Joe Tizzard: “Mister Malarky has a very good chance”
The latest insight from the Tizzard stables
15.00 Ascot – Mister Malarky
We’ve got just the one runner this weekend, but it’s one with a very good chance I hope. Mister Malarky ran a terrific race in the Ladbrokes Trophy, he travelled and jumped well until two out, and just maybe didn’t quite get home.
He loves Ascot, and won the Reynoldstown here last season, and I wouldn’t be worried about the ground, yes it will be testing but I’d say he’ll go through it.
It’s a competitive race, as you’d expect for the money, but I’d say he has a decent chance, and hopefully send us into the busy Christmas period with a winner!
Boxing Day – Ladbrokes King George VI Chase
We announced earlier this week that Thistlecrack would go for the King George again. Having won it previously, and finished runner-up last year, he fully deserves to take his chance, and he goes there in great form.
His run at Newbury, behind Paisley Park, was excellent, as not many get that close to the champion staying hurdler, and Tom Scudamore schooled him earlier this week and he did everything we wanted to see.
Although he’s not getting any younger, he wasn’t beaten far behind Clan Des Obeaux last year, and a repeat of that run would put him in the mix next Thursday, at the odds he currently is he’s certainly no back number.
We’re very happy with Lostintranslation, everything has gone smoothly since Haydock, and Defi Du Seuil gave yet another boost to his form when he won the Tingle Creek.
Last season’s JLT Chase at the Cheltenham Festival looked a strong race, and this pair have proved it, winning the two all-aged Grade One chases this season so far.
Against Cyrname and Clan Des Obeaux it won’t be easy, but we’ve always thought the world of him, and he showed at Haydock that he deserves his place at the top table.
Friday 27th – Coral Welsh Grand National
We also decided earlier this week that Native River wouldn’t run over Christmas, either at Kempton or Chepstow, and he’ll now have one more run – either at Cheltenham or Newbury – before the Gold Cup.
However, we’ll still be well represented in the Coral Welsh National, with last year’s winner Elegant Escape likely to be joined by West Approach.
Finally, can I just wish you all a very merry and happy Christmas!
Joe
