WHEN the time comes to replace his current crop of stable stars Colin Tizzard has in Finian’s Oscar a horse more than capable of filling any void after he formed the highlight of a double for the trainer in the Betway Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree.

Having enjoyed a red-letter day at the track 24-hours earlier in saddling a 4,334-1 treble the Milborne Port handler, together with jockey Robbie Power and owners Ann and Alan Potts, celebrated another big-race brace highlighted by a second Grade One triumph for the five-year-old.

Anchored close to the rear early on, the 3-1 favourite, who missed the Cheltenham Festival after sustaining a minor setback, steadily scythed his way through his rivals, before storming past Messire Des Obeaux ahead of the last to go on and claim a three-length success.

Tizzard said: “He’s done his job, he’s unbeaten over hurdles this year and we can dream about next year now. He’s got everything in front of him. When Robbie came down last week he jumped him over hurdles twice so he knew what to expect.

“He’s just a lovely horse.

“I’m sure he’ll go chasing next season. Hopefully he won’t run again this time, he is entered at Punchestown but I’ll have a chat with Alan. Horses like him don’t come around very often.”

While the performance of Sizing Codelco at Cheltenham may have caused a few heads to be scratched that display was soon forgotten when he completed doubles for Tizzard, Power and the Potts with an 18-length success in the Listed Betway Handicap Chase.

Tizzard said of the 10-1 winner: “Sometimes you just can’t believe this game. I wanted to run here, but Alan said he’d run so poorly at Cheltenham why bother.

“I’d messed him around early in the season and he’d worn blinkers and cheekpieces, but we took them off and it’s worked out.

“He might be a National horse next year.”

DORSET WATCH

BILL Turner’s British Embassy goes in the 4.20 at Redcar.

ECHOMAN’S TIPS

TODAY’S NAP

Ghinia (Windsor 5.00)

NEXT BEST

Met By Moonlight (Windsor 5.30)