Murphy hoping for Zeb clear round

Big Zeb is second favourite in the ante-post market for Wednesday's Queen Mother Champion Chase despite taking a tumble on his latest start at Punchestown.

Trainer Colm Murphy is praying the eight-year-old can put in a clear round at Prestbury Park.

"He's always been a really classy horse and hopefully things will fall right for him as he is relatively inexperienced but also unexposed," said the County Wexford-based handler.

"We are hoping for a clear round firstly and please God he will run a big race.

"We booked Robert Thornton and over the last two years nobody has ridden the course better, it's great to have him on board."

Scotsirish was third in the Punchestown race won by Mansony after Big Zeb came down two out and his trainer Willie Mullins is another who believes the best they can hope for is minor honours.

"He was running a good race in the Arkle last year before he made a mistake and I just thought that we would be going for place money here," said the County Carlow-based handler.

"If the ground stays dry that would be a big help for him I think."