Voler likely to run in mares event

Colm Murphy would only consider switching Voler La Vedette to the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle from the David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle should some of the leading fancies be withdrawn.

The County Wexford trainer hopes the six-year-old mare gains crucial experience for the Champion Hurdle next season.

"We left her in at the forfeit stage for the Champion Hurdle, but it's more than likely she'll go for the mares race," Murphy told At The Races.

"She's 20/1 for the Champion and she's second favourite for the mares' race. If some of the short-priced runners in the race came out we would have to consider it. We've left that option there, but she'll more than likely go for the mares' race."

"She's only a six-year-old mare, she needs the experience and there's always the Champion Hurdle next year. She did have a little setback as well, so it's not ideal going for a championship race like the Champion Hurdle, but she does seem back on track."

"We are not going to cast anything in concrete. She's working away fine, and we don't mind going there fresh. We have to do what's best for the mare."