Joe Tizzard: “This has been the target for Christmas in April all season”

Coral ambassador discusses the Tizzard yard’s Chepstow and Kempton runners

12.30 Chepstow – No Hubs No Hoobs

He ran very green in his first bumper at Ascot. He’s a gorgeous big horse and maturing all the time. We didn’t think he’d gain anything by running in any more bumpers, so we are now going to run in novice hurdles so he can learn on the track. He’d done everything we’d want at home, but he was like a rabbit in the headlights at Ascot. So we’ll put a hurdle in front of him and if he needs the experience then he needs the experience, but he’ll be a nice horse in time.

14.50 Chepstow – Christmas In April

This has always been his big target for this season. He was winning the lesser regional Nationals last season, so we know he’ll get the trip and we know he’ll handle the conditions. This is a step up but he has a nice racing weight so that will give him a chance.

15.25 Chepstow – Coastal Drift

We think he’s alright but he has been off injured for a while, so will take a few runs to kick the rust away and get fit. We will give him a couple more hurdle runs and then he can start chasing. This is a means to an end really. This race has cut up a bit, and he has been showing a bit at home, so he could run well.

15.05 Kempton – Darlac

He’s got a great chance. The handicapper hammered him a bit for winning at Wincanton last time but he’s in great form. It has taken him a while to get the hang of chasing but now he has, he’s shown some decent form. He looks fantastic and we are having a crack at a nice pot. He’s one up a bit in the weights but I think he can be competitive.