CAVALIER ATTITUDE
STARTS WITH THE BEST RACING
JASON HEAVEY The tough grey showed battling qualities to land the first big jumps race of the season. He got the better of Colin Tizzard’s star chaser, who started odds-on favourite and who looked set to land back-to-back wins. The pair, who were split by veteran Menorah who ran a blinder, are likely to clash again in Haydock’s Betfair Chase. Cue Card produced some mighty leaps under Paddy Brennan but he was never able to shake off the chasing pack and Irish Cavalier, a 16-1 shot, drew alongside at the third last. Jonathan Moore, who recently became stable jockey to Rebecca Curtis, produced an aggressive ride as the pair repelled their rivals. Moore said: “We went a real strong gallop from the word go and on the second circuit he started getting into a rhythm and winging his fences. “I didn’t want to go there too soon and use him up, so I tried to keep him on Cue Card’s heels and he just took me there. Four out, three out, he was absolutely awesome.” Curtis added: “I thought he’d run well but I didn’t think he’d win. He’s still only seven and he obviously gets three miles. He’s improving every season. “It’s possible he could run in the Betfair Chase at Haydock. We have to start thinking of all the top three-mile races now. The more you race him, the better he is.” Tizzard was pleased with Cue Card despite defeat, adding: “I thought he was going to win but he tired after the second-last. “He’s only been beaten two lengths, so we’ll go to Haydock for the Betfair Chase and see where we are at. I’d sooner he had won but I’m delighted with him.” Sky Bet eased Cue Card from 11-8 to 2-1 for the Betfair Chase with Coneygree clipped half a point to 7-2 despite staying in his box. Spokesman Michael Shinners said: “Cue Card may have had to settle for defeat but he remains a deserving favourite for the Betfair Chase.”