Murphy looking forward to Clonmel assignment with Brazos Brazos step up to three miles in a bid to to make his mark in graded company at Clonmel on Thursday. The seven-year-old goes for the Grade Three Surehaul Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle after a narrow success over two and a half miles on his second start over the smaller obstacles at Navan three weeks ago. Brazos edged to the right when holding the odds-on favourite Folcano and had to survive a stewards' inquiry before the result was confirmed. John Murphy does not expect the longer distance to be a problem. He reports Brazos to have come out of that race in good form and is delighted to have booked Paul Townend for the ride. “He's in great shape. We think the trip will suit. If he handles the undulations he should be fine and we've got a top jockey,” said the County Cork trainer. “He's loving it and he's liking his jumping. He could have a nice bit of improvement and he could climb.” Murphy has given Brazos entries in the Ballymore and Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdles at Cheltenham. “We'll see how he goes tomorrow. He'd be ground dependent about Cheltenham. He likes a bit of cut,” he said. “The horse is in good shape and he's been working well.” Of his four rivals, Henry de Bromhead's Minella Escape and the Gordon Elliott-trained Ragnar Lodbrok have the Albert Bartlett entry. Minella Escape opened his account over hurdles at Tramore, while Ragnar Lodbrok found Grade One too tough when well-beaten in the Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle. Angels Dawn, Miss Pernickety and Shuil Luas complete the sextet.
