Murphy targets Hatton's Hurdle for Brave Inca

FAIRYHOUSE MIGHT not be Brave Inca's favourite racecourse, but if the 2006 champion hurdler comes through a vital work-out this morning then his long-awaited comeback will take place in Sunday week's Hatton's Grace Hurdle.

The famously tough former champion hasn't run in almost 19 months due to a leg problem, but he has been pleasing Colm Murphy in his recent work and the trainer believes he is ready for a start.

Brave Inca won the Hatton's Grace in 2005, but has also disappointed at the Co Meath track in the past.

Nevertheless, Murphy believes the centrepiece of the triple Grade One programme is the logical start back for his stable star.

"Basically we have no alternative. There is no other option for him. It's two and a half miles and he is ready for a run," Murphy said yesterday.

"Touch wood, he will come through his last serious piece of work in the morning and then we will be set. Knowing him, he will improve for the run, and maybe even a couple of others."

Brave Inca hasn't run in public since the Stayers Hurdle at the Punchestown festival in 2007. Before that he had finished runner-up to Sublimity in his Champion Hurdle defence.

If Brave Inca is the established name at the Murphy yard, then Zaarito fills the role of rising star. However, the trainer has conceded that he won't be able to get the star bumper performer to the Bar One Royal Bond Novice Hurdle.

"I had been hoping to get a run into him before the Royal Bond, but I don't think it would be fair to run him first time in a Grade One. He could run instead in a two and a quarter mile maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse on the Saturday. I would like to start him off in a little race first and then see.

"But I'm not making plans for after that. Who would have thought Corskeagh Royale, for instance, would need to run in a third maiden hurdle," he said.

Zaarito and Corskeagh Royale filled the minor placings behind Cousin Vinny in last season's champion bumper at Cheltenham, and Zaarito is a general 12 to 1 second favourite behind Cousin Vinny in ante-post betting for next March's Supreme Novices Hurdle.

Tony Martin is considering the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday week for his pair of Royal County Star and Patsy Hall after leaving them in the prestigious handicap at yesterday's forfeit stage.

Royal County Star also holds an entry in this Sunday's Troytown Chase at Navan, and Martin said yesterday: "They are both 50-50 to run at Newbury. We will see what happens over the weekend and see on Monday."

Willie Mullins might not have the services of the injured Ruby Walsh at Thurles today, but the champion trainer should still enjoy a profitable afternoon with the high-class former novice hurdler Cooldine beginning his fencing career in the Beginners Chase.

Cooldine was prolific over longer distances last season and lost nothing when fourth to Blazing Bailey in the Punchestown stayers hurdle. His class should see him through today's task despite the trip being short of his best.

Rising star Paul Townend is also on Polmar in the conditions hurdle and the weight this ex-French horse gets from Dancing Tornado could be crucial.

Polmar's first start in Ireland was over fences behind Glenfinn Captain, but he should come on for that.

Mullins will also fancy his chances in the bumper with Cadspeed, while Pinquina can go close in the maiden hurdle after an encouraging run behind Pebble Beach at Fairyhouse last time out.

By George, a filly's up for auction Reports

LOT 1,245 at tomorrow's Goffs auction presents an opportunity for buyers to purchase a unique product, as the only horse sired by the brilliant but ill-fated George Washington is up for sale, writes Brian O'Connor.

The weanling filly, who is described as the image of her dad, represents the sole genetic legacy of the former Aidan O'Brien-trained star, who was tragically killed in last year's Breeders' Cup at Monmouth Park.

George Washington won the Newmarket 2,000 Guineas in 2006, and landed three other Group One races before being retired to Coolmore Stud in Tipperary.

However, any multi-million euro expectations from his new career were dashed when it was established that he was mostly infertile.

From the 50 or so mares George Washington covered, only tomorrow's filly was born.

The special filly was bred by the Luciani family in Italy and is being consigned by the Irish National Stud.

Despite the economic downturn, it is expected she will attract bids in the region of €200,000.

"She is a very good-looking filly and is obviously pretty unique. It is hard to say how much she will make.

"A lot will depend on how many people are willing to bid," said a Goffs spokesperson.