Joe Tizzard: “It’s exciting to see Native River back in action”

Sandown 12.40 – Shirocco’s Dream

This mare won nicely at Exeter races last month, and I think she’s improved for that run, she looked a bit big that day and has come on for it.

Off a mark of 111 I think she’s nicely handicapped, this looks a lovely race for her and I expect her to be right in the mix.

Aintree 12.55 – Reserve Tank

He was running a lovely race when he fell at Stratford last time out, and for a dual Grade One winner, he’s dropping down the handicap to a workable looking mark now.

That said, he’s not quite the same horse over fences as he was over hurdles, although he’s schooled well at home since the fall, and this looks the right race for him.

Sandown 1.15 – Triple Trade

Triple Trade has run in three hurdle races and progressed each time, this is his first time in a handicap, so we’ll see if a mark of 118 is fair or not tomorrow!

I do think he’s capable of winning a straight novice race, so if that’s the case, he should be capable of being competitive in a race like this.

Sandown 1.50 – War Lord

War Lord has been brilliant for us this season, winning both his starts over fences, and as a result deserves this chance in a Grade One.

As you’d expect it’s a tough looking race, with Third Time Lucki two from two in chases like our fellow, and we’ll need to take a step forward, but this is a race he should be running in, he’s very exciting.

Chepstow 1.57 – Faustinovick

He’s finished second seven times for us, so he’s always competitive but just needs a change of luck.  Harry Kimber takes a useful seven pounds off his back, he’s run well here at Chepstow before, and this is a nice starting point for him.

Aintree 2.05 – Native River

What a star he has been for us, he’s in beautiful form, and enjoyed an away day for a racecourse gallop, so he’s fit and well, and been schooling really well.

The more rain the better for him, as it does just slow his rivals down, but he’s still the highest rated here off 166, and he still looks as good as that at home, so he’ll run a race here, we’re very excited to see him in action.

Sandown 3.00 – Christmas In April

He ran an absolute blinder at Carlisle last time, but just ran into a well-handicapped horse. He looks in lovely form at home, he’s an out and out stayer, and this has been the target since Carlisle.

It’s a competitive looking race, but he ticks a few boxes and we’re hopeful of a big run.

Sandown 3.35 – Elegant Escape

This hurdles run is very much a pipe opener for the Coral Welsh National, we need to get a run into him, and this was a better option than taking him for a racecourse gallop.

Two miles will probably be too sharp for him but it will blow the cobwebs away, and we can head on to Chepstow.

Chepstow 3.45 – Often Overlooked

This is a good starting point for the Coral Champions Club-owned horse.

We’ve waited a while to get him to the track, and while I’m not sure he’s a speedy two mile bumper type, it’s just nice to get him racing, and we can get him over hurdles after this introduction.

Hopefully he’ll be doing his best work towards the finish, we’ll learn a bit more about him and make plans for the future.

Joe

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