Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Though he once again departed from the script at Newbury yesterday, it would be hasty to join those already giving up on Cue Card. For a start, he was run down only in the final stride of the Fuller's London Pride Novices' Chase – and by a Cheltenham Festival winner in Bobs Worth, who was receiving 7lb and looks like proving even better over fences than over timber.
For much of the straight, moreover, Joe Tizzard had seemed to have matters under control, even affording himself a couple of leisurely glances over his shoulder after shrugging off a blunder four out. But the theory that Cue Card's ultimate destiny beckons over another half-mile seemed rather porous as Bobs Worth wore down a two-length deficit on the flat.
Nicky Henderson is looking forward to stepping Bobs Worth back up in trip, probably at Kempton on Boxing Day. "It's the obvious place," the trainer said. "I know you'd bump into Grands Crus there, but that's what the race is there for. He'll improve a lot for that."
Tizzard, unseated from Cue Card at Cheltenham a fortnight previously, again exuded self-reproach on his return but was exonerated by his father, Colin. "Joe seemed to think he should have asked him at the last," the trainer said. "But he was on a perfect stride. I'd say we've just been outstayed by a very good one, and the penalty has found us out."
Bobs Worth is 8-1 with Betfred for the RSA Chase at Cheltenham in March, with Grands Crus 4-1, while Cue Card remains 10-1 for the Irish Independent Arkle Trophy back over two miles. Peddlers Cross, 9-2 favourite for that race, meanwhile undertakes the next test for what looks a classy crop of novices at Bangor today.
Ruby Walsh is expected to take his mounts today after being stood down with a kick to the helmet yesterday.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments