Betfred next for Weld

Scottish Grand National hero Hot Weld is likely to bid for a rapid high-profile double in the Betfred Gold Cup at Sandown on Saturday.

Ferdy Murphy’s charge held off stablemate Nine De Sivola to provide the West Witton handler with an impressive one-two in yesterday’s Coral-sponsored marathon.

Hot Weld’s 14-1 success came under ideal conditions and Murphy is now keen to make hay while the sun shines.

“He wants a trip and he wants this ground and the spring,” Murphy explained.

“He’s one of those horses that just comes to himself in the spring and he hadn’t really had his conditions up until yesterday so I think he’ll run in the Betfred now.”

Murphy has five engaged in the upcoming Sandown contest but is likely to saddle just one other with Hot Weld.

“At the moment I would think both Hot Weld and Leading Man would probably run,” he continued.

“Leading Man is also in at Punchestown so it just depends on the ground. If it was good ground at Sandown then he’d run there but I wouldn’t want to run him if there was firm in it.”

Both Hot Weld and Nine De Sivola have been given a clean bill of health following their exploits at Ayr.

The latter appeared to go wrong at a crucial stage of the race but has thankfully returned home without any problems.

“They’re both perfect today and they’ve been on the spa this morning and they’ve been out in their field,” Murphy continued.

“Nine De Sivola got a cut in Fairyhouse and it had healed over but obviously it was still a bit sore and he clipped it again going to the third last.

“He just went lame for a few strides but by the time he landed over the fence Graham (Lee) had to take a pull. He just lost momentum but by the time they evened out he had come sound again.”