Joe Tizzard discusses his 2023 Cheltenham Festival contenders

Elixir De Nutz – Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup & Magners Plate Handicap Chase

He will be ground dependent. If we get a bit of rain and the ground eases a little, I think we will run him in the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual. It is a fast run 2m contest, which would suit him. He is in the best form he has been for some time. I was very happy with the way he ran at Newbury in graded company last time. I am excited by his prospects.

The Changing Man – Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle

I did not think he would get into this race initially, but because of the qualification rules, where you need to finish in the top four previously, he will qualify. He is a progressive young horse who has improved with each run this season. I love him to bits, and I can’t wait to go chasing with him next year. He has a nice racing weight in this race which will help his chances.

War Lord – Magners Plate Handicap Chase

I was in two minds about what to do with this horse. He was entered in the Greatwood at Newbury on Saturday, but the ground would have been too firm for him. We are going to take our chance in the Plate. Hopefully, he will get the rain he needs. I was pleased with his last run at Wetherby, and he is coming in the right direction. He was a good novice last season and that maybe has taken its mark on him, but he is back to where we want him to be now.

JPR One – McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle

JPR One won’t run in the McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle. He is going to feature in the Imperial Cup at Sandown on the Saturday before the Festival.

Scarface – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle

I think the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle will really cut up this year. I can see there being a small field of around eight runners in this. We are going to take our chance with Scarface in the race. If he can run into a place, we will be delighted. We will probably go handicapping after this at Aintree.

Eldorado Allen – Cheltenham Gold Cup

Eldorado Allen has been a great horse for us. He probably comes into this just under the mark required to be a Gold Cup winner, but he has been placed in two big races. I don’t think there is a standout horse in the Gold Cup this year.

You can put a line through his Newbury run. I told Brendan Powell to be positive on him, but there ended up being three horses making the running and they cut each other’s throats. He will be ridden slightly differently this time. If he was able to finish third or fourth, we will be very happy.

Cheltenham Gold Cup: The key predictors of success

View the latest horse racing odds