Murphy looking past Cheltenham

Colm Murphy reports Zaarito to be on the road to recovery and is planning a late-season campaign for the luckless nine-year-old.

Zaarito has been sidelined with a leg injury since finishing second to Golden Silver at Fairyhouse in December in his first race since April.

“He picked up an injury on a ligament on his near fore so he’s going to be out for another couple of weeks and hopefully we will have him for the backend of the season,” the County Wexford trainer said.

“He definitely won’t make the Ryanair. It will come far too quick for him, but I’m hoping we’ll have him ready for Fairyhouse and Punchestown.

“He’s very high-class, but unfortunately things haven’t worked out sometimes. We got him back on track and he ran a fabulous race behind Golden Silver, being his first race back as well he will improve plenty for it.

“We’ve had a few hiccups along the way, but hopefully this is not too serious and we’ll have him back. He’s one we’re looking forward to.”