Murphy: Big chance for Zeb

Colm Murphy believes Big Zeb is in peak condition ahead of his defence of the the sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham tomorrow.

The 10-year-old’s jumping came in for criticism in some quarters prior to last year’s race, but he was foot-perfect under Barry Geraghty as he dethroned dual winner Master Minded with an awesome display.

After defeating Golden Silver twice earlier this season, the latter came out on top at Punchestown last time, although Murphy is confident his charge is better than he showed that day.

“Getting beat by Golden Silver the last day was a combination of a few things and he’d missed his work before because of the frost, so he may have been a bit short,” said Murphy.

“It’s like everything, if you could do it again you’d do it different. We’ve been delighted with him and it’s been all systems go since.

“We’re very hopeful. We’ve had a good run with him this year and everything has gone pretty much to plan and his preparation has gone very well.

“He’s jumped well the last two years and hopefully he will the next day. He’s more professional and seems to have grown up a bit.”