Colin Tizzard hoping Reserve Tank can prove himself a rising star over fences

2.25 WincantonJohn Romans Park Homes "Rising Stars" Novices’ Chase (Grade 2) | 2m4f | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

Things did not go quite to plan for Reserve Tank when he was beaten on his chasing debut at Chepstow last month, but then it has not always been plain sailing for the talented five-year-old.

Indeed, just over a year ago trainer Colin Tizzard, jockey Robbie Power and owners The Reserve Tankers were pondering their next moves after Reserve Tank was beaten all of 19 and a half lengths in a novice hurdle at Newbury.

That pondering, and a nice long break, brought about a significant change in fortune as Reserve Tank won his next four races culminating in Grade 1 triumphs at Aintree and Punchestown. So, a minor setback like Chepstow is hardly likely to bother the team too much.

Tizzard said: “Reserve Tank has come out of the race well and this should be ideal for him. I think 2m4f is his optimum trip at this point. We still think he's a very good horse.

“We’ve got in our minds that his best form came on spring ground but that doesn’t mean we can’t run him in the winter.”

Reserve Tank faces five rivals as he bids to get off the mark over fences, one of which is If You Say Run, who is having her second run after a wind operation and represents Paul Nicholls.

Nicholls has been a dominant force in this race, winning it five times in the last eight years, including with Silviniaco Conti and Frodon, and If You Say Run lines up on Saturday after storming to a six-length success on her debut over fences at Worcester last month.

The champion trainer said: “She loves a flat track and she loves Wincanton. She jumped and travelled well and won nicely the other day.

“Reserve Tank is the one we’ve all got to beat but she’s a lovely mare and it will be no surprise to me if she runs really well.”

Harry Cobden and If You Say Run in winning form at WincantonCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

While the betting is skewed towards Reserve Tank or If You Say Run winning, those associated with Solomon Grey and Commanche Red will be hoping to pick up any pieces.

Solomon Grey is unbeaten in two starts over fences for trainer Dan Skelton and has had a wind operation since he last ran in the spring.

Commanche Red finished third on his debut over fences at Warwick last month, and his trainer Chris Gordon said: “I was over the moon with his run at Warwick and I thought he jumped well that day.

"He’s looked like he would want this sort of trip and we’re really pleased with him. The horses are running well at the moment so hopefully he can also put in a good run.”

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