Kilbricken Storm set to run in the John Francome Novices' Chase at Newbury
Grade One-winning hurdler Kilbricken Storm is on course to make his next start over fences in the Ladbrokes John Francome Novices' Chase at Newbury.
After a successful chasing debut at Ffos Las, last season's Albert Bartlett winner is being lined up for step back up in class for a shot at the Grade Two prize on Saturday week.
Joe Tizzard, son and assistant to trainer, Colin, said: "He has come out of that absolutely fine, and we will probably take him to Newbury for the two-mile-seven Grade Two chase on the Saturday.
"I was at Sandown saddling a horse, so I never got to see the race (at Ffos Las) live, and I had a few phone calls saying that he only just won.
"Having seen it, though, I thought 95 per cent of it was brilliant. He jumped particularly well and travelled well, and it looked like he was going to hose up.
"But he possibly got caught napping a bit, and then still toughed it out and got back up. First thing first in a novice chase is they jump round in one piece. He has come out sound, and we can step him up now."
A return to the Berkshire track appears to be on the cards for Lostinstranlation after the six-year-old finished second on his chasing bow at the track earlier this month.
Tizzard said: "It was a lovely run, but he didn't deserve to get beat for a horse that jumps like that in a novice chase.
"It was frustrating he got beat, but he got beaten by a very good mare who is good fresh - and giving her the mares' allowance.
"He probably ran as well as he has ever run on official ratings, and he is likely to go to Newbury a week on Friday for the two-and-a-half-mile Grade Two (Ladbrokes Novices' Chase)."
Although Pingshou faded to finish fourth in a Grade Two on his chasing debut at Cheltenham on Sunday, connections were pleased with what they saw from the eight-year-old on his first start in 572 days.
Tizzard added: "He was a bit fresh over the first half a mile, and he just ran with the choke out a little bit.
"Aidan (Coleman) said three out he thought he had every chance - but then as soon as he hit the rising ground, he just got a bit tired. He jumped well, and I couldn't have been happier with his first run over fences."
A switch to a smaller venue looks to be in store for White Moon after his eagerly awaited debut over fences ended with a late fall while still holding every chance at Cheltenham on Friday.
Tizzard said: "He had a slight haematoma between his legs, but it was superficial. He was looking like he was coming there to win his race when he came down.
"It was a frustrating end to what had been a pleasing enough first run over fences. At least he got up okay and is fine.
"We will probably look smaller with him. We will get this haematoma right, and we will see him in three weeks to a month's time."
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