JOE’S HOPES RISE FOR A HOUSE PARTY
SLATE HOUSE’S bid to land Saturday’s BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham has been given a boost by assistant trainer Joe Tizzard.
Slate House, an impressive winner at Cheltenham last month, has been backed down to 5-1 favourite (from 33s) with the race sponsors.
“He’s come out of that race great,” said Tizzard, assistant to his father Colin. “It’s a good job he’s gone up 12lb in the weights as he probably wouldn’t have got in the race.
“Two seasons ago he showed that he was one of best novice hurdlers, and I think he’s back to that form. Last campaign, he was out of form because he damaged himself at Aintree. He was always on a bit of a catch-up.
“We appreciate how competitive Saturday’s race will be, but he’s proved that he’s good round the course.”
Another Tizzard star, Lostintranslation, is on course for the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday week, and could be joined by Elegant Escape, if the race cuts up.
Tizzard added: “Lostintranslation also has the option of running in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury at the end of the month.
“Another crack at winning the Welsh Grand National is also possible.”
Thistlecrack may race over hurdles at the Newbury meeting as a prep race for the King George, which he won in 2016, at Kempton on Boxing Day.
And last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Native River is being aimed at Aintree’s Many Clouds Chase in December.
■ YANWORTH, who went off favourite for the 2017 Champion Hurdle, has been entered for the 3m6f Cross Country chase on Friday at Cheltenham.