Indeevar Bleu, one of the leading contenders for the BetMGM Cup, has been ruled out of Cheltenham by Olly Murphy.
Murphy is one of the leading lights in the British training ranks, but is awaiting his first Cheltenham Festival winner. He had recently nominated Indeevar Bleu as his best chance of breaking that duck in March.
Punters swiftly latched on, making him the joint ante-post favourite for the newly-sponsored race. However, Murphy announced on Monday that a setback would rule his charge out of the big meeting.
Murphy announced an even further blow to his yard’s chances on the day too. They Call Me Hugo, a lively outsider for the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, is also forced to skip Cheltenham.
Only Dan Skelton has sent out more winners this jumps season than Murphy. He sits fourth in the Trainers’ Championship, which is awarded on prize money, with Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson also above him.
“Hopefully we’ve got some each-way chances” – Murphy
Murphy has often hit the crossbar at jumps racing’s biggest meeting. In 2019, he sent out the second and third in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Yet, six years on, he remains winless at the showpiece event.
Hopes appeared high for Indeevar Bleu, but the trainer is now realistic about his chances of a first Festival success.
Speaking to the Press Association via Racing TV, Murphy announced: “Hopefully we’ll have eight or 10 runners. I thought my best two chances were Indeevar Blue and They Call Me Hugo and unfortunately they’re both out.”
As it’s Cheltenham though, murphy cannot help but be excited about the prospects that remain.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the confirmations and making finalised plans, but hopefully we’ve got some each-way chances.
“I’d be looking forward to running Wade Out (in the National Hunt Chase) and Booster Bob probably in the Plate.
“I’d love to run Resplendent Grey in the Ultima – he’s in really, really good form – and Act Of Authority runs back in the boys’ race (Martin Pipe). He was second to Wodhooh in it last year, he’s a pound higher this year and he’s in good nick.
“The Bluesman I thought was interesting if he got into the novice handicap chase and Ubatuba is the sort of horse that could run well at a big price in the Albert Bartlett.”
Similarly, the handler is looking ahead to further spring targets with his key absentee.
“Indeevar Blue will be back for Aintree all being well, whereas (They Call Me) Hugo will miss the rest of the season. It’s frustrating, but we’ll get over it.”