Coral Racing Ambassador, Joe Tizzard, previews his three runners on the first day of the December Meeting at Cheltenham, including the promising Lisbane Park who features in the opening contest on the card.

12:05 Cheltenham – Lisbane Park

This is a competitive race to run Lisbane Park in, but we want to find out where we are with him. He bolted up in his race at Exeter, so I think we’re entitled to step him up in grade and this race is also a qualifier for an EBF Final later in the season, so that’s another reason for running here.

He’s been in great form at home since his first run, most of mine have improved for that first run back, so the fact he was able to win like he did was even more impressive. We’re racing on the new course this weekend so even though it’s currently soft, it’s fresh ground and I’m sure it will ride beautifully. I am excited about this horse and this race, but I do know it’s a very competitive contest.

14:25 Cheltenham – Eldorado Allen and Copperhead

We run two old favourites in this Veterans’ Chase. Eldorado Allen was fantastic when winning here last month, it was beautiful to watch and it gave the whole team a great buzz. This extended 2m½f trip suits him perfectly and in the form he is, I hope he can run another huge race.

Copperhead is having his first run for over 300 days, so he’ll come on plenty for it and we want to get him qualified for the final of this series. Fred Gingell has ridden him plenty, and Brendan Powell was never going to get off Eldorado Allen, so the jockey bookings were straightforward. 

Copperhead did beat Eldorado Allen a couple of times last season, but I don’t think that will be the case this time. 

Joe Tizzard, Coral Racing Ambassador