Truckers Tavern set for Wetherby date

Ferdy Murphy's Truckers Tavern is set to tackle the Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby a week tomorrow in preference to the Pertemps King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day.

Murphy opted to keep his Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up close to home for the skybet.com sponsored contest rather than face ground which the trainer considers would be too quick for the gelding at Kempton.

After putting Truckers Tavern through his paces on his new Eurotrack gallop this morning Murphy said: “He went up the gallop three times and is in great form and he’ll be going to Wetherby as I think he’s got a better chance of getting his ground there.

“I considered the King George but I’m worried that the going will be too fast down there.”