Colin Tizzard believes World Hurdle favourite Thistlecrack could be lining up in the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup next March.

Despite his limited racecourse experience with the eight-year-old only having had 12 runs in his life, Tizzard would be quite happy to forego a novice campaign due to his age.

Having already schooled at home, the Dorset handler is excited about the prospect.

"I actually spoke about it with John and Heather (Snook, owners) the other night," Tizzard told At The Races.

"Winning three-mile hurdles is absolutely fine and you wouldn't take that away from any horse, but the ultimate aim is to win a Gold Cup.

"I'm sure if he carries on like he is and ends the season sound, John and Heather will want to go for a Gold Cup and I don't see any reason why he shouldn't.

"It's not like he's been around for years, he's only like a novice hurdler, so I think that is what will happen next year.

"You watch his jumping, his technique is fantastic. He jumps anything you put in front of him. We schooled him over fences last year and he was good at it.

"We've got to get this season out of the way first - we all know what can go wrong with horses - but it'd be lovely to think we could try to win a Gold Cup with him next year.

"I think the Gold Cup is the greatest race, the Grand National is a handicap. For me, and most people in racing, it's the pinnacle and I'm sure that's the route he'll take."