Kalahari King handlers may concentrate on Ryanair Chase

Kalahari King is likely to go straight for the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham following an unlucky run in the Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot.

Ferdy Murphy’s runner was almost carried off the track by the riderless Petit Robin after he fell at the ninth fence, but he stayed on really well to take fourth place behind Master Minded.

Having finished third behind Big Zeb in the Queen Mother Champion Chase last March, Murphy feels the step up in trip will suit.

“He was unlucky at Ascot. We’re not sure where he would have finished up, but Graham (Lee) said they got racing too soon at Swinley Bottom and he still had plenty of horse under him,” said th trainer.

“He reckoned he lost about 40 lengths when the horse carried him across the track. He has really run on up the straight and we’re very pleased with him.

“Graham said it was the best feel he got off him since he won at Doncaster last February. He jumped fantastic. Graham said he travelled great.

“He’s grand. We had him in the indoor school at seven o’clock this morning and he had a nice roll. I’d imagine he’d go straight for the Ryanair now.”