Murphy will hold court over King

KALAHARI King, Cheltenham’s perennial ‘placed’ horse, will have a final Festival workout at Doncaster after racing on Saturday.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Mar 2011, 09:36 BST

Placed at the last three Festivals, Ferdy Murphy’s stable star is an enticing 8-1 prospect for the Ryanair Chase over two miles, five furlongs.

The West Witton handler is in bullish mood after the horse, owned by Neil and Julie Morgan, was nearly brought down by a stricken horse at Ascot in his last appearance before running on to finish fourth.

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“He’s stepping up in trip for the Ryanair, but has won twice over two miles four and the logistics of the Champion Chase aren’t right for him,” said Murphy. “They run downhill for the first two fences and it doesn’t suit him. In the Ryanair they start in the middle of the course. He seems in good form – I’m very happy with him.”

Murphy will then give his verdict on Kalahari King at a Cheltenham preview night at Doncaster after the gallops workout. Former Gold Cup-winning jockeys Mick Fitzgerald and Andrew Thornton are expected to join the outspoken trainer on the panel.

Related topics:DoncasterRyanairAscot