Tizzard looking forward to Newbury
Tizzard has had an astonishing year after big wins from the likes of Cue Card, Thistlecrack and Native River and he is hoping to end the year on a high at Newbury on Saturday
Colin Tizzard bids to end a fantastic year on a high as Elegant Escape shoots for Grade One glory in the Betfred Challow Novices' Hurdle at Newbury.
The Dorset handler has long since established himself as one of National Hunt racing's leading trainers, but in 2016 he has joined the elite.
Cue Card, Native River and Thistlecrack were all big-race winners at the spring festivals and that formidable trio have spearheaded a spectacular start to the current campaign that has seen Tizzard emerge as a genuine contender to be crowned this season's champion trainer.
The festive period has proved particularly fruitful, with Thistlecrack a scintillating winner of the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day before Native River confirmed himself as a genuine Gold Cup contender with a tremendous weight-carrying performance in the Welsh Grand National the following afternoon.
Elegant Escape's career is very much in its infancy, but the 150,000 euro purchase looks another exciting addition to the team judged by victories at Chepstow and Ascot this autumn.
Tizzard said: "He's a very nice young horse.
"He's stepping up all the time and you forget he's only a four-year-old as he's done so much already.
"We've had this race in mind since his last one and we're looking forward to it."
Robin Roe is a major contender for the increasingly formidable combination of Dan and Harry Skelton.
Like Elegant Escape, the five-year-old was recruited from the Irish point-to-point scene.
He looked the part when winning a Warwick bumper in March and could not have been more impressive when making a victorious debut over hurdles at Aintree in October, beating subsequent dual winner No Comment by 12 lengths.
Connections immediately confirmed this prize as his next objective, and Dan Skelton has been thrilled with his preparation.
"We're very excited about running him," said the Alcester-based trainer.
"He's obviously only had the one run over hurdles, but he's done everything we've asked of him at home since.
"It's a big day and we're looking forward to it."
Setting the standard is the Alan King-trained Messire Des Obeaux.
The French recruit bolted up on his seasonal reappearance in a Bangor handicap before seeing off Champion Bumper winner Ballyandy in a Grade Two at Sandown at the start of this month.
"It looks a proper Grade One," said King.
"We're very happy with our horse at home and this was obvious place to come after Sandown.
"The ground is on the slow side, which will suit him, so we'll see what happens."
Nicky Henderson's Cultivator has just under three lengths to make up on Messire Des Obeaux on Sandown form, having finished third.
Part-owner Malcolm Kimmins said: "I think we're probably up against it as it looks a very strong field, but we'll be doing our best.
"I think our horse ran well enough at Sandown to qualify for a run in this race.
"He has a bit of talent and if he can get it all together on one day there could be a nice race in him."
Baltazar D'Allier is a fascinating Irish raider for Gordon Elliott after impressing on his Naas introduction.
Frank Berry, racing manager for owner JP McManus, said: "He won his maiden hurdle nicely at Naas.
"It's a step up for him, but we'll learn a bit more about him on Saturday."
Graeme McPherson runs Ami Desbois who finished second behind Wholestone in the Grade 2 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham on his last start.
John Powell, syndicate manager for owners EPDS Racing said: "It's fair to say the trip is on the short side but he's worth his place in the line-up.
"We'll need it to be a real stamina test."
Major Mac from Hughie Morrison's yard and Fontwell winner Peak To Peak, trained by Paul Nicholls, complete the line-up.
Nicholls' assistant, Harry Derham, said: "We're dipping our toe in a little bit with him, but he's a horse we like.
"It's a big step up, obviously, but he won nicely at Fontwell, which didn't surprise us, and we think he's improved since.
"He deserves to take his chance in a good race and we'll certainly know more about him after Saturday."
