Andrew Nelis racing

The RSA Insurance Novices’ Chase has emerged as the preferred target for Copperhead at next week’s Cheltenham Festival. Colin Tizzard’s charge is second favourite with most bookmakers for the National Hunt Chase on Tuesday week, but connections are leaning towards bidding for Grade One glory the following afternoon. The six-year-old has made giant strides since finishing fifth on his chasing debut at Chepstow in October, landing successive handicaps at Wincanton and Newbury before successfully stepping up to Grade Two level in last month’s Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase at Ascot. Joe Tizzard, assistant to his father, said: “He has been so progressive this season. It was a lovely first run, where he needed it, and then we had a go at handicaps at Wincanton and Newbury, which he won. “The first time we stepped him up to a Graded race was in the Reynoldstown at Ascot and he improved again. He jumps and stays and is very straightforward and very relaxed. “We have had a lot of con...

A decision on Copperhead’s Cheltenham Festival target is expected to be made “in the next week or so”. The Colin Tizzard-trained novice continued his rapid progression over fences with a dominant display in the Reynoldstown at Ascot last weekend. He holds entries in the National Hunt Chase – which will be run over a reduced distance of three miles and six furlongs this year – and the three-mile RSA Insurance Novices’ Chase. Assistant trainer Joe Tizzard told Sky Sports Racing: “He’s come out of it really well, you wouldn’t know he’s had a race. “He’s a very progressive young horse, he’s been put up another 10lb for his win and I don’t know where he’s going to end up, as he’s improved with every run. “I’ve had all the big Irish amateurs on the phone trying to get their leg over him (for the NH Chase), but it’s a decision we haven’t yet made. “Me and dad need to chat to the owners and try to make the right decision for the horse, but we haven’t got to make it just yet. “We...