Tizzard Ponders Feltham Shot

Colin Tizzard is leaning towards a crack at the Stan James Feltham Novices' Chase on Boxing Day with the vastly improved Joe Lively.

The eight-year-old beat a small but select field on the bridle at Cheltenham last week and has surprised even his own trainer with his progress this season.

'He came out of the race perfect. He was out yesterday, but we haven't made any decisions yet,' said Tizzard.

'There is not much for him in the first half of January so he may well go for the Feltham, it's a possibility.

'He has surprised me all season, he even surprised me when he was second over hurdles in the summer and hasn't stopped surprising me since.

'Last week he looked a very good horse. He strolled up the run-in like he gets three-miles-two easily.

'There's not much in front of him now in the betting for the SunAlliance Chase, he's nearly favourite.

'We are going to give him an entry (for the Feltham) on Thursday and decide over the weekend.

'If he's spot on it is going to be very tempting as it's usually a small field.

'He's eight coming nine now, he's going to have a very high handicap mark for next season so we may as well have a go at all the top novice races now while he is in the form he is.

'He lost at Wincanton which is right-handed, but I don't think that had anything to do with it.

'When Joe (Tizzard, jockey) came back in he said he had never ridden on ground as quick and he was involved in a fight for the lead early.'

Joe Lively is 12-1 with Paddy Power and Ladbrokes for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase in March.

(C) PA Sport