Joe Tizzard team turn their attention to Aintree
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Sun 22 Mar 2026
Joe Tizzard could see his top performers from the Cheltenham Festival head to Merseyside in another bid for Grade One glory.
JPR One looks set for a busy end to the campaign following his fine fourth in the Ryanair Chase which saw him lead for most of the way, with the Melling Chase at Aintree in mind before a potential step across the Irish Sea for the Punchestown Festival.
“It was a real solid run, he ran as well as we hoped he’d run because he got them all rattled a little bit,” said Tizzard.
“He will go to Aintree, two and a half (miles) around there should be fine for him, it was only when he was at the second-last that the hill took its toll. I’m looking forward to running him at Aintree.
“When he’s got his ground then he can flick his toe out and he jumped as well as I’ve ever seen him jump, so we were pleased with that run.
“Two and a half at Aintree and then we might even take him to Punchestown. He’s a nine-year-old who has been consistent all season and he loves this spring ground.”
Kripticjim could have one final run over hurdles at the Grand National meeting in the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle before a transition to fences, which Tizzard believes will see the six-year-old blossom.
He was bang in contention in the Albert Bartlett at the last before fading into sixth.
“Kripticjim was a lovely run. First time over three miles he seemed to handle it no problem,” he added.
“He might go for the three-miler at Aintree, he’s certainly come out of the race fine and he will be a lovely chaser next season. I think he will definitely improve for a fence.
“He’s a lovely young horse, we looked after him last year and he’s just getting better and better.
“He’s obviously won over two and a half (miles) and I think on the spring ground he’d definitely get three miles, but when we start chasing I’ll have no problem on soft ground to drop him back to two and a half.”
Alexei came bounding up the hill in the Champion Hurdle only to hit the final flight, which stalled his momentum as he came home in fourth behind the impressive Lossiemouth.
“He came out of the race really well,” the Venn Farm handler said. “The handicapper has jacked him up 10lb so he thought it was a good performance.
“He’d have been in the shake-up for second or third if he jumped the last properly so I’m really pleased with him and he’s come out of it fine.
“I’m chuffed to bits with the performance and it bodes well for where we go now.
“He’s had a cracking season and he’s showed that he’s good enough to compete in those top races as well.
“I’ve not had chance to catch up with Garth and Anne (Broom, owners), I’m not sure two and a half miles around Aintree will really suit him – he’s a speed horse.
“Whether or not we talk about Punchestown (we will see), but I’ve not properly had the chance to catch up with them with what we will do yet.”
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