CUE CARD IS looking good ahead of next month’s Cheltenham Festival after romping home in the Ascot Chase.
Ridden by Paddy Brennan, the Colin Tizzard-trained 11-year-old (4/9f), claimed his ninth Grade One race by 15 lengths from Shantou Flyer (22/1) and Royal Regatta (11/1).
It was Cue Card’s second time winning the feature after victory in 2013 and he is down to 6/1 to for success in the Cheltenham Gold Cup on St Patrick’s Day.
“It was lovely to see,” Tizzard told The Racing Post. “The pressure builds up every time he runs because we have a responsibility to him. He’s as good as he’s ever been and the race was made for him today. He’s been about a long time and he’s a favourite for all of us. ”
At Gowran Park, Willie Mullins’ Ballycasey (4/7f) took the Grade Two Red Mills Chase with Clarcam (4/1) and Mozltov (12/1) second and third respectively.
Meanwhile, Bryan Cooper returned from injury to win the Red Mills Trial Hurdle on board Tombstone (9/4), with former Champion Hurdle winner Jezki (2/5F) finishing runner-up ahead of Rashaan (14/1).
Over at Haydock Park, Paul Nicholls’ 10-year-old Zarkandar (9/4) picked up a first triumph in Britain since 2013 by claiming the Grade Two Betfred Rendlesham Hurdle from Aux Ptits Soins (3/1) and Agrapart (11/8f).
And Champion Hurdle contender Yanworth (2/5f) had a narrow success over Chi’Tibello (8/1) and Sceau Royal (4/1) in the Betway Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton.
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