Joe Tizzard: Lostintranslation looking sharp for Betfair Chase showdown

Lostintranslation is fighting fit and ready to show he belongs at the top level when he takes on Bristol De Mai in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.

That was the message from Joe Tizzard on Tuesday after Lostintranslation's form was called into question by Nigel Twiston-Davies, who is seeking a third consecutive win in the Grade 1 race with Bristol De Mai.

Tizzard, assistant to his father Colin, said: "He did a lovely piece of work this morning. Now he's moving up into the highest league and I’m looking forward to running him."

Twiston-Davies threw down the gauntlet on Monday, saying: "Talk is cheap and horses like Lostintranslation have to prove it." He pointed out that Count Meribel, runner-up to Lostintranslation in the Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase at Carlisle this month, is not in the same league as stablemate Bristol De Mai.

While refusing to get into a war of words, Tizzard said Carlisle had been just a soft starting point for Lostintranslation over two and a half miles.

Tizzard said: "He did everything we expected him to do at Carlisle and that worked out as a lovely prep run for him. He looks sharper at home now and has lost a bit of tummy.

"He took a blow two out at Carlisle and the run has tightened him up and we couldn't be more pleased with the way he is. Three miles suits him but it was the right thing to do, going two and a half miles first time."

Tizzard also pointed to the Shloer Chase success of Defi Du Seuil at Cheltenham on Sunday as another positive for Lostintranslation, whose form ties in closely after their three big battles last season.

"His novice form got a big boost with Defi Du Seuil on Sunday and hopefully he can take the next step as well," added Tizzard.

The going at Haydock was on Tuesday changed to good to soft, from soft, on the chase course. Light showers are forecast before Saturday, when it is expected to be dry.

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