Sunday 15 October 2017

Tizzard targets Cheltenham after faultless Finian's chase debut victory

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Finian’s Oscar could be targeted towards Cheltenham’s Showcase Meeting, after the dual Grade One winner made a winning chase bow at Chepstow.

The 1-3 shot jumped smoothly and travelled strongly throughout the contest, and was left clear when sole market rival Alcala slipped up before the closing stages.

He pulled clear of the remaining two runners in the field, to enjoy a comfortable eleven length success.

The option of the Royal Gloucestershire Novices Chase may be an option for the five-year-old. Last year it was won by Shantou Village.

“It is always nice to start with a win as it will do his confidence a lot of good," the Dorset trainer told the Racing Post.

“We’ve not really learned anything new about Finian’s Oscar and although he looked a bit ring-rusty in the early part of the race, he was closing up when Alcala unfortunately came down and then he has come home on his own.”

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Finian's Oscar gave jockey Bryan Cooper his first win since being retained by Alan and Ann Potts

"I’d not rule out going to Cheltenham with him at the end of the month, if he didn’t go to that meeting he’d be there for the November meeting.

“That’s where we want to end up with him in March so we’ve got to get the match practice into him and then we can pick and choose our races.

“He’s made the best possible start over fences and we can take everything from here.”

After his victory in South Wales bookmakers have shortened his price for the JLT from 8-1 to 6-1.

Elsewhere on the card, it was a brilliant day for Welsh trainer Evan Williams. The Glamorgan handler celebrated wins in the handicap with Silver Streak, before Court Minstrel enjoyed his first success in two years in the feature Silver Trophy.

He saw off Jedd O’Keeffe’S Sam Spiller and Paul Nicholls’ Peak To Peak in a tight finish.


Paul Nicholls recorded a novice hurdle double with Dynamite Dollars and If You Say Run, whilst 

Phillip Hobbs’ Rock The Kasbah ran out an easy winner at handicap level.

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