Colin Tizzard’s Cue Card in great form ahead of Saturday’s Ascot Chase
The popular chaser will be looking to win the race for the third time in his career but could face tough opposition including Gold Cup hope Coney Island
CUE CARD will look to win a third Betfair Ascot Chase this Saturday.
Colin Tizzard's popular chaser won the race last year, four years after his first success in the Grade 1 contest.
He has not been seen since finishing a distant second in the Betfair Chase at Haydock and is set to have just a few more runs before retirement.
Tizzard's son and assistant, Joe, said: "He has had a nice break and schooled beautifully on Wednesday morning. He seems in the best form he has been all season. He really is in good nick.
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"We haven't written him off by any stretch of the imagination, so we are looking forward to running him. I don't think there was anything wrong with the Haydock run. On different days different horses win those top-class races.
"I still think he has got another big day in him.
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"It is not an easy race on Saturday compared to last year. It looks a decent race, but he is still a very good horse on his day."
Cue Card will faces a maximum of six rivals.
Heading the opposition is Nicky Henderson's Top Notch, while Waiting Patiently would be a poignant winner should he strike for Ruth Jefferson, who recently took over the family stable after the death of her father, Malcolm.
Eddie Harty sends over Coney Island, who warmed up for a crack at this race with a smooth victory over the course and distance last month.
Nigel Hawke's Speredek and the Gary Moore-trained Traffic Fluide also stand their ground, as does Paul Nicholls' Frodon.