'We'll probably have a crack' - Grand Annual on the horizon for Amarillo Sky

Sunday: Newbury

Amarillo Sky could be aimed at the Grand Annual after striking for in-form trainer Colin Tizzard in the feature 2m½f novice handicap chase.

The six-year-old fell when travelling well at Newbury last month, and jockey Brendan Powell always looked confident of making amends on this occasion, quickly putting the race to bed after three out and cruising to a ten-length success.

He is a best-priced 16-1 with Ladbrokes for the Grand Annual.

Assistant trainer Joe Tizzard said: "I'm just delighted with him, he jumped and stayed on well – we'll probably have a crack at the Grand Annual."

With Cheltenham on the horizon, he added: "This is what it's all about, we like training winners and the horses are in great form.

"It’s nice going into Cheltenham. It wasn't very exciting last year, but this year it's really good. It's lovely to have them in good form and we've got a dozen or so we think have got chances."

Amarillo Sky's victory completed a double for the Tizzards as So Said I made all the running to win the 3m mares' handicap hurdle.

Scott's purple patch

Trainer Jeremy Scott continued his excellent run of form when The Russian Doyen cruised to success in the 2m½f handicap chase under Harry Cobden, who was himself completing a double following the earlier win of So Said I.

Scott enjoyed an across-the-card treble on Saturday and is now operating at a 29 per cent strike-rate in the last two weeks.

He said: "When you look around the yard you can see horses who are in a position where they could win now when they perhaps weren't at the beginning of the season – it's exciting."

Results, replays and analysis

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