Lucky Clover to defend cross country crown
Trainer Colin Tizzard has confirmed that last year’s winner of the Sporting Index Steeplechase, Lucky Clover, will return to Cheltenham to defend his crown.
The 10-year-old beat Galapiat Du Mesnil in a thrilling finish to last year’s three mile and seven furlong cross country feature over natural hedges, timber and banks.
Lucky Clover could be joined by stablemate Mister One in the November 15 event, the feature race of the first day of the Open meeting.
Tizzard could send his charge for a preparatory outing in the west country before tackling the Cheltenham feature.
The trainer said: “There’s a possibility that he’ll run in a handicap chase at Taunton – we want to get one more run into him. We may go there and then straight to Cheltenham – that’s the plan at the moment.
“He’d been racing for 18 months up to December and he doesn’t like heavy ground so we gave him a break. He had a bit of an accident while he was at home - he’s just coming back to himself now so he should be at his best form by Cheltenham.”
If Lucky Clover is good enough to win this year’s Sporting Index Steeplechase, he will become the third dual winner.
McGregor The Third was a successful favourite for the late Gordon Richards in 1995 and 1996, while Irish raider Linden’s Lotto scored for Tony Martin in 1998 and 1999.
Tizzard is confident of his charge staying the trip and he hopes the gelding will be back to form after a couple of disappointing runs at the end of last season.
The Dorset-based handler said: “If we catch him right again, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t do it again. You never know do you – he does stay ever so well.
“If he gets to the bottom of the hill within a length or two of the leading horses, he will make them go as he will stay on up that hill as well as anything.
“He needs four miles and a very positive ride and then everything goes for him. It is a very competitive race nowadays because there’s plenty of prize money and it won’t be easy.”
Mister One would also hold a live chance should he line up in the £30,000 (€47,000)-added event.
The 11-year-old turned in some good performances last campaign, the highlight of which would have been winning the Tote Devon National in March.
Tizzard said: “In March he won the Devon Grand National at Exeter and he also won at Wincanton last season – he’s rated 133 now.
“He ran in this race two years ago [when fifth to Supreme Charm]. He’s another horse who needs four miles and he’d have as much chance as Lucky Clover would.”
Jockey Joe Tizzard, who unfortunately sustained a serious spinal injury at Hereford in March and will be unable to resume his partnership with Lucky Clover who he partnered last renewal, believes Mister One is the better bet.
He said: “I think that I’d want to be on Mister One – he’s the better and classier horse of the two.
“I think Lucky Clover basically had his Gold Cup when he won the race last year – Mister One has jumped round the course and took to the fences very well.
“Saying that, Lucky Clover will do himself justice again and he’s a superb ride,” he added.
