No fears for heir to Cue Card's throne as Lostintranslation makes journey north

The horse Colin Tizzard thinks is best equipped to wear Cue Card's crown will make a near 800-mile round trip for his return to action on Sunday.

Lostintranslation, who has been given Cue Card's box at Tizzard's Venn Farm stables, is set for his first start since winning a Grade 1 at Aintree in Carlisle's Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase.

Such is the belief in the 10-1 chance for the Cheltenham Gold Cup that assistant trainer Joe Tizzard said they were 'not afraid of anything' for the Mildmay Novices' Chase winner.

With possible opponents including Kildisart and Vinndication, Joe Tizzard, assistant and son of Colin, said: "It's all systems go for Carlisle. He did a nice piece of work yesterday and he's in really good nick and ready to run.

Lostintranslation (left) and West Approach at Venn FarmCredit: Edward Whitaker

"It looks a lovely starting point for him for then going on to Haydock [for the Betfair Chase]. We can only run in one of these intermediate chases and two and a half miles is a great trip to get him started at, especially on a stiff track like that.

"It looks a strong race, but he's in the top league and we're certainly not afraid of anything with Lostintranslation. This ticks all the boxes for his first run so we're really looking forward to it."

The Listed contest has proved a great springboard for top-class horses in previous years, with the likes of Many Clouds and Waiting Patiently winning, while Bristol De Mai and Cyrname – currently Britain's top-rated chaser – have also featured.

It is set to be a big weekend for the Tizzard team, starting on Saturday when Welsh National hero Elegant Escape features in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby.

The Tizzards are using the Grade 2 contest to help them decide whether to target the Randox Health Grand National, for which he is a 40-1 chance, or return to the Gold Cup, where he finished sixth last season.

Elegant Escape: set to feature in Saturday's Charlie Hall ChaseCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

"Elegant Escape is in good order," added Tizzard. "His form tailed off last season but it had every right to, he'd run big four races so he was probably just feeling it a little by March and then on to Aintree. He seems in real good shape at home and this will help us decide where to go next."

The yard could also run smart prospect Faustinovick at Carlisle, and Tizzard said: "It's an exciting time of year, the horses seem to be running well on the whole.

"This is what we do it for, there are a few nerves as well. They've done all of their work and are going there in great form so it's nice to have these horses to run."

Read The Lowdown from 8.30am daily on racingpost.com and the Racing Post app for all the day's going updates, news and tips