Hollinwell's high hopes

A meticulous trainer who maps out his racing plans months in advance, Murphy believes the horse has the credentials to land the prestigious Paddy Power Gold Cup – the highlight of Cheltenham's November fixture – despite past problems with the seven-year-old's temperament.

But The Hollinwell is second-favourite at 8-1 for the Jewson Novices' Handicap Chase a week today after showing bags of promise in his three starts over fences.

And Murphy's horses are in form – the victory of Lord Villez at Newcastle on Tuesday was followed up by Baba O'curragh winning Catterick's finale yesterday

"He was difficult to do anything with early on, he was a pure delinquent and took us a long time to get him on song," said the West Witton trainer whose Cheltenham cavalry is headed by Kalahari King.

"We always knew he had plenty of ability because the things he was doing to get rid of riders when we were breaking him in was amazing.

"We've nurtured him and let him come through slowly, then this year he's done really well,

"He's had his three runs and he's won two out of three. The other one he was second to Abbeybraney, who is rated about 138.

"He's progressed nicely. Me and Graham Lee (stable jockey) had a chat whether Cheltenham's going to come a season too early for him but he will go.

"He's worked very well and he's in good form, so it's fingers crossed. If he gets a bit of luck in running, I think he'll be there or thereabouts."

In other Cheltenham news, Tony McCoy rode a fit-again Binocular on the gallops yesterday, with a view to the Nicky Henderson-trained horse lining up in the Champion Hurdle – and increasing the likelihood of Malton-born Andrew Tinkler being reunited with well-fancied stablemate Zaynar, winner of last year's Triumph Hurdle, in Tuesday's feature.

Meanwhile part-owner Hugh Doubtfire believes Imperial Commander is in the form of his life ahead of the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Last season's Ryanair Chase hero was just a nose behind dual Gold Cup hero Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase at Haydock and Doubtfire believes Imperial Commander will run the champion close.

YORKSHIRE jockey James Reveley celebrated his 21st birthday in style when winning Catterick's selling hurdle on Along The Nile and the novice chase on Star Beat.

Both are trained at Saltburn by his proud father Keith who said: "It is good to have two birthday winners for James."