Cue might be Tizzard’s trump Card in big one
Colin Tizzard got spines tingling at his open day ahead of the new jumps season.
The farmer proved himself a master trainer last term with some superb handling of top horses and news that three of them could target March’s Gold Cup is an exciting prospect for the whole winter.
Thistlecrack seems to be the stand- out name of the trio. The World Hurdler will make his debut over fences at Chepstow next month with a view to emulating Coneygree by going straight for the big one as a novice.
He also has the fallback option of a repeat World Hurdle crack if chasing isn’t his game, while Native River will go for the Hennessy.
However, although he might be aged 11 by the time the big one comes around again, I couldn’t help but notice the happy demeanour of Paddy Brennan as he spoke about Cue Card.
We’ l l ne ver know if he’d have won last year as he came down too early, but his win at Aintree proved his well being and his jockey says he’s looking like a fou r - yea r - old right now.
Winning a Gold Cup at 11 looks a huge ask but the vibes are good and it’s going to be a fascinating watch starting with the Charlie Hall in October.
End of an area as Alan and Ann Potts took their horses out of the Henry De Bromhead yard.
The Grade 1-winning partnership came to an end following the removal of 13 beasts from the Waterford trainer’s stable last week.
Top novice chaser Sizing John is now being trained by Jessica Harrington, who has also been sent the smart Supasundae.
Smashing has joined Mouse Morris and Colm Murphy and Jim Dreaper are the other beneficiaries of the shock decision.
De Bromhead’s association with the Potts yielded tremendous success, spearheaded by the superlative feats of dual Cheltenham Festival hero Sizing Europe.
But when one door closes, another one opens and the O’Leary boys have been quick to support De Bromhead by announcing he’ll get an extra stock of the good ones from Gigginstown. Might just stem the bleeding.
Food, drink and punting. My three favourite things and all on the go at Perth over the next two days with the Food & Drink Festival at Scone. I’ll be there.