TIMMY MURPHY can’t wait for hurdler Diamond Harry to finally tackle fences, but is not sure he should do that just yet.
The seven-year-old landed a tough handicap hurdle in impressive fashion at Haydock on his seasonal reappearance in November. But he failed to live with Ladbrokes World Hurdle hero and current favourite Big Buck’s when he could only finish third in the Long Walk Hurdle at Newbury.
Trainer Nick Williams suggested a switch to the bigger obstacles from now on. But Murphy, who has partnered Diamond Harry in both his runs so far, is unsure which is the best way forward this season.
Murphy said: “I’d like another go on better ground but Big Buck’s is better on better ground as well, so it’s all irrelevant really.
“Personally I’d love a full season chasing with him and the RSA Chase is a very competitive race.
“To throw him in without a whole lot of experience, I don’t know if it would be unfair on the horse, but I’d love a proper season chasing with him.”
Nicky Henderson has warned punters that the RSA Chase will be Punchestowns’ only target at the Cheltenham Festival. Last season’s World Hurdle runner-up won on his debut over fences at Newbury in November and his trainer will give him more experience before heading to Cheltenham.
Henderson said: “Punchestowns was due to go to Cheltenham on New Year’s Day and he’s in at Warwick this weekend, but he does need a couple of runs before Cheltenham.
“He did everything brilliantly at Newbury and it was a very pleasing debut.
“Barry (Geraghty) was very good on him as he got him jumping with confidence.
“The first half of the race was a school and the second half was a race.
“I think he’s only got one entry (for Cheltenham) and that would be the RSA Chase.
“I can’t see him running in the Ryanair Chase and he might as well run with novices. I certainly wouldn’t be thinking about him for the Arkle.”
Stablemate Long Run, a superb winner of the Feltham Novices’ Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, could also run in the RSA, but the Arkle Trophy is also under consideration.
Henderson said: “We’re not going to switch them around to try and avoid each other as Cheltenham is Cheltenham and every owner is entitled to be there as much as the other.
“He is only a five-year-old, has done an enormous amount already and you’d like to think in one or two years’ time, Long Run might be able to have a crack at Kauto Star.”
TODAY’S NAP: Hard Ball (2.50pm Southwell).
