Lostintranslation feeling the heat and warming to Gold Cup mission

Lostintranslation is being given five-star treatment at Colin Tizzard's yard with connections believing he is “spot on” and ready to show his class in the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup next Friday.

The impressive Betfair Chase winner has been given a special heater in his box – described as “a bit of luxury” – as he looks to bounce back from his King George disappointment. He was pulled up at Kempton on Boxing Day having failed to travel with his usual enthusiasm.

But the eight-year-old, a general 6-1 chance for the Gold Cup, has since had wind surgery and is showing all his usual sparkle at home, leaving the Tizzard team purring as they seek a second victory in the race.

Joe Tizzard, son and assistant to Colin, said: "He's a horse we've always held in high regard. The season was going perfectly after Haydock, but the wheels fell off a bit at Kempton. We haven't found a specific reason for it but he has had a soft palate [operation], that's something that had been mentioned before.

Magners Gold Cup card and betting

“Perhaps he had a harder race at Haydock than we thought, it may have left its toll a little. He had his wind done the following week and he hasn't missed a trick since then. He went away the week before last and that's put him really spot on. We're really happy with him, he's really come into himself at home. We've put heat lamps in his box, it's just a little bit of luxury for him.

"I quite like the fact things are a bit quiet with him, but we've got him back and he's doing all of his work well. We have't lost any faith in him, he's a big, powerful boy and I still wouldn't write him out of it.

"There's always that question with those extra two furlongs but if we had some genuine good to soft ground then I think he could just travel into it and be bang there at the last. He's got a live chance.”

Lostintranslation impressed in the Betfair Chase at the start of the seasonCredit: Grossick Racing 07710461723

The dry forecast will be in the favour of Lostintranslation, with connections hoping for good to soft ground. Tizzard added: "He's a big horse but he wouldn't mind the ground drying out. Robbie [Power, jockey] has always maintained that he'll be better on the top of the ground. He said that all through last season and he's saying it now.

"I don't mind if it's a dry week and we get to Friday and it's genuine good to soft. That would really suit him."

The Tizzards did not have a festival winner last year but are armed with a formidable hand in the novice hurdling division this time around.

The Big Breakaway is one of the most exciting young hurdlers in Britain, having won his two racecourse starts by a combined 15 lengths, and Tolworth winner Fiddlerontheroof has a leading chance in the opening race of the meeting, the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

Fiddlerontheroof: would have an excellent chance in a soft-ground SupremeCredit: Edward Whitaker

“Everyone wants to win the first race, it relaxes you a bit,” Joe Tizzard said. “Fiddlerontheroof has had outstanding form this season and we've saved him for this since the Tolworth. He handles soft ground really well and is just a lovely, big horse.

"He'll be our only one in the Supreme. I think he's got a great chance, especially if the ground is on the slower side. He's a good traveller and he'll stay up the hill well. He'll make a gorgeous chaser next season but he's a good novice hurdler for now."

The Big Breakaway will take on Envoi Allen in Wednesday’s Ballymore and Tizzard added: “He's a very talented horse and he takes everything in his stride. He jumps for fun and has a lot of raw ability. Robbie [Power] is in love with him and he could be anything. He's as nice and exciting a young horse as we've ever had."

The Big Breakaway: will tackle hot favourite Envoi Allen in the BallymoreCredit: Edward Whitaker

He continued: "We'll also have Harry Senior and Lieutenant Rocco in the Albert Bartlett. There's not too much between them. Harry Senior has been very progressive and his form has been strong. Lieutenant Rocco is a huge, great horse and he's won both his runs well.

“We’re spoilt with novice hurdlers, they’re the best we’ve had. It’s good for the next few seasons too.”

Supreme Novices' Hurdle card and betting

Ballymore Novices' Hurdle card and betting

Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle card and betting

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