Murphy targets Thyestes with Kitski
The nine-year-old has hit a rich vein of form of late and had subsequent Welsh National runner-up Mon Mome well in arrears last time at Market Rasen.
Murphy, who confirmed Graham Lee will travel to the county Kilkenny track to ride, said: “He stays all day, jumps well and the bottomless ground should suit him. He has taken time to come to himself, but the form of his last couple of races is working out well.”
The last overseas winner of the three-mile stamina test was the Charlie Brooks-trained Couldn’t Be Better in 1997 while Zeta’s Lad (1993) and Mweenish (1990) also scored for Britain in recent years.
Southern Vic, who bypassed an engagement at Fairyhouse on Sunday, is still among the list and if lining up would be bidding to emulate Bob Treacy in 1999, the last horse to successfully shoulder top-weight.
Kymandjen, second in 2005 and owned now by race sponsor Murt Doran, represents Paul Nolan while Cheeky Lady, third in the Paddy Power at Leopardstown after a three-month break, will take her chance according to Colm Murphy.
“She has come out of her last race very well and I feel happier going there with a run under her belt. She was probably a bit too fresh the last day and all she does is gallop,” said Murphy.
Arthur Moore, who rode the winner of this race for his father Dan aboard Veuve in 1973, has Well Tutored, a winner at this meeting 12 months ago and just three-lengths behind Cheeky Lady in fourth last month.
Our Ben, a final fence faller with victory in sight at Thurles earlier this month, is one of four Willie Mullins entries with Homer Wells, Joueur D’Estruval and Livingstonebramble making up the quartet for the Carlow trainer, successful with Micko’s Dream in 2000 and Hedgehunter three years ago.
Gowran manager Margaret Fogarty said: “All is going well with the preparation for our biggest day of the year and the track has coped well with the recent rain.
“However, I wish to point out that due to licences been withdrawn for mobile operators, no ATM cash machines will be in operation on the day. This is unfortunately out of our hands.”
Ellen Construction Thyestes Handicap Chase - Ladbrokes bet: 6-1 American Jennie, Cheeky Lady, Kerryhead Windfarm, Kitski, 7-1 Well Tutored, 10-1 Our Ben, Sound Witness, Southern Vic, 12-1 Black Apalachi, Livingstonebramble, Newbay Prop, 14-1 Slyguff Rory, 16-1 The Parishioner, 20-1 Amorini, Camptect, Joueur D’Estruval, 25-1 bar.
