Murphy Fancies Another Arkle

Ferdy Murphy hopes a combination of class and brilliant fencing can see Another Promise go close in the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy on Tuesday.

The six-year-old, who runs in the colours of the late Geoff Hubbard, booked his ticket for the Cheltenham Festival when landing the odds in Grade Two company at Huntingdon in January.

Murphy has also handed his charge an entry in the Jewson Novices' Handicap Chase at Prestbury Park, but while he recognises the quality of opposition in the Arkle, he feels Another Promise merits his place in the field.

'The Arkle is the plan at the moment and there have been no problems whatsoever since Huntingdon, thank goodness,' he said.

'It's Cheltenham and it is what it is, but I suppose with the way the ground is at the moment it could be interesting.

'He'll handle the ground fine ? he did at Huntingdon and Newcastle before. He'll get the trip and jumps well, so we're looking forward to it.

'He is a very very good jumper and a high-class horse. We won the Arkle with Anaglogs Daughter (1980) for the Durkans and it would be great to win it again.'

Ante-post favourite Fair Along heads the 16 remaining possibles for the two-mile championship after the five-day stage.

(C) PA Sport