Thistlecrack decision to be made late

Colin Tizzard will wait as long as possible before making a decision on Thistlecrack's participation in the 32Red King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day.

Thistlecrack has enjoyed an unbeaten start to his career over fences and connections must decide whether to let him take on seasoned staying chasers in the King George or stick to novice company for the Kauto Star Novices' Chase on the same card.

A crack at the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup is the ultimate target for the eight-year-old and Tizzard has hinted that ground conditions will play a part in the final decision with the King George the likely option if the going turns soft.

"We've still not decided which race Thistlecrack will go for. We just want to make sure we chose the right race," Tizzard told reporters during a press day at his Dorset stables on Wednesday.

"A flat-out gallop in the King George might help him as he could easily sit in third or fourth and pick them up but it could also take him out of his comfort zone as he's never done that pace over fences and that's our issue.

"We had a long discussion with Tom Scudamore yesterday and things will become clearer as the days go on."

Stable companion Cue Card will bid for back-to-back wins in the King George but Tizzard is happy to let both horses run in the feature event.

"The owners will listen to what we want to do but in the end they will make the decision," he explained.

"Jean Bishop (Cue Card's owner) has been in racing long enough and knows we have got two very good horses and we've got to do best for both sets of owners.

"Thistlecrack's jumping was fantastic last time but he's never done the pace of the King George yet. If it came up softer, it may sway us more towards the King George.

"He has got everything and he's not had to untap it yet. You all saw over hurdles last season that he can travel superbly well at any pace.

"He made one mistake at Cheltenham, that's all. He landed on top of the ditch. He's quite entitled to do that as he's only a novice.

"We had a long discussion yesterday about the pros and cons about what to do but we've got another 12 days. We don't want to make it now and then change our mind afterwards.

"Everyone will be kept in the picture and it could go 50-50."

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