An Ante-Post Look at Lostintranslation

Colin Tizzard for the last few seasons has had big chances in the Gold Cup and again he has another horse coming through that could well be the next winner of the contest.

Lostintranslation was ran frequently last season and was muddled about with what distance he is best at and it took until the final race of the season for Tizzard to finally see the light.

The seven-year-old raced six times throughout the season, putting in some stellar performances at 2 mile 3f to 2 mile 6f with a superb second behind Defi Du Seuil at Cheltenham in the JLT Novices Chase and also a good win in the Dipper Novices Chase earlier in the season at the same track.

However, his final contest of the season was at Aintree on his first step up to 3 miles 1 furlong in the Grade One Novices Chase and this was the race that put him in the 2020 Gold Cup frame.

He led all the way and when normally he was being outpaced, he revelled in the extra trip and put the field to shame including RSA Chase winner Topofthegame.

His prep for the race has been very different this season to last year with the main aim always being the big one at the festival.

He went to Carlisle to start his season off and did it in expert style by punishing a lesser a field of runners, jumping superbly all the way round which saw him being moved into 8/1 from 14/1 for the Gold Cup.

His next test was the Betfair Chase in which he was taking on the hat-trick seeking Bristol De Mai that was favourite to take the spoils.

However, again he upset the odds and stayed on stoutly showing a gritty and determined nature to take his first Grade One contest of the season.

It was all systems go to the King George VI Chase in what would need another step up in the gears with a field consisting of last year’s winner Clan Des Obeaux and Cyrname who was fresh off the back of just beating the superstar that is Altior.

Lostintranslation showed us a side to him that backers of the horse for the Gold Cup will not want to see again, guessing at his fences, running in snatches and never travelling like he was ever going to win the race.

Subsequently Robbie Power pulled him up before the finish with Tizzard very much sceptical of his breathing after the race.

This saw him go from 3/1 favourite for the Gold Cup to now an 8/1 middle of the road horse, but he should not be discounted after one poor run at a track that does not suit him.

His trainer has now announced that he will not run again before heading to th Cheltenham Gold Cup which will keep him fresh and primed for a huge effort on the final day of the festival at Prestbury Park.