Tizzard harbours Gold Cup dream

Equally speculative, but not quite as lucrative, would be a bet on stable-mates Cue Card and Thistlecrack winning back-to-back Cheltenham Gold Cups.

That double became a possibility when trainer Colin Tizzard announced that current World Hurdle favourite Thistlecrack could take his chance in the 2017 Gold Cup.

Tizzard already trains the well-fancied King George and Betfair Chase winner Cue Card, who goes for next month’s Gold Cup with a leading chance.

Bookmakers Paddy Power are offering 150-1 about a Cue Card-Thistlecrack back-to-back Gold Cup double, which is worth a few shekels of anyone’s hard-earned as a fun bet.

Paddy Power, who came up with the price after being contacted by The Gazette, said: “Thistlecrack was awesome in his World Hurdle trial and if he takes to the bigger obstacles, wouldn’t it be marvellous to see him going head-to-head with his stable companion in next year’s Gold Cup for the popular Dorset trainer?”

The price about Tizzard to win both Gold Cups with any combination is 50-1.

Despite his limited racecourse experience with Thistlecrack only having had 12 runs in his life, Tizzard would be quite happy to forego a novice campaign due to his age.

Having already schooled at home, the trainer is excited about the prospect.

“I actually spoke about it with John and Heather (Snook, owners) the other night,” Tizzard said.

“Winning three-mile hurdles is absolutely fine and you wouldn’t take that away from any horse, but the ultimate aim is to win a Gold Cup.

“I’m sure if he carries on like he is and ends the season sound, John and Heather will want to go for a Gold Cup, and I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t.”