ROBBIE Power has urged punters to keep the faith with Cheltenham Gold Cup contender Lostintranslation.
Colin Tizzard’s classy eight-year-old looked to have the world at his feet when winning the Betfair Chase in November.
But he flopped when well-fancied for the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day and has not been seen since.
He has attracted market support in recent days, with Ladbrokes joint top-price at 7-1, and Power reckons it’s too soon to write him off.
He said: “We forget sometimes how much these big staying chases can take out of a horse, and the Betfair left a mark on him.
“From the moment the flag dropped in the King George I never felt comfortable, it was only his raw ability that kept him in the race until four out.
“He’s had a wind op and is in very good form at home now, he’s fresh and well. He is coming in under the radar because of one below-par run which suits us perfectly.
“I know how good he is and I know how good he is around Cheltenham – you just have to look at his form with Defi Du Seuil from last year.
“He beat him in a Dipper and was second in the JLT. We have to go there confident of a big run.”
Power will have plenty of high-profile rides during the Festival, including Champion Hurdle dark horse Supasundae.
But there are a couple of novice hurdlers who he is particularly looking forward to.
He continued: “The Big Breakaway is very exciting and goes for the Ballymore. He has given me an unbelievable feel in his two runs and we don’t know how good he could be.
“Envoi Allen has looked very good so far but you can never be afraid of one horse as we have seen plenty of times at Cheltenham.
“Fiddlerontheroof will be a massive player in the Supreme if he gets soft ground.
“He was a very impressive winner of the Tolworth and he’s one I’m really looking forward to.”
