Joe Tizzard is content to bide his time in the handicap ranks for now with Greatwood Hurdle winner Alexei and seek further riches at Ascot in the valuable Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle before Christmas.
The improving five-year-old built on his second appearance in the Welsh Champion Hurdle to run away with what is traditionally one of the most competitive handicaps of the season at Cheltenham, and the Venn Farm handler has now set his sights on the £125,000 on offer in Bekshire on December 20.
Tizzard said: “The plan was to go there (Cheltenham) after winning at Ascot (early November) and I thought on paper it looked as open and competitive as ever. But the way he did it was really exciting and it will be interesting to see what the handicapper does next Tuesday.”
“We’ll probably go for the Ascot handicap just before Christmas. He only won 134 last weekend, so he’s a bit out of the handicaps for now, I think.”
Connections have the right to dream in the manner of Alexei’s six-length victory and while Tizzard is keen to keep his feet on the ground for now, he admitted bigger goals have been discussed.
But most importantly, the win at Greatwood was the perfect way to end a fine weekend for the Dorset side, who recorded a treble at Cheltenham’s three-day November meeting, as well as tasting further success elsewhere.
“Everything has been said and there have been many nice conversations with the owners (Garth and Anne Broom), but I think we will be fine for the time being with our handicaps,” Tizzard added.
“It was a brilliant weekend overall for us. We had winners at Cheltenham, but seven over the whole weekend and in various places through to Monday.
“The horses look great and run great, not just in small races but in really competitive races and it’s a wonderful position for any trainer to be in. The stable has a great feeling and everyone is willing to try anything.”
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