contenders for Friday’s Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup, the feature event on the Festival’s final day.
The pair, who are both trained by Tizzard, have been battling it out at the head of the market after Cue Card emerged an impressive winner of the Ascot Chase last time. Native River added to his Hennessy and Welsh National successes when winning his prep race in the Denman Chase at Newbury.
Willie Mullins’ Djakadam, who has finished second in the last two Gold Cups, is also at the head of the JASON HEAVEY market with the Tizzard pair and he is one of five Irish-trained contenders. Gordon Elliott was forced to rule Don Poli out on Friday but he still has Outlander and Empire Of Dirt in the mix.
Jessica Harrington’s Sizing John and the Henry de Bromhead-trained Champagne West are other leading Irish hopes. Paul Nicholls, who has trained the winner of the race four times, relies on outsider Saphir Du Rheu. And while stable jockey Sam Twiston-Davies is pleased to take the ride, he rates Djakadam as the horse he would most like to partner. He said: “We have Saphir Du Rheu but the top three could proved very hard to beat.
“If I wasn’t on Saphir Du Rheu I would like to be on Djakadam. He has been there before, his form is rock solid and he’s been freshened up for the race.
“There’s a lot to like about him.” The rider’s father, Nigel Twiston-Davies, won the race with Imperial Commander in 2010 and has Bristol De Mai in contention this time.
Jonjo O’Neill is doubly represented by Minella Rocco and More Of That.
The list of hopefuls is completed by Irish Cavalier, Smad Place and Tea For Two.