Tizzard bullish about Cue Card

Colin Tizzard reports Cue Card in "brilliant order" as he bids to get favourite backers off to the perfect start in the Stan James Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The five-year-old was installed as favourite for the Festival curtain-raiser immediately after his devastating success in last year's Champion Bumper, and he has done nothing wrong since switching his attentions to jumping.

Following novice victories at Aintree and at Cheltenham, he chased home current Champion Hurdle favourite Menorah in the International Hurdle.

Tizzard feels that form makes him the one to beat, but he is respectful of the opposition.

"We've done all our work with him now and the horse is in really good form. We can't wait for it now. It's been a long time coming," said Tizzard.

"He hasn't run since December, but that wouldn't worry me at all. He's been for a racecourse gallop and he's in absolutely brilliant order.

"He's had a bit of sun on his back and I really couldn't be happier with him, but having said all that it is a horse race.

"He's got the best form but we don't know what's lurking there. It's championship racing. It isn't pot hunting, this is the business and we're lucky to have a horse like him to run in these races.

"He has the form and he has the Cheltenham form, so it's all there. There's nothing more I can say about this horse.

"Of course you feel the nerves, but we're looking forward to it."

Cue Card faces 14 rivals with Nicky Henderson saddling Spirit Son, Sprinter Sacre and Gibb River.

Willie Mullins relies on Zaidpour, while Tommy Stack's mare Magen's Star is another interesting challenger.

Totesport Trophy winner Recession Proof, the Paul Nicholls-trained Al Ferof and Brian Ellison's juvenile Marsh Warbler are other major players.