Murphy looks for improvement from St Gallen John Joseph Murphy is aware St Gallen faces a big step up in class for the TRI Equestrian Silver Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday. Fourth on his debut at Dundalk, he opened his account at Killarney in May, beating the Aidan O'Brien-trained Monarch by a short head. Given a rating of only 85, St Gallen must take on the O'Brien-trained Sir Isaac Newton, who has fallen rapidly down the Ballydoyle pecking order, having at one time last year been a Derby fancy. "It was nice to get a win last time and he'll love the fast ground," said Murphy. "On ratings, he's got a bit to find but he's in good form and we'll find out about him. "I've got no doubts at all about the trip (10 furlongs), even though he's by Majestic Missile there's plenty of stamina on the dam side. "He's got a high cruising speed and should get home. "He's always shown a lot of class at home but is very big and needed time. I was still disappointed when he was beaten first time out, though. "I suppose you could say Chemical Charge is an unknown quantity, having won two out of two but been off a year. "Sir Isaac Newton is the highest rated and Mick Halford's Portage is a solid horse. "He could still be too green for a race like this but he'll learn a lot." Halford said of Portage: "He's in good form and is ready to start back. It looks a nice race for him and I'm looking forward to getting him going. "He's in the Hunt Cup at Ascot but he'll also be in the mix for the Wolferton so we'll see how he gets on. "I think he'll stay 10 furlongs, we've just been a little held up with him, that's all."
