Big Zeb pleases in Leopardstown school

Big Zeb delighted connections in a schooling session at Leopardstown racecourse this morning as part of his preparation for the Cheltenham Festival.

Last year‘s Queen Mother Champion Chase hero jumped six fences with Barry Geraghty in the plate in his last major work ahead of his bid to retain the two-mile title on March 16.

“Big Zeb popped a line of fences. He was very good and we‘re very happy with him. He worked with another horse that gave him a lead,” said trainer Colm Murphy.

“We‘ll just keep him ticking over now until Cheltenham.”

Murphy also worked Raise The Beat, who goes for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper though he has not raced since winning at Naas in October.

“He worked over a mile and a half. All went well and we‘re very happy. It‘s more than likely he‘ll run in the bumper,” the County Wexford handler went on.

Murphy decided not to take Quito De La Roque to the Dublin venue.

However, the Grade Two winner is still on course for Cheltenham, where he holds entries in the RSA Chase and National Hunt Chase, as long as the ground is suitable.

“We didn‘t work him, but he‘s A1,” the trainer added.

“It depends on the ground. As long as it isn‘t fast, he‘ll go. We‘ll decide which race nearer the time.”