Joe Tizzard: “I am sure Cue Card will be in the mix”
Trainer gives the lowdown on his Wetherby and Ascot runners
He was disappointing in his first run over hurdles back at Stratford. He has been schooling really well at home.
Last season it just didn’t happen for him.
We are hoping the blinkers are going to wake him up. If it all clicks, we think he is a well handicapped horse.
The race has cut up a bit so there are not as many runners as we thought there would be.
He is a progressive horse. His last run at Sandown was his best ever run where he jumped beautifully.
He is a horse we are really looking forward to this year as we think he is going to show his full potential.
This looks a great starting point for him. In time he will want a bit further but this is ideal for now.
Over the last couple of years it has looked like Cue Card has needed the run when you look at his performances in the Charlie Hall Chase.
We gave him a racecourse gallop around Wincanton a couple of weeks ago where I rode him and he felt very good.
He is certainly fitter at this stage than he has been over the last couple of years. There have been no signs at home that he has lost any of his ability.
He has to have a big chance and I am sure he will be in the mix.
He is only a baby but he ran well a few weeks ago in a novice hurdle.
This looks a hot race. It is a good track to learn his job.
I expect him to be pushing into the placings.
We think he is off a mark now where he is well handicapped.
He has not really shown much so far this season. He was too keen at Warwick first time and ultimately needed the run.
I thought he would win at Wincanton where he was looking good turning for home and then he didn’t pick up.
I think the track will suit him at Ascot. Hopefully we will see a good performance in this.
He won this race 12 months ago. He was very consistent last year. He loves it around Ascot and wants good ground.
I expect a big run. He is handicapped according to his form so there is nothing to hide with him.
3.35 Ascot – Ultragold and Fourth Act
Ultragold won the Topham last season. He stayed the trip really well.
He was bought to be a three miler. Tomorrow is a fact finding mission to see if he does get the trip.
We thought if we are going to do it, let’s try him in a 100k race rather than anything else.
He is still progressing and the next plan will be Becher Chase if he gets the trip.
Fourth Act gets in off a lovely small weight. He was fourth last year. There is a big run in him but he just needs a bit of luck.
He runs well fresh and we fancy him to win one of these handicaps this season.
Joe
