Murphy mulling Long Walk outing for Thomas Darby

Keith Hamer
December 7, 2021 4:19 pm

Newbury victor is entered for Ascot on Saturday week.

Olly Murphy has yet to decide whether to run Thomas Darby in the Howden Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday week.

The Stratford trainer reports the eight-year-old to be in fine shape following his victory in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury, but is in no rush to commit Thomas Darby to the Grade One over an extended three miles.

“He’s in really good form. It’s still up in the air whether I’m going to go to Ascot with him,” said Murphy.

“I’ll look at the back end of the week or early next week, but I couldn’t be happier with him.

“He’s come out of Newbury really well. I haven’t done a lot with him.”

Thomas Darby is a general 7-1 chance with bookmakers for the Long Walk.

Itchy Feet is likely to run over the Christmas/New Year period (Steven Paston/PA)

Murphy is to scour the programme book to find a suitable opportunity over the festive period for Itchy Feet.

The smart seven-year-old chaser has run two big races in defeat so far this season, finishing second to Allmankind in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree and to Bravemansgame in a Graduation Chase at Haydock.

“He came out of Haydock really well. It was a really pleasing run in hindsight. I’m not quite sure where we are going to go next but he’s in great form,” said Murphy.

“He deserves to win a nice race. He’s been ultra consistent this year and I’m looking forward to finding something suitable for him over the Christmas and New Year period once I’ve spoken to connections.”