Zeb decision delayed until next week Colm Murphy has not yet made a firm decision whether to let stable star Big Zeb line up in the Paddy Power Dial-a-Bet Chase at Leopardstown on December 27. The eight-year-old bolted up on his seasonal reappearance at Navan but then let down favourite-backers when only fourth in the Tingle Creek. Murphy believes he may have been feeling the effects of his reappearance that day, and is keen not to make the same mistake again. "It is not 100% whether he will run and we'll probably make a decision in the middle of next week," said Murphy. "Our only worry is that it may be coming a bit quick. But at this moment I'd be afraid to rule him out. Touch-wood, he seems good and has come out of Sandown grand. He's back doing light canters and all is going well. He'll do a more serious piece of work and we'll make a decision then." "We did a few tests after Sandown but nothing has come to light and they've been perfect. I was delighted with him and the manner that he did it at Navan and couldn't have been happier." "But he still did two miles on heavy ground and it may have taken more out of him and been a harder race than we thought. I'm hoping to see a bit of nice ground at Leopardstown, anything bar soft or heavy." Tingle Creek winner Twist Magic will not be reopposing in the Leopardstown Grade One after connections decided to take him out of the contest at the latest entry stage. Part-owner Barry Fulton said: "We've decided not to go for the Paddy Power and instead go for the Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot. We've let him down a little bit and the race is a bit quick after the Tingle Creek. The race at Ascot on January 23 gives us an extra three weeks." Big Zeb will face a maximum of nine rivals if he does line up, with Tingle Creek runner-up Forpadydeplasterer an interesting contender for Tom Cooper. Willie Mullins has left in Hilly Way Chase winner Golden Silver and Scotsirish, while Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Tranquil Sea may line up for Edward O'Grady.
