Harrington Happy With Moscow

Jessica Harrington reports it to be 'so far, so good' in the build-up to Moscow Flyer's tilt at a third Queen Mother Champion Chase crown.

The 12-year-old has been the subject of some negative vibes after failing to please Harrington in a pre-race gallop at Leopardstown, but he takes his chance at Cheltenham tomorrow.

Moscow Flyer won the two-mile contest in 2003 and again last year and although he has been beaten in both his starts this term, Harrington remains upbeat.

'He's travelled over well and has ate up since he got to the course,' she said.

'He stretched his legs this morning and it seems to be so far, so good with him.'

Paul Nicholls' Kauto Star is the 7-4 favourite with Coral after he topped the 13 acceptors at the final declaration stage.

The Barking firm also report a significant move for Mark Pitman's Dempsey following his two-length second in the Victor Chandler Chase last time and he is now 18-1 from 25s.

Carl Llewellyn, assistant trainer to Pitman, knows Dempsey has a fair bit to find on some of his rivals but he remains hopeful.

'He had a school this morning, just to get the freshness out of him as he's quite keen, and he jumped well,' he told At The Races.

'He's in great form but he's obviously got a lot to do on the book and hopefully he can.'

Llewellyn doubles being Pitman's assistant with riding for trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies and he will be aboard Fundamentalist on Wednesday.

The eight-year-old fell last time out in the Ascot Chase at Lingfield but Llewellyn hopes he can bounce back.

'He's in good form. He was unlucky last time at Lingfield and fell but up until then he gave me a great feel,' he added.

'If he's back to his best, he's got a chance.'

One horse that will miss out is Ashley Brook, who has suffered a recurrence of a knee injury and might not run again this season.

Kevin Bishop's eight-year-old was on course for the two-mile race after pleasing connections in a racecourse gallop at Exeter last week but an old problem has flared up again.

'He's just not quite 100% and you really do have to be at your best to run at the Festival,' said Bishop.

'He's been flexing it a bit and he didn't feel quite right when we trotted him out.

'He's slightly sore on one shin which could have something to do with it but until I can get the vet to check him properly, we won't know for certain.'

? PA Sport