Colin Tizzard reports stable star Cue Card “ready to rock” as he bids to regain his crown in the Vix Technology Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter today.

The eight-year-old, pictured, was a brilliant winner of the prestigious Grade Two in 2012, but was beaten into third by Somersby 12 months ago, with that rival in opposition again today.

Following his reverse in last year’s renewal, Cue Card went on to claim the Betfair Chase at Haydock before filling the runner-up spot in the King George VI Chase, but missed the rest of the season after suffering a pelvic injury.

The Milborne Port handler is confident his charge is a fitter horse than he was heading to Exeter last year and is expecting a bold show, with Daryl Jacob in the saddle for the first time following the retirement of the trainer’s son, Joe, in March.

Tizzard said: “It will be beautiful to get him started and he seems in really good form. He’s been for a racecourse gallop, which he didn’t do before this race last year.

“A lot of my horses have been needing the run this season, but I don’t think he will. He’s ready to rock.

“Daryl (Jacob) rode him in the racecourse gallop and has been down and schooled him. Everything seems to have gone really well.

“Last year, we used this race as a stepping stone to the Betfair Chase and I’m sure every horse in the race today will be using it as a stepping stone for something.”

Somersby was in receipt of over a stone from Cue Card a year ago, but carries just 8lb less for the rematch.