World Hurdle ace Thistlecrack on the Gold Cup trail

Thistlecrack: sensational winner of the Ryanair World Hurdle will revert to hurdles if he isn't up to Gold Cup class over fencesCredit: Grossick Racing Photography 0771

Colin Tizzard could saddle as many as three runners in the Timico Gold Cup at Cheltenham in March, with the thrilling prospect of last season’s stunning World Hurdle winner Thistlecrack heading a trio that also includes Cue Card and Native River.

However, news of the current wearer of the Gold Cup crown Don Cossack is less upbeat, with Gigginstown racing manager Eddie O’Leary saying yesterday: “If I’m being honest, I doubt we’ll make it.” Trainer Gordon Elliott, though, is less pessimistic.

Thistlecrack is favourite in all lists for the RSA Chase at as short as 3-1, but is outright market leader at 6-1 with Ladbrokes and Sky Bet for the Gold Cup and that is his main target for the season, assuming he can prove himself over fences.

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Graham DenchReporter

David JenningsDeputy Ireland editor

Published on 1 September 2016inNews

Last updated 12:11, 2 September 2016

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