Colin Tizzard was in a bullish mood as he hosted a press morning ahead of the Cheltenham Festival and cannot see anything getting close to Ryanair World Hurdle favourite Thistlecrack

A decent novice without setting the world alight last year, he sprang to prominence when winning a Grade One at Aintree.

Unlucky at Punchestown when short of room behind Killultagh Vic, he has been peerless this season at Newbury, Ascot and Cheltenham.

"He's been absolutely brilliant his last five runs and he could have easily won at Punchestown when he got stopped," said Tizzard.

"When he races there doesn't appear to be any bottom to him, as he just powers away at the end.

"He just looks better than anything else over three miles, although I keep telling myself that someone will bring back a really good chaser over hurdles to take him on.

"He worked brilliantly this morning and he looks like a chaser, he might well be chasing next year.

"Looking at it I can't see anything getting near him at the moment. I know that's a bold statement, but on form it looks like they've all got to pick up a bit to be near him.

"Cole Harden (winner last year) appears to have been laid out all season, but he's not shown that much this season at all. They say he'll be much better on better ground, though.

"Thistlecrack went to Aintree and Punchestown on good ground last year and Cheltenham won't have anything other than the soft side of good. The ground will not be a problem."