Joe Tizzard: “Shanahan’s Turn is ready to run a massive race”

We’ll school him a couple of times between now and next Sunday and then he’ll be ready to go.

Vision De Flos and Lostintranslation

We had Vision De Fos and Lostintranslation entered in the novice chase at Chepstow where we’ve started the likes of Native River, Cue Card and Finian’s Oscar, however we didn’t declare them.

Dad walked Chepstow yesterday and the chase course was still firm enough and we didn’t even want to tempt ourselves by leaving them in.

We’ve had an extremely dry summer and these horses are too nice to be looking out over a stable door for the rest of the season so it’s right to be patient.

Saturday – Chepstow

2.30 – Reserve Tank

We’re on a fact finding mission with him really. He was second in an Irish Point to Point and was then bought privately.

He wasn’t a cheap horse, and he’s done everything we’ve asked of him.

He works lovely and he schools lovely, so now let’s see what he does on the racecourse. He was bought to be an above-average horse.

3.05 – Empreinte Reconce

She won nicely at Newton Abbott last time and then we stopped with her because Aidan said she’s a bit better than a summer jumper.

Now we can see how good she is. I’m really looking forward to running her tomorrow. It’s a competitive race and she’s got a penalty but she’s improving all the time at home.

4.10 – Padleyourowncanoe

He was in the Silver Trophy as well but he’s only a 4 year old once so we’ve decided to run in this race for 4 year olds. He was 4^th in the Fred Winter and he’s a competitive horse.

He’s filled up a bit over the summer and I’m sure he’ll improve a tad for his first run but this is the right race for him to run in.

5.20 – Silverhow

Silverhow did it nicely at Sandown when he was our last winner of last season. He won three races in the end and is handicapped because of it so he needs to keep improving.  

He couldn’t have been any more impressive at Sandown so who’s to say he can’t. We’re looking forward to running him.

Sunday – Chepstow

2.50 – Drinks Interval

She was impressive at Uttoxeter last time. She has to run with a double penalty but then most of it is taken away thanks to her mares’ allowance.

I’m sure the track will suit her and she’s a good mare in her own right. She’s hard fit so it’s the right race for her.

A few of her opponents may not be fully match fit and she’s better than the horses that have been running in the summer.

4.00 – Theatre Guide and Kings Lad

These are both two great stable stalwarts. Kings Lad ran over hurdles last time and he’d missed a bit of work so we were just going to use it as a bit of work before he went chasing again but he went and ran a blinder. He’s in good form at home, so should run well.

Theatre Guide we know can be competitive in these veterans’ races. He’s been so consistent all his career, so let’s hope he can have another competitive season.

5.10 – Shanahan’s Turn

He’s in cracking form. He’s quite a forward going horse and runs well fresh so we think he’s ready to run a massive race.

I’m sure two and a half miles around Chepstow will suit him as well. There’s no doubt we’ll be giving him another spin over the big Aintree fences in time. He’s ready to run a massive race tomorrow. He’s one of our best chances of the weekend.

5.40 Chepstow – Beaufort West

He was second in an Irish Point to Point and was bought privately. He’s quite a racey looking horse.

This is a fact-finding mission to decide whether we go hurdling with him and what sort of trip he’ll need.

We are expecting him to run a good race, although I think it looks quite a competitive bumper. You never know this time of year.

Joe