Cue Card is now as short as 4-1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup after passing a distance test as he ran a top-class field into the ground to win the Lancashire Chase at Haydock.
Although he failed at his only previous start at three miles (4800m) in last season’s King George, he had an easy time in the lead, dictating the pace and jumping with aplomb.
Last year’s winner Silviniaco Conti looked a big danger three from home, as did eventual runner-up Dynaste, but Cue Card sprinted clear to win by 4-1/2 lengths under Joe Tizzard, son of trainer Colin Tizzard.
The big disappointment of the race was the Gold Cup winner Bobs Worth, who dropped away tamely to finish sixth.
“There’s been a lot of pressure the last week or so,” Colin Tizzard said.
“It’s almost brought a tear to my eye. Joe was real coy until about three out, he just sat there and never moved.
“He jumped better than he ever has. He was on his game today, that’s for sure.
“There’s plenty of water to go under the bridge before March. I assume he’ll go to the King George next and then I’m sure he’ll end up at Cheltenham in one of the races.”
Cue Card was quoted at 5-2 joint-favourite for the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day with sponsors William Hill and Paddy Power.
Runner-up Dynaste is also set take his chance in the Christmas feature.
