Colin Tizzard’s high
class chaser, Cue Card, is all set to make his seasonal return at
Exeter on November 5 when he will bid to land the prestigious Grade 2
BetVictor Haldon
Gold Cup Chase for the second year running.
Twelve months ago, the
gelded son of King’s Theatre made a successful return to the fray
in the Haldon Gold Cup when slamming the useful Edgardo Sol by no
less than 26 lengths but, on that occasion, he was rated 157.
A tremendously successful
2012/13 campaign saw the son of King’s
Theatre rocket up the ratings, meaning that, if he is
to repeat the feat, he will have to do so off a 15lb higher mark and
give away at least 17lbs to his nearest rival in this limited
handicap.
After winning last year’s
race, Cue Card went on to post his only disappointing effort of the
term when fifth behind Long Run in the King George VI Chase at
Kempton on Boxing Day, but he bounced back in February to beat
Captain Chris in the Grade 1 Betfair Ascot Chase.
Better was to come though
as Tizzard’s charge stormed up the Cheltenham hill at the Festival
meeting, slamming the high-class First Lieutenant in the Grade 1
Ryanair Chase, one of the biggest ever successes for his handler.
Ending the season in the
Grade 1 Melling Chase at Aintree, it came as no surprise to punters
gambling with Betfair when Cue Card failed to lay a
glove on the mighty Sprinter Sacre but he ran a fine race to be
second to Nicky Henderson’s superstar performer.
Amongst the likely
opponents to Joe Tizzard’s mount at Exeter are the progressive
William’s Wishes, the formerly very smart Somersby, and Tom
George’s Module, fourth in the Grade 1 RSA Chase on his final
outing of last season and a potential danger to a Cue Card repeat
victory.