Newmill Enters King George Shake-Up

Newmill will tackle the Ballymore Properties Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Sunday before a tilt at the Stan James King George VI Chase.

John Murphy's former Queen Mother Champion Chase winner made a pleasing comeback when sixth behind Jazz Messenger in the Morgiana Hurdle.

Murphy plans to step his stable star up in trip later in the season ? with the Kempton showpiece on Boxing Day the first major target of the season.

'It looks like he will (run in the Hatton's Grace), ground permitting,' said Murphy.

'He's in good form and it's all systems go.

'He ran a good race in the Morgiana on ground that he would hate but we had to get a run in to him just to get him going.

'We couldn't be happier with him with regards to his modus operandi for the start of the year anyway.

'These races generally cut up to small fields and there is such good prize-money on offer they are perfect for him.

'Plan A this season is the King George. Hopefully we are going to try to get him to settle so that he can get the trip.

'But plans sometimes don't go your way.

'You can't wind him up to be a two-miler and then if you're not happy with him over two, teach him to settle over three.

'That's our thinking anyway. We'll see how he gets on at Christmas before making any further plans.

'He does have a Gold Cup winner in his pedigree though. He is related to The Dikler so I'd be hopeful that he would stay three miles and if he looks happy, we'll probably keep him at that distance.'

(C) PA Sport