Wednesday 21 December 2016 11:23, UK
Paddy Brennan believes that Cue Card is better than ever ahead of the 32Red King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
The 10-year-old won the Grade One contest on his fourth attempt 12 months ago and will face a maximum of six rivals in his attempt to defend his crown.
Among the possible runners is Thistlecrack, also trained by Colin Tizzard, who has had just two starts over fences, winning both by a wide margin.
Both have their supporters in the Devon yard and in the wider racing public and neither jockey is backing down either.
Tom Scudamore declared that it's time for Thistlecrack to take on the big guns but Brennan issued a rallying cry in his blog for the race sponsors.
"I went down to Colin Tizzard's this morning and sat on him for the first time since winning the Betfair Chase last month - and he felt great," he said.
"In fact, he felt as good, if not better, than ever.
"I schooled him over fences, he jumped great, and I couldn't be happier with him."
Sky Bet, who are betting non-runner no bet on the contest, make Cue Card their 5/4 favourite ahead of Thistlecrack at 11/8.
