King George hopes still alive for Tizzard's Cue Card (From Dorset Echo)

King George hopes still alive for Tizzard's Cue Card

4:00pm Wednesday 20th March 2013 in Sport

COLIN Tizzard has not given up on another shot at the King George VI Chase with last week's Ryanair Chase winner Cue Card.

The Melling Chase at Aintree is likely to be the next port of call for the seven-year-old, who also won the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter and the Ascot Chase, but could only finish a distant fifth to Long Run at Kempton on his first run over three miles.

However, that was on heavy ground and given different conditions, the Milborne Port handler would not be scared of having another go.

He said: “He’s come back absolutely fine and he actually cantered on Saturday.

“I’m sure he’ll go to Aintree. I’m sure he’ll start off here (the Haldon) but I’m not convinced he doesn’t stay the longer trip.

“The King George could be quite tempting. He was a bit fat in the neck and one or two of mine weren’t running well at the time.

“He didn’t stop at Cheltenham, so it’s all to play for.”

Meanwhile, Tizzard and son Joe followed up their success at Prestbury Park with a victory at Exeter on Tuesday.

The Carter Dawes Financial Planners 10th Anniversary Handicap Hurdle was not quite such an illustrious affair but Buckhorn Tom (2-1) showed plenty of application to lose his maiden tag.

Allowed a clear lead, he was joined by the 6-4 favourite Umberto D’Olivate over the final three flights but seemed to be ignited by having company and went ahead again to collect by a length and a quarter.

“We ran him over two and a half but we thought this track suited so we came back to two,” said Tizzard senior.

“I was surprised to see him jump off, but he idled and when the other one passed him, he stayed on.

“All the owners (The Buckhorn Racing Team) are ecstatic, so it was just as much fun as Cheltenham, really. I imagine he’ll be out again in a fortnight if the ground hasn't gone too quick.”