Murtagh takes gamble on Critic dropping back in trip Trainer Johnny Murtagh believes that progressive four-year-old Chicago Critic deserves his chance over a sprint trip in Sundays Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cork Stakes at Cork. Twice successful over a mile last season, the Night Of Thunder gelding ran a career best when beaten a length in third in the Jersey Stakes over 7f at Royal Ascot. Having ended his campaign with a fourth placed finish at Tipperary in October, Chicago Critic makes his first start over 6f this afternoon. "We are hoping six furlongs is no problem to him," Murtagh said. "He showed plenty of pace last year especially in his last run. "We thought we would start him off over six and we'll find out on Sunday. Then we have the option of going back up (in trip) again." Additional reporting by Michael Graham.
