The Man From Slatt Not Likely for Cheltenham

The Man From Slatt, so impressive when winning three point-to-points and a hunter chase from October to December of last year, will probably not be heading to Cheltenham for the Foxhunters Chase. His trainer, Willie Murphy said, "the chances are that he won?t go there but Aintree would be a possibility."

Ballycurragh Stud, Co. Carlow-based Murphy has Leopardstown on Sunday for the Raymond Smith Memorial Hunters Chase in mind for the home-bred but only "if we get a dry week." A combination of the very testing ground and the fact that he was harried for the last mile by a loose horse, were put forward as reasons for the Tiraaz gelding?s defeat at Thurles last month.

"He was tired for a few days after that but he is back to himself now," explained Murphy. He continued, "three miles plus is probably too far for him, with two miles six or two miles seven an ideal trip. He likes better ground so when the hunter chases are finished it would make sense to try him in handicap company." Cashmans Bookmakers currently have The Man From Slatt in as an 8/1 chance for the 3 mile 2 and a half furlong last day of the Cheltenham Festival event. Murphy concluded with the view that this marathon distance wouldn?t suit the front-running style of Jamie Codd?s regular mount.

By Eamonn Murphy