COLM MURPHY is hoping the decision to miss Cheltenham with Zaarito pays off in Grade One style at Fairyhouse on Sunday when his accident-prone chaser lines up for the Powers Gold Cup.
Zaarito has won twice this season, but the former top bumper star has also fallen in half of his six starts over fences, including twice in Grade One company. However, he was impressive at Naas in his last race and headed the 15 entries left in the €100,000 prize at yesterday’s forfeit stage.
Among Zaarito’s possible opposition are the Willie Mullins-trained pair Shakervilz and Kempes, as well as Jessica Harrington’s Roberto Goldback, but Murphy is fancying his chances.
“The annoying thing about Zaarito is he is a very good jumper but maybe just a bit too brave for his own good,” the Wexford trainer said. “The Powers has been the plan since Christmas and we always thought better ground would suit. Unfortunately it is going to be soft, but he has handled that before, and I hope Davy Condon will ride.”
Mullins plans to run both his horses.
“It will be the first time Shakervilz has run over fences at this distance but, based on his hurdling form, the trip should suit better. He has every chance.
“Kempes is in good shape, although he would prefer better ground.”
Sixteen horses remain in Sunday’s main support, the Grade Two Rathbarry Glenview Studs Novice Hurdle, and they include Luska Lad, another horse who missed out on Cheltenham earlier in the month.
Trainer “Shark” Hanlon has kept the chestnut for this right-handed assignment, where Luska Lad’s opposition may include the Supreme Hurdle 10th Blackstairmountain and Henry De Bromhead’s Loosen My Load.
Murphy also confirmed that his Champion Chase winner, Big Zeb, will attempt a festival follow-up in the Kerrygold Champion Chase at Punchestown next month.
“Luckily there’s plenty of time between Cheltenham and Punchestown. We’re also lucky he doesn’t take much work, so we’ll freshen him up for Punchestown,” he said.
He also indicated Voler La Vedette will next tackle the Rabobank Champion Hurdle.
“We were delighted with her third at Cheltenham (David Nicholson Mares Hurdle) considering how free she ran. She never settled at all.
“The drop in trip should suit better as they’ll go a stride quicker, and hopefully she will settle a bit better,” Murphy added.
