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One trainer, one jockey, one horse and one race to watch on a busy Saturday

Colin Tizzard: has 11 runners on Saturday
Colin Tizzard: has 11 runners on SaturdayCredit: Getty Images

Trainer

Colin Tizzard has got plenty of ammunition for next month's Cheltenham Festival but looks to add some more firepower to his strong team as he sends out 11 runners on Saturday, some of whom could boost their claims with big performances.

They are headed by Copperhead, who could step into the RSA Chase picture if he wins the Reynoldstown Novices' Chase (1.50) at Ascot, while Supreme contender Master Debonair could enhance his position in the market for the festival's opening race at the Berkshire course (1.15).

Tizzard has five runners at Wincanton but it is his three at Haydock who are more interesting in the grander scheme of things. With Native River's Grand National participation put in doubt this week by owner Garth Broom, Elegant Escape could give a timely reminder of his own National aspirations in the Grand National Trial (3.15).

The Dorset trainer will be hoping 2018 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle winner Kilbricken Storm can make the cut for the Pertemps Final with a good performance in the qualifier (3.50), and West Approach reverts to hurdles in the Unibet Rendlesham Hurdle (2.05).

Jockey

Gavin Sheehan has made a habit of winning big Saturday races and bids to continue that run on Emitom in the Grade 2 Rendlesham Hurdle (2.05) at Haydock.

Sheehan has been at his best to win Graded races on Itchy Feet and Rouge Vif recently, and The Worlds End appears the main obstacle in the way of Emitom's first Graded win.

Emitom could continue Gavin Sheehan's fine run of Saturdays
Emitom could continue Gavin Sheehan's fine run of SaturdaysCredit: Alan Crowhurst

The Warren Greatrex-trained six-year-old was an exciting novice hurdler last season, winning his first three starts before running well to finish second behind Champ in the Grade 1 Sefton Novices' Hurdle at Aintree.

His belated return in the Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham on New Year's Day did not go entirely to plan but he may have needed it and more is definitely promised.

Sheehan also rides promising youngster Young Bull in a Pertemps qualifier (3.50).

Horse

Assuming the Ascot card survives the lingering threat of Storm Dennis, Cyrname is the blockbuster name set to run on Saturday.

The brilliant eight-year-old chaser has showcased his immense ability at Ascot on three occasions in the last 13 months, most recently when becoming the first horse to conquer Altior over jumps in November.

Cyrname returns to his favourite track in the Ascot Chase
Cyrname returns to his favourite track in the Ascot ChaseCredit: Alan Crowhurst

He could not replicate that performance in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, finishing a well-beaten second behind stablemate Clan Des Obeaux, but he should make a bold bid to win his second Betfair Ascot Chase (3.35) now back at his favourite hunting ground.

Race

Next month's RSA Chase is particularly open this year with question marks about favourite Champ and several of the other main contenders.

With that in mind, the Sodexo Reynoldstown Novices' Chase (1.50) could provide some clarity or allow a new contender to emerge in the novice division.

The 3m Ascot Grade 2 features six runners, with all bar Alsa Mix officially rated between 145 and 152. Pym, sporting the colours of Altior's owner Patricia Pugh, is favourite, but Sam Brown thrives in testing conditions, Two For Gold and Danny Whizzbang are Grade 2 winners and there are plenty of reasons to expect more from Copperhead.


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Matt ButlerDeputy news editor

Published on 14 February 2020inNews

Last updated 15:27, 14 February 2020

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