Lostintranslation sets out on Gold Cup trail at Carlisle

2.30 Carlisle
Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase (Listed Race) | 2m4f | 4yo+ | RTV

Lostintranslation sets out on a trail connections hope will lead to gold in March when one of last season's leading novice chasers makes his seasonal comeback in Carlisle's most prestigious race, the Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase.

The Listed contest has proved a notable springboard in recent years, with the likes of Many Clouds and Waiting Patiently successful, while Bristol De Mai and Cyrname – currently Britain's highest-rated chaser – have also featured.

Lostintranslation's six-length thrashing of RSA Chase winner Topofthegame in the Mildmay Novices' Chase at Aintree's Grand National meeting was arguably the performance of the season by a novice over fences, earning him a lofty Racing Post Rating of 165.

Lostintranslation (left) works at homeCredit: Edward Whitaker

No bigger than 10-1 for the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup, he now fills the same box Cue Card once presided over at Colin Tizzard's star-studded yard and there is no hiding the expectation.

"Those good ones always finish their gallops well and he's never found it hard," said Tizzard. "He's a lovely big chap but was ready first time up last year and we haven't missed a day.

"He looks fit and I'll let him do the talking. Whatever happens here, I think it will be Haydock for the Betfair Chase next but this looks the right race and any rain wouldn't hurt."

Kildisart and Count Meribel renew Carlisle rivalry

Kildisart made a big splash in his first season over fences, winning three of his five starts, including a big handicap success at Aintree in April, and is officially rated just 5lb inferior to Lostintranslation and receives 2lb here.

The pair met in last season's Grade 1 JLT Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, with Kildisart finishing ten lengths behind Lostintranslation as the pair finished fourth and second.

"He's definitely improved from last year but he always takes a run to be on his A-game," said Kildisart's trainer Ben Pauling. "He should have done enough work to put up a good show but obviously Lostintranslation is very well thought of and Count Meribel is very good fresh. We're looking for a nice performance and it's a good starting point."

Kildisart: progressed well last season, culminating with a win at AintreeCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

The last time Kildisart raced at Carlisle was in November 2017 when finishing runner-up to Count Meribel over hurdles and the pair renew rivalry.

Highly tried over fences last season, Count Meribel was well beaten in both starts in graded company but is unbeaten on three visits to Carlisle, including on his chase debut last November.

"He's got a lot to do with Lostintranslation in there," said Count Meribel's trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies. "His form at Carlisle is very good and let's hope he runs well but he's got a good one to beat."

My Old Gold takes on the boys

Nicky Richards landed the Colin Parker with the majestic Monet's Garden in 2006 and the Cumbria trainer is hoping history can be repeated when he saddles My Old Gold.

The race holds special significance to the Richards family as it is named after the late Scottish trainer who was a former head lad for Nicky's father Gordon Richards.

The oldest in the field at the age of nine, My Old Gold receives weight from her three opponents and has the assistance of Brian Hughes in the saddle as she seeks a third win over fences under rules.

Richards said: "All four runners are strong horses so it should be a good race. It’s a great way to start the season and, depending how she goes, we are looking at another Listed race at Carlisle in December."

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