More to come from Fota, says Morris

MOUSE MORRIS has reported Queen Mother Champion Chase hopeful Fota Island to be in fine shape after his cosy victory at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

The Tony McCoy-ridden 10-year-old was always in command in the Normans Grove Chase and with chief market rival Central House returning lame, he was not extended to win by four lengths.

But Morris says the performance came as no surprise to him.

“It didn’t surprise me, but Central House didn’t give his true running so we won’t get too excited about the way he won,” said Morris.

Despite his age, Fota Island is relatively lightly-raced and the victory was only his 25th career start.

“I certainly don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet,” continued Morris.

“He’s training like a better horse this season. He’s got very little mileage on the clock and he’s got a bit more improvement in him yet.”

Fota Island will now go straight to Cheltenham and Morris is not afraid to take on market leaders Kauto Star and Moscow Flyer.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Moscow Flyer and Jessica Harrington’s horses seem to be running a bit better now. Kauto Star has been impressive but might have to improve again. Our horse has an outside chance and he likes Cheltenham,” he said.

Morris also had news of his other stable star War Of Attrition, but as yet he is undecided as to his Cheltenham target

“We haven’t decided whether to go for the Gold Cup yet. We’ll have a look at the Ryanair Chase entries and make a decision next week,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dessie Hughes faces a race against time to get a prep race into Central House before Cheltenham.

“He’s a bit stiff and sore but at least he’s sound and his legs are fine,” said Hughes.

“He did it at the first fence when he overreached.

“He’ll be out for a few weeks anyway. If I can get a race into him before Cheltenham it will be at Naas on February 26, but we’ll have to see how he is over the next three weeks.

“You don’t want an interrupted preparation when you are going for a race at the Cheltenham Festival. We’ll have to see how he is but at least he’s got a few weeks.”

Central House was pushed out to 16-1 from 10-1 for the Champion Chase at Cheltenham following his below-par performance on Sunday.