Lostintranslation moved to the Mind of lists after getting the better of defending Winner Bristol De Mai at an Exciting climax to the Betfair Chase at Haydock.
A brilliant winner of the Grade One contest at each of the last two seasons, the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained Bristol De Mai was planning to become the third three-times winner on Merseyside – after the fantastic Kauto Star, that won four renewals, and also the popular Cue Card.
The gray faced only three contests for his hat-trick bid – and has been the joint-favourite that was 5-4 together with the up-and-coming Losintranslation, whod made a nice start to his season at Carlisle three months past, albeit in lesser company.
Bristol De Mai was soon bowling along at the head of events as is his wont – and the pressure was maintained by some prodigious jumps on these in behind.
His Charlie Hall Chase-winning stablemate Ballyoptic along with also the Paul Nicholls-trained Frodon were equally under stress until the home turn, however having been ridden patiently in the rear for much of three-mile journey by Robbie Power, Colin Tizzards Lostintranslation moved ominously into contention early in the right.
Bristol De Mai – unbeaten in four previous visits to Haydock – did not give up his crown without a struggle, but Lostintranslation dug deep to emerge victorious by a length and a half.
Paddy Power clip the winner to 3-1 out of 5-1 for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, although he is the 5-1 favourite from 8-1 for the Gold Cup at Prestbury Park in March.
Tizzard stated:Ive never had a single jump better than this fella. He is just a wonderful horse and we ensure we care for him as they do not come along very often.
He is immaculate in his fences – that he makes the perfect form. He was in a heap and got into the last in tight. Bristol De Mai might have headed him. He kept moving to the line, although we didnt understand what he went to discover.
He remains well and has got the rate for 2 miles. He has everything ahead of him
Paddy Power clip Lostintranslation to 3-1 from 5-1 for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, while he is the 5-1 favourite from 8-1 for the Gold Cup at Prestbury Park in March.
He will have finished if he can go on to acquire those 2 races
The strategy at the beginning of the season was to have a training race, then come with this and to have a go in the #1million bonus, so hell go for the King George next, Tizzard verified.
Whether we must run him between the King George and Cheltenham, we do not understand yet – we would like to go for the Gold Cup.
Kempton is the plan, certainly – it can suit him longer. Hes won and completed it against Bristol De Mai. It is only two years past he overcome Cue Card so this is his track.
Our horse has got the speed and he could leap and we have seen today he could grind it out on good to soft ground – this horse has got everything.
One Cheltenham Gold Cup winner has been ridden by robbie Power in 2017 victor Sizing John – and feels Lostintranslation has all of the attributes to make him a competitor.
He said:It is no secret how much we thought about this horse. Now was D-Day – he was stepping to the big boys league.
They dont come much bigger than Bristol De Mai round Haydock, so we were planning to discover lots about his Gold Cup credentials. The horse has completed the talking, and it has answered them all.
I couldnt believe how well he was travelling. He was in his comfort zone the entire way. Its six months to the King George which is perfect, although hes had a tough race. Hell be freshened up and he is only seven, which roll Kempton.
Sizing John has been a good jumper. They dont come much better than him but this horse has a lot of similarities in that he jumps and contains a speed that is great.
These are the two main characteristics you will need for a Gold Cup competition
Read more: cheltenham festival betting odds