Zeb and Voler plans “Disappointed to be beaten but happy with the run” is how Colm Murphy now reflects on Big Zeb's gallant second to Sizing Europe in the Sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase a fortnight ago. The Wexford handler is currently “freshening up” his stable star with a view to having him cherry ripe for the Punchestown Festival equivalent, a race in which a final fence blunder cost him victory against Master Minded two year's ago. “He ran a blinder at Cheltenham but Sizing Europe was very good on the day and is probably an above average Champion Chase winner. The ground at Cheltenham was faster last year which suited us but, having said that, if it was really good ground maybe the winner would have won even further,” said Murphy. Stable-companion Voler La Vedette is due to visit Presenting in the next few days before finishing off her racing career at Fairyhouse and Punchestown. “She will go for a two and a half mile Grade 2 at Fairyhouse, although I'm not sure what we will go for at Punchestown. I'd say she'll get an entry in the three miler.” Alan Magee
