Murphy cautious ahead of Dipper test
Ferdy Murphy does not expect Leading Man to cause an upset in a competitive renewal of the Unicoin Homes “Dipper” Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham on Sunday.
Although the Middleham handler thinks a lot of the five-year-old gelding, he is well aware of the task facing him against six talented rivals, including Robert Alner’s The Listener.
Leading Man was third on his chasing debut but easily despatched Julius Caesar at Wetherby over three miles and a furlong last month.
He steps back four furlongs in trip at Prestbury Park and Murphy said: “He won very well at Wetherby the other day and probably wants further, although his owner would like to get some Cheltenham experience into him.
“He is a very nice horse who travels and jumps well. We are stepping him up in class for experience and I don’t think he will be upsetting anyone here.”
The Listener is the likely favourite for the Grade Two event having been a seriously impressive winner at Windsor earlier this month.
Paul Nicholls is double-handed in the race with Huntingdon winner Napolitain and Star De Mohaison, who was beaten by The Listener at Exeter.
King Killone and Billyvoddan complete a classy line-up along with Knowhere, who makes his chasing debut having won both his starts over hurdles in 2004.
