Sunday 11 February 2018 12:51, UK
Colin Tizzard is hopeful Finian's Oscar will be fit to run at next month's Cheltenham Festival after undergoing a wind operation.
The dual Grade One-winning hurdler looked an exciting addition to the chasing ranks after winning on his first two starts over fences at Chepstow and Cheltenham, but was well-beaten in the Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown before being touched off by Benatar in a Grade Two at Ascot.
He was pulled up on his return to the smaller obstacles in last month's Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham, but Tizzard is keeping his fingers crossed he will bounce back to his best in the spring.
He said: "He has had his palate cauterised and is back cantering.
"With a minor operation like that you can have them back running in a month. He should be fine for Cheltenham."
Finian's Oscar is entered in the Stayers' Hurdle, the JLT Novices' Chase and the RSA Chase at Prestbury Park in March.
Tizzard was unable to provide a similarly positive update on Pingshou.
The eight-year-old claimed Grade One glory at Aintree last April, but has not been seen since finishing third at Punchestown later that month.
Tizzard added: "He is not quite right. He missed two years before we had him and he is not easy to keep sound."
