Cheltenham Gold Cup 2018 – Native River could be the forgotten horse warns Joe Tizzard
JOE TIZZARD reckons punters should not forget Native River for this year's Cheltenham Gold Cup.
He enjoyed a brilliant season last year winning the Ladbrokes Trophy, Welsh Grand National and the Betfair Denman Chase before not being beaten far in the Gold Cup.
However, he has not been seen since but is reported to be in good form ahead of his return to action as he looks to defend his Denman Chase crown.
Tizzard said: "He has had his (racecourse) gallop and he is on course for Newbury. He looks a million dollars and we are just trying to get everything right for him.
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"He was only beaten two and three-quarter lengths in the Gold Cup last year and has got a live chance again. If he puts up a monster display at Newbury or something like he did in the Gold Cup last year, he will soon be remembered.
"He was not far behind in the Gold Cup last season and he had a hard season. It was all about the Hennessy (Ladbrokes Trophy) last year and this year it is about the Gold Cup.
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"Fingers crossed we get him there in the best shape."
Native River could be joined at Newbury on February 10 by his stablemate Fox Norton who was last seen pulling up in the King George at Kempton.
Connections could drop him back in trip for the Game Spirit Chase.
Tizzard added: "He is in good form. I rode him Saturday and I rode him Monday. He is in good nick.
"He might well turn up in the Game Spirit. He is in the Ryanair and Champion Chase and we are still half wondering what to do with him, so I don't have an answer for that question yet."