JOE Tizzard believes Cue Card heads for the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day in better shape than he was 12 months ago.

Cue Card was second to Silviniaco Conti in the Christmas showpiece when partnered by Tizzard after looking all over the winner.

Tizzard has since retired from race-riding and is assistant trainer to his father Colin at their Milborne Port stables.

“I rode him out the other morning and he’s in cracking form,” the retired jockey told At The Races.

“We’re going there with no pressure either. It’s a hot race, every race he runs in is a hot race. The forecast looks good and he’s going to get nicer ground than at Haydock.

“He bounces off the better ground over the longer trip. Kempton ground will be lovely, I think.

“He’s in better form than he was going into the race last year. He blew hard after Haydock and he’s come on for the run.

“He gave me a lovely feel when I rode him out and I’m really pleased with him.”

Cue Card was fourth to Silviniaco Conti in the Betfair Chase at Haydock which he had won last November.

Noel Fehily was in the saddle that day and he is expecting another big performance.

“I was very impressed with him at Haydock in the Betfair,” the jockey told At The Races.

“Paul Nicholls has been very happy with him since and he thinks he has him in the form on his life, so we are very positive going into the race and looking forward to it.”