Zeb in good form ahead of Tied Cottage

Big Zeb will bid to get back on track in the Grade 2 Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown on Sunday.

Trainer Colm Murphy will be hoping to avoid a repeat of last year's contest which saw his charge crash out at the second last when appearing to hold a winning hand.

"He seems to be in good form. We schooled him this morning and that went well and we will pop him over a couple more before Sunday," said Murphy. 

"The ground will not be ideal and I hope it dries out a bit as the Tied Cottage will be a big indicator for our Cheltenham plans."

Golden Silver, successful in Grade 1 company over Christmas when beating Tranquil Sea, looks set to offer stiff opposition.

Willie Mullins' charge is proven on soft ground and the Carlow handler has no worries about the going: -

"Golden Silver has performed on heavy ground in the past and it is not a concern – he will definitely run on Sunday. I have no decisions made regarding riders. We will have to see what else runs that day."

Traditionally the Tied Cottage chase was the prep race for Moscow Flyer and on Sunday the Grade 2 Novice Hurdle will be named in commemoration to him.

Mikael D’Haguenet won the race last year and his trainer Willie Mullins will be represented by Morning Supreme in Sunday’s renewal.

Like the Mullins entrant, Noel Meade’s Hollo Ladies is also bidding for a hat trick in the Grade 2 event.

The eight race card on Sunday will get underway at 12.55pm with the Glenfarclas P.P. Hogan Memorial Cross Country Steeplechase.  

Enda Bolger, who modestly confirms to have won the race “a couple of times”,  holds six of the 21 entries.

Heads On The Ground, Freneys Well and Nelson’s Spice lead the effort with Proud to Present, Zest For Life and Dream Home completing the Bolger trained team.

Recent Punchestown winner Battlefront and Aintree Grand National winner Silver Birch appear to be the main competition.  

Commenting on who will ride what horse Bolger said:- "Well with Nina out for the next 3 weeks I have arranged for her brother Paul to step in – not a bad substitute!

"JT (McNamara) will have the first call and then Paul, after that the others will be ridden by the staff from the yard. They work very hard, particularly during the recent cold spell, and are entitled to take the opportunity."