Can Darlac give Tizzard and Power combination a much-needed boost?

Weatherbys Racing Bank Silver Buck Handicap Chase | 3m1f | 4yo+ | RTV

In October Robbie Power described his decision to relocate to Britain for the winter because of the coronavirus pandemic as the toughest choice he has made in racing, and the leading rider must have hoped the move would have been more fruitful in his first couple of months.

It has been a struggle and the figures bear that out. In 2019, Power partnered 22 winners from 134 rides (16 per cent strike-rate) in October and November, but in the same period this year he has been successful only 14 times from 119 mounts (12 per cent).

Power still appears to be riding as well as ever, but his biggest backer Colin Tizzard has struggled in comparison to the same period last year.

In October and November in 2019, Power partnered 12 winners from 57 mounts (21 per cent) for Tizzard, but this year the pair have teamed up for only nine victories from 73 runners (12 per cent).

Power, Tizzard and owners Gill and Alan Pritchard joined forces to land this race last year with subsequent Grade 2-winning novice Copperhead, and they are represented by another novice this season in the shape of Darlac, but he has a different profile to last year’s winner.

Copperhead was having only his second start in a chase last season, but Darlac is now nine without a win over fences and has passed up some golden opportunities along the way.

This looks another good chance, but he isn’t a natural jumper and Tizzard’s team continue to struggle for form. His runners over the weekend recorded disappointing figures of 4PUF508.

Chris Down might not have the firepower that Tizzard possesses, but he won this in 2011 with Master Cobbler and has booked Bryan Carver for Broadclyst.

Down and Carver have teamed up for three winners from 20 runners (15 per cent) and a further five finished second. Two more were third, so Carver’s booking is clearly a positive.
Analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Joe Tizzard, assistant to Colin Tizzard, trainer of Darlac and Carrick Roads
Carrick Roads won last time and the track will suit so we're hoping for a big run from him. Darlac has been running well in novice chases and this is a nice option for him.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Get On The Yager
He didn't have the greatest of years last year and he's getting on a bit but I feel we've got him in top form and I hope he'll run really well.

Get On The Yager: in top form according to trainer Dan SkeltonCredit: Edward Whitaker

Tom George, trainer of Forgot To Ask
He's in good form, he's been running nicely this season and he likes Wincanton.

Chris Down, trainer of Broadclyst
He ran a blinder at Exeter last time and he always seems to run better at Wincanton than there so I'm hopeful. My only slight concern is that this might come too quick but he's in good form and the ground will be fine, even if they get more rain.

David Pipe, trainer of Hugo 'N Taz and What A Moment
Hugo 'N Taz put up a great performance at Market Rasen last year then was slightly disappointing at Exeter. He's had time off since, he's in good form and the rain will help so I hope he has an each-way chance. What A Moment was disappointing at Cheltenham and he has blinkers on to sharpen him up – he'd probably want the rain to keep away.
Reporting by David Carr

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