Joe Tizzard: “Cue Card was an unbelievable horse for us.”
Latest insight from the Tizzard stables
It was nine years ago this week that Cue Card made his debut, winning at Fontwell, and I’ve loved watching all the clips back on social media over the last few days.
He’s still with us and I had to go and give him a pat on as all the memories came back.
We knew that he had been working nicely at home before that bumper at Fontwell and we thought that he would run well – but we never for a minute dreamed that he would win the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham after that and progress to do what he did.
He was an unbelievable horse for us.
Saturday
1.50 Cheltenham – Sizing Platinum
Sizing Platinum has some decent bits of form and on the best of that he will have a chance in this race.
He wouldn’t want any rain and does prefer good ground, so hopefully if we get that he will be competitive.
2.15 Uttoxeter – Brynmawr
He has struggled with his jumping a little bit, falling at Cheltenham and then being disappointing since, but he has the ability to run a very big race here.
The track will definitely suit better; Uttoxeter is a good galloping track with nice fair fences. I’m expecting him to run a big race.
2.25 Cheltenham – Elegant Escape
It was a super win in the Coral Welsh Grand National and he has come out of that race really well. He has earned his place in the Gold Cup now and this is a stepping stone towards that.
It’s another step up and his first time in graded company, which means at the weights he does have a little bit to find.
He is in the form of his life though and I am sure he will run a big race. We think he has the potential to continue to improve and if he can he will be able to go close here.
3.35 Cheltenham – West Approach
West Approach has been ultra-consistent, knocking on the door of these big races all of his life. He ran a blinder last time out in the Long Walk at Ascot and this is the obvious route to the World Hurdle at the festival.
He goes well round Cheltenham and shouldn’t be far away if he puts his mind to it.
He is in good form at home but this race will be a bit of a fact finding mission for us to define where we go with the horse for the rest of the season. Hopefully he can build up his confidence over hurdles and progress well.
Sunday – Fontwell
3.30 – Sartorial Elegance
Sartorial Elegance has been very frustrating for the last couple of seasons but that has meant that he has dropped down the handicap mark.
We know that he is well capable of winning off this mark but it’s just about whether he decides to put it in or not.
We are hoping the penny will drop with him and hopefully that can start with a good run on Sunday at Fontwell.
Joe
