Colin Tizzard is eager to keep Thistlecrack in novice company at present despite his success in the bet365 Novices’ Chase at Newbury.
The eight-year-old made it eight wins in a row – and three successive triumphs over the bigger obstacles – after switching to chasing.
The son of Kayf Tara has already had success over fences at Chepstow and Cheltenham this season and was a comfortable winner on Saturday.
Second favourite Ibis Du Rheu pushed Tom Scudamore‘s mount for a while but Thistlecrack went on to score by eight lengths.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup could now be an option next March but Tizzard wants to bide his time with the superstar before letting him loose in the bigger events.
“He learned plenty from Cheltenham and whatever schooling you do at home, they still have to do it on the racecourse,” he said. “He was right on his game and is probably just about getting fit now. You could not dream of it going any better, but as he was 1/8 you half-expect it.
“I can’t believe I am talking about these sorts of horse, it’s lovely for us as a family yard and it just shows it can be done.
“The King George is a real test for any horse and I’m not sure he is ready for that yet. We will leave him in it for a while, just in case. All options need to be talked about.
“We’ve got to mind this horse, as we don’t want to go up the ladder six strides at a time and then slip back down.”
