Joe Tizzard: “Fiddlerontheroof is in this race because we think a lot of him”

It’s a tricky first run for him as on ratings he’s 125 racing against higher rated rivals but we wanted to start him off around a nice big galloping track.

If he can go and have a lovely run in a 6-runner field, get a bit of confidence, and then he should be well enough handicapped to be winning some races in the weeks ahead.

15.55 Chepstow – Theatre Guide

He’s a cracking chap. He was so unlucky at Newbury at the end of last year when it looked like he was going to win. He was 10 lengths clear and just got the last completely wrong, and just got beat.

He obviously retains his ability and has been a really solid boy for the yard for a number of years.  I was placed in a Hennessy, that’s how long he’s been in training with us.

The Veterans Races are there for this reason, to allow horses like Theatre Guide to stay in training. The handicapper has never really given him much of a chance but he still performs to around 140, and he’s been a great servant to the yard and doesn’t owe us a penny.

If we didn’t have these Veterans’ races these older chasers would have to keep racing against younger up and coming improving rivals, and they would find life ever so tough. These races are brilliant and that’s why they are so well supported.

17.35 Chepstow – Early Days

She’s a forward going mare that came from the Ascot Sales. She does everything right at home although she’s very keen, so tomorrow is all about teaching her to settle, and learn how to race. We want her to go and run her race, so that we can learn a bit about her and take it from there.

She might just need to learn to settle, as she’s quite buzzy and keen at home. We’ll probably drop her in behind in the early stages of the race and get her to settle as otherwise she’ll never get home.

Joe