Zeb on course for Tied Cottage

Colm Murphy has reported Champion Chaser Big Zeb bang on course for his pre-Cheltenham outing in the Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown on January 30th.

Last year's Queen Mother Chase winner showed plenty of guts to win in unsuitable ground at Leopardstown last time and is reported to have come out of the race in top form.

"He'll probably go for the Tied Cottage at Punchestown next. He won it last year and it's more than likely we'll go there. Then after that it will be straight to Cheltenham (for the sportingbet Queen Mother Champion Chase)," Murphy told sportinglife.com.

"He came out of it (Leopardstown) really well so its all systems go with him. He's very good and we're delighted with him.

"It (the going) was described as heavy and it definitely wasnt ideal. But he went on it ok, he's won on it before but we know he's a better horse on better ground.”

Some critics haven't been totally convinced with Big Zeb's jumping over the years but Murphy's has no issues on that front.

"He's been good the last two years," said Murphy.

"He's never done too much wrong but he's always been in the limelight. Plenty has been made of it. But fingers crossed he'll stay good for a while yet.

"Barry (Geraghty) knows him so well and he's a major part of his success," he added.

Murphy has a strong team under his care this season and star mare Voler La Vedette is set to take on the big boys again in the Irish Champion Hurdle on January 23rd.

"We've been delighted with her runs this year - she seems to be improving with every race," Murphy told sportinglife.com.

"Christmas just came a bit too soon for her after running over two and a half miles in heavy ground at Fairyhouse.

"All going well we'll turn her around in the Irish Champion Hurdle.

"She'll have entries everywhere and there's nothing confirmed yet.

"We'll have a word with the owners but the David Nicholson is certainly an option and she's definitely still improving," he added.

Quito De La Roque ran a cracker when thrown into Grade One company on only his second chase start at Leopardstown and Murphy hopes the French-bred can reach the very top.

"All going well he'll head to Naas for the Woodlands Park Novice Chase on Sunday week," Murpy told sportinglife.com.

"We'll see how we get on there and he'll be entered in most of the staying novice chases."

"It will all depend on what he does - if he keeps on improving then he's one for any Cheltenham shortlist."

Murphy was over the moon with the gelding's effort at Leopardstown:- "We're delighted with him - he ran a blinder.

"It was only his second run over fences and maybe a lack of experience was the difference."

Another inmate who showed up well on his last start was Zaarito, second to Golden Silver in the Hilly Way Chase at Fairyhouse, and he could turn out again soon.

"We were delighted with him," said Murphy.

"He got a bang on a joint - just a minor knock. An inconvenience really.

"He might go to Fairyhouse next week or maybe to Thurles. As quick as we can get him back we'll see him out on the track again."

Cheltenham could also be on the agenda for the eight-year-old, whose campaign last season was blighted by jumping errors.

"The Ryanair might suit - he'll have quite a few entries and there are several races for him in Ireland. A couple of Grade twos and threes which might suit him well."