Cue Card to bid for record-equalling fourth Betfair Chase despite Wetherby fall

Cue Card is on target for the Betfair Chase at Haydock a fortnight on Saturday – and potentially another tilt at the Jockey Club's £1 million bonus – despite falling on his comeback at Wetherby last weekend.

Trainer Colin Tizzard’s son and assistant Joe reported on Tuesday: “Cue Card has come out of it fine but I must admit we were all a bit nervous last Sunday morning as it was the third time he had hit the deck and you never know what to expect.

“But he had his ears pricked over his stable door and he has had a couple of canters since so seems fine.

"The Betfair Chase remains his target as if he'd won or gone close at Wetherby we would be confident as Haydock suits him really well and plays to his strengths."

The £1m bonus is on offer for any horse who wins at Haydock and then goes on to land the 32Red King George VI Chase and Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Tizzard added: “The bonus is not really at the front of our thoughts but if Cue Card beats Sizing John at Haydock then there's only one horse that can win the the money. So he'd then head to Kempton for the King George."

Cue Card: storms to victory in last year's Betfair ChaseCredit: John Grossick Racing Photography

Looking back at the Wetherby fall, Tizzard added: “Cue Card has guessed at his fences each time he has fallen and there is no way you can legislate for that by schooling.

"I popped him over a few schooling fences leading up to the race and he was absolutely spot on."

The Betfair Chase attracted 11 entries and last season's Gold Cup hero Sizing John was installed 5-4 favourite by Betfair Sportsbook. Might Bite, who is due to run this Sunday, is quoted at 10-1.

Betfair Chase (November 25)

Betfair Sportsbook: 5-4 Sizing John, 2 Bristol De Mai, 6 Cue Card, 10 Might Bite, Outlander, 12 Tea For Two, 20 More Of That, 25 Traffic Fluide, Yala Enki, 33 Double Treasure, 50 Shantou Flyer

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