MASTER MINDED’S Cheltenham defeat on Sunday has thrown open the two mile chase division and Colm Murphy hasn’t ruled out going to Sandown next month in an attempt to secure Big Zeb’s claims to relieving Master Minded of his title.
Both Big Zeb and Forpaddydeplasterer are possibles to take on the current champion in the Tingle Creek Chase with ground conditions a big factor in Big Zeb’s plans.
“He also has the option of the John Durkan over two and a half but we would like good ground and unless we get a heatwave here that doesn’t look like happening,” Murphy said yesterday.
“He is quite a hyper horse at the races though and it might not be ideal to travel him at this stage of the season.
“I wouldn’t be pushed if he didn’t race at all before Christmas. He seems to run well fresh,” he added.
The Co Wexford trainer is also pointing his fast-improving mare Voler La Vedette at Leopardstown this Christmas although her target is uncertain.
Voler La Vedette entered ante-post betting for the Champion Hurdle with a smooth success at Down Royal earlier this month but may not step up to Grade One company over the holiday period.
“She could go for the Christmas Hurdle but there is also the mares hurdle (Grade Three) to consider,” Murphy said.
