Newmill to step up in trip
John Murphy hopes 2006 Champion Chase hero Newmill can make a successful step up in trip this season.
The nine-year-old will be given a pipe-opener over timber before his trainer nurtures him back over the bigger obstacles.
Although he showed eyecatching speed to take the two-mile Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, Murphy believes the gelding has enough stamina to hold his own at longer distances this term.
Indeed, Newmill’s first big target is likely to be the two-and-a-half-mile John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown in December.
“He’s in great form, fingers crossed,” said Murphy.
“There’s a two-and-a-half-mile conditions hurdle at Navan so we’ll probably start him off in that.
“He’s a lot more settled this year, much more relaxed, so we are hoping to step him up in trip.
“He’ll then be aimed for the Durkan Chase at Punchestown,” the County Cork trainer told Racing UK.
