Theatre set to put on a show
COLIN TIZZARD, still on a high after his success with Cue Card in the King George VI Chase, believes he can collect another notable prize when Theatre Guide runs in Saturday’s Coral Welsh Grand National.
“He’s in great form,” said Tizzard. “Joe [Tizzard’s son] schooled him this morning and said he felt really good.
“He goes there with a great chance and that run in the Hennessy [second behind Smad Place] is very good form. I have yet to sort out a jockey as Paddy Brennan will be starting a ban. I’d like to get Tom Scudamore but nothing has been confirmed.”
The handicapper has given Theatre Guide a cracking chance as he runs off the same mark as he carried when runner-up at Newbury.
Also, heavy going will not be a problem for the gelding has winning form on testing ground.
“I can’t believe his price,” added Tizzard. “I would have thought he would have been in the first three in the betting.”
Theatre Guide is a 14-1 chance with Hills for the Chepstow marathon with Midnight Prayer and Upswing the market leaders on 8-1.
Jonjo O’Neill, the trainer of Upswing, is concerned about the heavy ground.
“He’s in good form and Barry Geraghty has been booked to ride,” said the trainer, seeking a third victory in the race. “He should get the trip okay but the ground would be a big worry.
“He won on the soft over hurdles at Newbury a few years ago and he’s by Beneficial, whose progeny do go through it, but I fear it will be ground that won’t suit any horse.”
First-season trainer Kerry Lee has no reservations about the ground for Mountainous, winner of the race in 2013 for her father Richard.
“We’ve not seen him at his best this season,” said Lee. “He’s been on good and good to soft ground and he will really appreciate three miles five furlongs on heavy ground.”