Jockey Tom Scudamore is confident Thistlecrack will show his class in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
The eight-year-old proved his credentials over hurdles last season, with wins at Cheltenham and Aintree the perfect way to end the campaign.
Trainer Colin Tizzard and connections decided to turn to fences for 2017 and he has won all three of his starts so far this season.
After winning at Chepstow, Cheltenham and Newbury, owners John and Heather Snook have decided to enter him for the King George to take on stablemate Cue Card.
Connections had originally planned to race him in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase on the same course and distance, but Scudamore believes he will deliver next week.
He told At The Races: “It’s time to take on the big guns. “We had a couple of chats.
John and Heather were always going to make the final decision and they asked me about Thistlecrack and how I felt about his progress and they did the same with Colin Tizzard.
“They have always done what’s best for the horse and it’s very exciting. He’s won in Grade One company. The galloping part has never been the issue.
“It’s just his technique, the same as any other horse going from hurdles to fences. It’s a different discipline and not all can take to it.
“He’s taken to it very well and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t do.”
Thistlecrack is well fancied to compete with Cue Card on Boxing Day and both of the Tizzard charges are 2.38 to win the race.
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