Hughes keen on Tidal chance

Jockey Brian Hughes is confident mercurial talent Tidal Bay can make his presence felt in next month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The 10-year-old came from the clouds to chase home Imperial Commander in the Betfair Chase at Haydock back in November and again looked likely to be tailed off at one stage in Cheltenham’s Argento Chase.

However, he again consented to run on in the home straight to finish a close second behind Neptune Collonges and his big-race jockey feels the stronger pace he should get in the Gold Cup will bring out the best in him.

“Tidal is in great form and we’re looking forward to Cheltenham,” Hughes told At The Races.

“It’s great for me to have a ride in such a big race and to have the ride on a horse with a lot of ability.

“Everyone calls him names but tell me another horse who can give Imperial Commander 20 lengths and catch him?

“I felt the last day had they gone a bit quicker, I’d have won. The Paul Nicholls horse (Neptune Collonges) was tired at the finish and he had it all his own way early on.

“No disrespect to Mon Mome and Carruthers but they were third and fourth in the Gold Cup last year and Tidal Bay has more ability than the two of them put together.

“It’s a Gold Cup and I’m sure they’ll go a good gallop. We’ll drop in behind them and hunt away and we deserve to be there.

“Hopefully we’ll be staying on at the end.”