Colin Tizzard has nominated the Betfair Chase at Haydock as an early-season target for his stable star Cue Card. The six-year-old shot to prominence with an incredible performance in the 2010 Champion Bumper at Cheltenham and he has continued to impress over hurdles and fences for the past two seasons. He was last seen chasing home the all-conquering Sprinter Sacre in the Arkle Trophy over two miles, but Tizzard can see his charge stepping up to staying trips this season, possibly tackling three miles for the first time on Merseyside on November 24. "The plan with him is to start off at Kempton in a graduation chase and then we'll see where we go from there. I would say the Paddy Power Gold Cup is unlikely as he's rated 157 and carrying top-weight in a 20-runner handicap round Cheltenham doesn't really appeal to me," said Tizzard. "I think we could step up to three miles at Haydock. Things might change in the next few weeks, but that's the way we're looking at the moment. "He's a really athletic horse, he looks almost fit enough to run. I think we are going to end up going over three miles with him. There is huge prize-money on offer in those top races and this could be the season to have a go. "If we go to Kempton and then Haydock, then we'll know where we are around Christmas time. We might have to come back in trip, we might not." Another of Tizzard's leading lights is proven stayer Hey Big Spender, who won the Classic Chase at Warwick in January but missed the end of the season after suffering a setback. "He had a small injury but he's been back in about three weeks and will hopefully be ready to run in the middle of December. He's rated 157 as well so we might have to run in conditions races later on, although he'll probably get an entry in the Welsh National," said Tizzard. "He loves proper winter ground and is a proper stayer, so some of those big races in Ireland might be tempting. Then there is Grand National to consider later on, but the ground might have dried up by April, so we'll see." http://www.attheraces.com/article.a...r Cue&ref=atrPA Racing Feed&nav=&sub=&day=Wed
Cue Card is a horse that ive never really took to and i don't know why... I mean he has beaten some half decent horses, lost to some better ones mind but i just cant have it that Cue Card can become one of the best ones out there... A step up might be the answer as he isnt going to be the tog dog at around the 2m 3-4f mark... Maybe im wrong and someone will sway me to like him a bit more this year... We shall see...
Problem with Cue Card was the hype red. He is a talented chaser, not really got a definitive trip yet as he has been inclined to be buzzed up and not always rhythmical. He'd be well up against it in the Betfair chase but they might as well find out where they stand in the 3m division. He'll look to dictate I should imagine and use his speed to gain a good lead. I'd be inclined to say he is a bit of a bridle horse though- he'll probably look superb for 2 and a half miles and then get outstayed.
To my eye Cue Card is one of those horses without a trip. Is he a 2 miler??? A 2.5 miler??? Or a 3 miler??? I don’t think, at this stage, anyone could answer that with conviction and although I could see him running with credit in a Champion Chase, a Ryanair, a King George VI or even a CGC I couldn’t, and I do mean couldn’t, ever seeing him winning such a contest. Talking of the Tizzard's a horse of theirs that I'd rated most highly was Royal Guardsman (won an Ascot bumper last February with ease prior to disappointing at the Festival) but I note it was said last week that he's now left the yard. Anyone know where he's gone???
Cue Card must have cut in the ground to be at his best. 2m4f probably his best distance. Disappointed over hurdles, but not a bad chaser at all.
Perhaps my favourite horse in national hunt at the minute. Horrendously overrated at first but now painfully underrated. This is a classy horse make no doubt about that. I liked him last season over a stiff 2miles or perhaps 2m4f. Let's seen what he's got over 3 but I wouldn't be surprised to see him Ryan Air bound in March. Might be time to change my profile pick bac to Cue Card but I'm determined Harbour Watch is not forgotten.
The major, major issue for me is that Colin Tizzard insisting he is a good jumper. If we went away and schooled really well and improved, he would be a much better chaser because he has a great engine.
