Jamie Codd texts to no avail as exciting Copperhead is aimed at RSA Chase

Ireland's leading amateurs were queuing up for the chance to ride Copperhead in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham, but Joe Tizzard has revealed the rapidly improving chaser is likely to tackle the RSA Insurance Novices' Chase.

Top Irish amateur Jamie Codd was so impressed by Copperhead's Reynoldstown victory, he got in contact in a matter of minutes after the race at Ascot had finished.

Codd was plotting a potential ride in the National Hunt Chase, an amateurs-only race which he won aboard Cause Of Causes in 2015 and Le Breuil 12 months ago.

Copperhead: a vastly improved horse this seasonCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

But Copperhead, whose rating has surged from 104 to 155 in just over a year, will now be aimed at Grade 1 level at the festival.

Joe Tizzard, assistant to his father, said: "The minute Copperhead won, Jamie Codd texted me. I was up at Haydock at the time. Barry O'Neill's agent was on the phone that evening. All of those boys are worth their weight in gold but I think we're heading for the RSA."

Copperhead has taken everyone at the yard by surprise. In his first six starts he was beaten a total of 188 lengths but would go on to win five of his next six starts.

His wide-margin Ascot win excited connections and he is a general 11-2 chance for the RSA.

"He's been so progressive this season – it's unheard of to be honest," added Tizzard. "Ascot was his first time at Graded level and he's improved again. It's unbelievable. He jumps and stays and he's very straightforward.

"We've had a lot of conversations but we're leaning for the RSA. He's got the pace to handle it and, if he takes another step forward, he'd have to have a massive chance in it.

"He's not completely finished, he's going to turn into a serious horse next season. He's really exciting and a classy looking horse."

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