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Tizzard’s hurdler can land big pot
TRAINER Colin Tizzard has not quite hit the heights of last season but there are signs that the worm is starting to turn.
The Dorset handler fired in a treble at Wincanton on Thursday and sends a strong team to Sandown today.
His best chance may come with FOURTH ACT (3.00) in the valuable but fiercely competitive Betfred Heroes Handicap Hurdle.
The nine-year-old was cleverly placed by Tizzard to win a handicap hurdle at Fontwell 13 days ago on heavy ground.
He was well supported in the market that day as punters latched on to the fact he was extremely well handicapped.
Just last April, Fourth Act was competitive off a mark of 137 over fences at Cheltenham.
But he won off 118 at Fontwell and has been raised to just 124 for that success.
That victory should have boosted his confidence and the testing ground at Sandown will hold no fears for Harry Cobden’s mount.
Melrose Boy is among the market leaders and has more scope than most of his rivals but he looks plenty ® short enough based on what he has actually achieved.
The same applies to Paul Nicholls imposing Topofthegame, who ran well in the Lanzarote Hurdle, but whose real future must lie over fences.
Flemcara is on a roll but will have to produce a career best after a 9lb hike in the ratings if he wants to complete a four-timer.
Others to consider include Evan Williams’ Prime Venture, who is another who might be suited to the bigger obstacles, and his veteran stablemate Buywise, who finally got his head in front over fences last time out over the course and will be high on confidence.