Joe Tizzard: “War Lord is back in calmer waters here”
Trainer and Coral ambassador Joe Tizzard assesses the chances of his runners at Sandown and Wetherby on Saturday.
Sandown 1.10 – I Shut That D’Or
I Shut That D’Or was a 50/1 winner at Wincanton last time, he travelled strongly through the race that day, it was his first try over further than two miles so I’m sure that’s what helped him improve. He’s been hit with a handicap mark of 120 after that win, but he’s in good form at home, Harry Kimber takes off three pounds, and I think Sandown will suit him.
I just don’t know if the handicapper has been harsh or fair with the mark of 120, I guess we’ll find out here, but as I say there are plenty of positives and I can see him going well.
We threw him in at the deep end last time, but I just don’t think he was right that day, as he never travelled and never jumped. We’ve put a tongue strap on him here just in case that was bothering him at Cheltenham, and he’s another who seems in good form at home. He’s back in calmer waters here, carrying top weight in a small field, so he should be able to dictate matters more.
This looks a lovely opportunity to get him back on track, he’s run well at Wetherby before, and he shouldn’t be too far away.
Sandown 1.45 – The Widdow Maker
With Brendan Powell riding at Wetherby, Adam Wedge takes the ride on our other Sandown runner, The Widdow Maker, in what looks a competitive and open two-mile handicap chase. He’s just back from a wind-op he had before Christmas, he’s had one before so hopefully it will just help him find that little bit extra. While he’s been a consistent horse once again this season, anything we can do to help him improve is only a positive.
He schooled well at home on Wednesday, and I think the track and trip will suit, so I’d hope he’d have a decent each-way chance.
Joe
