Ascot date for Murphy's tavern

Truckers Tavern is set to run in the Silver Cup at Ascot following a defeat on his reappearance at Kelso on Monday.

The Ferdy Murphy-trained seven-year-old was third behind Hugo De Grez over three miles and a furlong at the Borders track on his first run since April.

Murphy was satisfied with that performance and is now targeting the three miles and half a furlong race at Ascot on December 21 for his charge.

“He’s come out of the race fantastic and we’ll probably now go for the Silver Cup at Ascot now,” said the Middleham handler.

“If he’d have jumped the third last well he probably would have won as a length and three-quarters is not that far but we’re very happy with him.”

Truckers Tavern was one of the most promising novice chasers of last season and he turned in some top class performances up to two miles, five furlongs.

Murphy was pleased with how he handled the step up in trip saying: “It was his first run at three miles and his first run in a handicap.

“It was a good run and he will improve quite considerably for it.”

Murphy had been considering a tilt at the Pertemps King George VI Chase on Boxing Day with the Phardante gelding but said: “I think it is too soon for him there. He just doesn’t have the experience for that race at the moment.”