Dobbin gets Tavern ride
The Cumbrian-based jockey has managed to bag the ride on Ferdy Murphy’s stable star following the split between the trainer and his number one jockey, Davy Russell.
“Tony Dobbin rides him and he also has committed himself to ride in the Gold Cup, which is great news for us,” Murphy said.
Truckers Tavern is likely to face other Gold Cup possibles including Jair Du Cochet and Sir Rembrandt in Saturday’s Grade Two contest and the trainer is hopeful of a bold bid from his stayer.
“The Pillar looks to be a good race but it is no better than last year’s Gold Cup and he was second in that, and he won the Peter Marsh last year, so we are not worried,” Murphy said.
“He is in great order and we are very, very happy with him. He has done plenty of work and is bang on target. This race should bring him on a bit but he wouldn’t be far off peak fitness now.”
The gelding hasn’t won for 12 months but was travelling as well as any when a faller in the skybet.com Rowland Meyrick Chase at Wetherby last month.
“There have no ill effects from his fall at Wetherby. He has had a bit school since and went through it like a man, he didn’t even flinch,” the Leyburn-based handler added.
“To head to the Gold Cup after this race was always the plan and I think we are fairly all right for that. He is a horse that takes a while to get fit and we worked a campaign out to have him peak in March and it has worked out well.”
Murphy also plans to give the nine-year-old a further outing at the end of the season.
Cashman’s bet: Pillar Chase, Cheltenham: 9/4 Jair Du Cochet, 5/2 Sir Rembrandt, 9/2 Truckers Tavern, 5/1 Valley Henry, 10/1 Commanche Court, 12/1 Horus.
