Easysland and Tiger Roll face off again at Cheltenham
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Big two met in March – and could be in opposition at Aintree next year.
All eyes at Cheltenham on Friday will be on the eagerly-awaited rematch between Easysland and Tiger Roll in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase. Gordon Elliott’s dual Grand National hero Tiger Roll was denied the chance of joining Red Rum as a three-time winner of the Aintree spectacular by the coronavirus pandemic, but has an equally excellent record over the cross-country course at Prestbury Park. However, he had no answer to emerging star Easysland in March when they raced off level weights – and on this occasion the French raider carries 4lb less. Robbie Power has come in for the ride on Tiger Roll – with Keith Donoghue, who would have been on board, staying in Ireland rather than sitting out 14 days in isolation on his return.The King is back from his holiday and looking extremely well. Roll on this season. #TigerRoll pic.twitter.com/4U81B0FA9N
— Gordon Elliott (@gelliott_racing) July 28, 2020
“It’s great to get the call-up for him, but it’s very unfortunate for Keith Donoghue that the restrictions in place over in Ireland meant he would have had to isolate for 14 days if he came,” said Gold Cup-winning rider Power, now based in Britain. “Keith’s having a really good run at the moment, so he couldn’t justify losing 14 days. It’s a great spare for me to pick up, though, and I’m really looking forward to it. “His main objective will be Cheltenham in March and Aintree in April, but this is a path he’s taken before – so if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. He’ll probably have another run over hurdles somewhere after this before the Festival. “Obviously he faces a very tough task having to give 4lb to Easysland, who beat him at level weights back in March, but I know Gordon is very happy with him.
The rematch is 𝗢𝗡
Friday sees Tiger Roll take on the horse who beat him at Cheltenham in March, EasyslandWho wins round 2?
pic.twitter.com/vrwB3hLDzc — ITV Racing (@itvracing) November 11, 2020
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