Murphy realistic about L'Antartique chances

Ferdy Murphy is under no illusions as to the magnitude of the task which awaits L'Antartique at Leopardstown on Friday.

The seven-year-old will take on the likes of Denman, The Listener and Beef Or Salmon is what is shaping up to be a riveting renewal of the Lexus Chase.

Although L'Antartique is unbeaten this term, Murphy admits his Paddy Power Gold Cup scorer faces a huge test on his first try in Grade One company.

"We are not stupid - we know it is not going to be easy," reasoned the West Witton trainer.

"But he's going across really because we want to see how he gets on in a Grade One.

"He will improve for the run - he's done plenty of work but he's probably not fully tuned-up."

L'Antartique, who won the Jewson Novices' Handicap at the Cheltenham Festival last term, is a 20-1 chance with Paddy Power to win the Lexus Chase.