Trainer Colin Tizzard prepares strong team for the Cheltenham Gold Cup
Prizing the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup from the clutches of Colin Tizzard could prove a difficult task given the strength of his three-strong team, spearheaded by defending champion Native River.
Having realised a lifelong ambition 12 months ago, the Milborne Port handler has the prize in his sights once again, with the Brocade Racing-owned gelding set to be joined by stablemates Thistlecrack and Elegant Escape.
While Tizzard may on the outside appear relaxed about juggling three live contenders for the crown jewel of National Hunt racing, he openly admits the pressure that comes with the territory is starting to get to him as the big day edges closer.
Tizzard said: "We are in quite good form and going so well, that is why I have said about holding our nerve. It soon comes around and while I might come over as pretty cool, it gets to me a bit, there is no two ways about it.
"It is everyone's dream to have a runner in the Gold Cup. Native River was third the year before he won it and to have three lovely staying chasers rated up in the 160s in the race is everything you want.
"With these Gold Cup horses the rest of the family are often never as good as they are. They are almost like freaks really, they are just brilliant."
It may be coming up to a year since Native River defeated Might Bite in what was arguably the finish of last year's Festival, but Tizzard still finds it hard to believe he has actually produced a Gold Cup winner of his own.
He said: "Three out I was looking to see what was going to come from behind, then you look at Might Bite and then I thought we will have a good second here.
"Even jumping the second-last you think we are going to have a good second, then all of a sudden one has got his head down still going and the other is starting to feel it.
"It played into Native River's hands as he ran right to the line, head down. He put his effort in.
"It was brilliant for the owners, but I don't know how to put it into words. I went to Cheltenham as a 19-year-old and stood on the Red Cross hut at the last fence.
"I watched The Dikler and Glencaraig Lady win the Gold Cup. I never dare dreamed that one day I would be training one."
While the betting suggests Native River is the most likely of the Tizzard trio prevail, he feels both King George VI Chase runner-up Thistlecrack and Welsh Grand National winner Elegant Escape each merit their place.
He said: "My opinion is that Native River has done it and he has probably got the better chance, but the others on their day would have a chance.
"Elegant Escape is massive stayer, you can't get away from that, and stamina does kick in, and Thistlecrack is a Stayers' Hurdle winner who is a brilliant horse and I think he is better going left-handed.
"Keeping him sound has been an issue and we didn't race him until he was nearly seven, but he is fine at the moment and has done most of his work. We will let them all run and see which one is the best.
"They have been racing all year, the form is in the bag, they are fit well and healthy and that is all you can hope for."
If last year's celebrations are anything to go by then it could be a long night for all those connected to the Tizzard team should any of his three runners cross the line in first place.
He said: "Let's see if we can drink Cheltenham dry and have some fun. We did last year. We went back to the owners' and trainers' bar and we got the champagne out.
"We got 50 bottles and we had to go on to that pink stuff in the end. It was dear, I can tell you that, but at that time of night it tastes all the same.
"We must celebrate and enjoy it, as it is a wonderful time in our lives. You think it might happen for the next 10 years in your life, but it might not."
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