RACING NEWS:JOHN MURPHY will wait until near declaration time before deciding whether to commit Newmill to running at Gowran Park tomorrow. The 12-year-old holds entries in both the Red Mills Chase and Trial Hurdle.
Although he won the latter event in 2007 and was fourth 12 months ago, the Co Cork trainer is leaning slightly towards the chase this time.
But Murphy might not even risk Newmill on what is forecast to be testing ground ahead of the Cheltenham Festival. “He’s in brilliant form. If he does go on Saturday, he could go for the chase but I won’t make a decision until tomorrow morning.
“If he doesn’t run he’d go straight to Cheltenham as it’s starting to get a bit close. I couldn’t be happier with him and it wouldn’t be the end of the world if he didn’t run on Saturday.
“I wouldn’t even be sure the meeting would be on, it’s absolutely freezing over here. And if it is the conditions would be extremely gluey. We’ll make our minds up tomorrow.”
Murphy is also likely to leave it late as to which of two Cheltenham entries, the Queen Mother Champion Chase, which he won in 2006, and the Ryanair Chase, he will take up. “I don’t want to sound indecisive, but we will leave our options open. We will leave him in both and see closer the time,” Murphy added.
Meanwhile, John Hanlon is expecting a big run from Luska Lad in the Trial Hurdle.
The six-year-old is coming out of novice company to take on seasoned campaigners on unfavourable terms, but the Co Carlow trainer believes it is worth the gamble as Luska Lad will be suited by going right-handed.
“He’s in great form and we are giving him his chance. It’s right-handed and he’s much better going that way,” said Hanlon. “That will suit him and we are hoping for a big run.”
While connections of Dunguib have effectively ruled out a tilt at this year’s Champion Hurdle, Sky Bet have moved quickly to make him their clear favourite for next season’s renewal.
Philip Fenton’s Champion Bumper hero took his hurdling tally to four wins from four starts in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday, again not coming off the bridle to win as he liked.
While the seven-year-old does hold an entry in this year’s Champion Hurdle, Fenton has confirmed his charge will head for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle next month, for which he is already odds-on across the board.
Sky Bet’s Matt Doyle said: “He is potentially the best hurdler we have seen since Istabraq and would start favourite for this year’s Champion Hurdle as a novice, let alone next, if given the chance.
“It is not too late for connections to change their mind (for this year), but the 4 to 1 on offer with us for the 2011 Champion Hurdle would look a fair price if he emulates Istabraq by taking the novice route to superstardom.”
