CHANGING BOOM

Tizzard has just The Man for the job today in Ascot showpiece

- BY GARRY OWEN

THE CHANGING MAN (3.45) is ready to rock for Joe Tizzard in the Sodexo Gold Cup at Ascot.

The gelding handled this tricky chase track nicely when pipped by Victtorino in the Silver Cup last December.

Docpickedme denied him compensation in the Great Yorkshire Handicap Chase at Doncaster the next month.

The bay was rewarded for his efforts when easing home in the Grade Two Reynoldstown here. He ran another stormer when second to Myretown in the Ultima at Cheltenham. The eight-year-old signed off with an honourable third to Victtorino in an Aintree Grade One.

There is plenty more to come from this class act who ought to make a winning return down in class.

The trainer can have the last laugh again with ALEXEI (3.10) in the Lavazza Handicap Hurdle.

The five-year-old gelding seemed to lose his way after bolting up on his first two timber outings at Taunton.

But he resumed his upward curve when chasing home. Celtic Dino in the Welsh Champion at Chepstow and should be primed to claim another competitive contest off an attractive mark.

VIROFLAY (1.30) looks a cut above for Olive Nicholls in the novices limited handicap chase.

The gelding opened his account in hunter company by hammering Captain Tommy at Kempton in April.

He excelled himself at that level with a superb second to Its On The Line at Punchestown the following month.

The bay remains nicely unexposed so stands to deny some promising opponents on his Rules bow.

L'EAU DU SUD (2.05) can give the title bid of Dan Skelton, below right, another early boost in the Grudon Handicap Chase.

The gelding looked the top UK Arkle contender after a string of wins in major novice races.