Colin Tizzard back for more as the Brits bid to make it three in a row

Guinness Handicap Chase | Grade A | 2m4f | 5yo+ | ATR

Colin Tizzard made his mark on the Punchestown festival last season, sending out three winners including in a one-two in this race when the Robbie Power-ridden Sizing Granite beat stablemate Viconte Du Noyer.

Viconte Du Noyer is back bidding to go one better, but this time he will be joined by Shanahan's Turn, the 2015 Galway Plate winner when with Henry de Bromhead.

With Power opting to ride Jessica Harrington’s Woodland Opera over Tizzard’s pair, Jonathan Burke, former number one to the late Ann and Alan Potts, will pull on the familiar silks before taking the ride aboard last year’s runner-up. Harry Cobden partners Shanahan’s Turn.

Viconte Du Noyer and Gavin Sheehan on the way to success in the BetVictor Handicap Chase at Cheltenham in 2016Credit: Mark Cranham

British-trained horses have won the past two runnings of this contest, Rebecca Curtis being responsible for 2016 winner Irish Cavalier, and the overseas challenge is completed by Harry Whittington's Cold March, the mount of Bryan Cooper.

Tom Mullins, successful in 2013 with Klepth, is looking forward to running Oscar Knight, while brother and champion handler Willie saddles Polidam, Demi Sang and Patricks Park.

His great rival Gordon Elliott has yet to win the €100,000 prize but will be hoping Jetstream Jack, The Paparazzi Kid, Lord Scoundrel and Clarcam can get involved.

What they say

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Clarcam, Lord Scoundrel, The Paparazzi Kid and Jetstream Jack
Clarcam ran well for a long way in the Topham at Aintree and appeared not to get the trip. Lord Scoundrel was disappointing in the Irish National and the drop down in distance should suit him and Jetstream Jack, although the rain won't have helped Jetstream Jack. The Paparrazi Kid fell around half way in the Irish National on his first start for us, so it's difficult to know what to expect from him.

Colin Tizzard, trainer of Viconte Du Noyer and Shanahan's Turn
Viconte Du Noyer didn't show much last season until he came here, so I'm hoping he can bounce back to form again. Of the two, though, I would fancy Shanahan's Turn more. He ran really well at Aintree and travelled so well there. If he can reproduce that form he should go close.

Harry Whittington, trainer of Cold March
He made a noise at Newbury so has had a wind op since then. We hope it can revive him, although sometimes it takes a run for them after the operation for it to take effect. He's in great form and going right-handed on better ground will be in his favour.

Tom Mullins, trainer of Oscar Knight
He seems none the worse for his spill in the Irish National and has been in very good form since. I'm hoping he'll have a good chance, but it looks a competitive race. He's one of my better chances of the week.

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