L'Antartique on course for Lexus Chase

Ferdy Murphy is looking forward to pitching L’Antartique into Grade One company in the Lexus Chase on December 28.

However, the West Witton handler admits his Paddy Power Gold Cup winner will face a much stiffer task than at Cheltenham.

“He worked this morning and we’re very pleased with him. He definitely runs and it’s a big ask,” Murphy told Racing UK.

“When we decided (to run), it might not have looked the greatest race, but now it looks like the race (to see) over Christmas time.

“The King George looks fantastic as well, but this does look a very competitive race.

“It will be very interesting with The Listener and Denman up front and we’ll just creep away and hopefully get some experience into him.”

Denman is a best-priced 4-9 with William Hill after his tour de force in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup, with The Listener next in the market at 5-2.

Lexus Chase, William Hill bet: 4-9 Denman, 5-2 The Listener, 9-1 Beef Or Salmon, 10-1 State Of Play, 12-1 Turpin Green, 14-1 L’Antartique, 16-1 Bar.