Top Flat jockey Oisin Murphy is set for the plum ride on Constitution Hill at Southwell on February 20. Also, Nick Rockett could warm up for the Grand National with a run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Check out the racing news round-up for Thursday 5 February.
Henderson set to give Murphy Constitution Hill ride at Southwell
Nicky Henderson has announced that Oisin Murphy will ride Constitution Hill at Southwell in a couple of weeks time.
After suffering several falls of late, the former Champion Hurdler is set for flat run at Southwell in February.
Henderson told the Racing Post: “Oisin came down and sat on him this morning, and the plan is for him to ride him at Southwell.
There are loads of very good jockeys, and ones who I admire, but I know Michael was in discussions with him.” (Racing Post)
Grand National winner Nick Rockett could have Gold Cup warm-up for Aintree
Grand National hero Nick Rockett could make his first start of the season in next month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup. The Willie Mullins-trained star will need a run over fences in order to be eligible for the Aintree showpiece on April 11.
His owner Stuart Andrew told the Nick Luck Daily Podcast that the Gold Cup could be his starting point.
Andrew said: “I think it’s the ideal distance for him to recover, I think we’ve a month between races” (Nick Luck Daily Podcast)
Scott more ‘optimistic’ this year with Golden Ace in Champion Hurdle
A winner of the Champion Hurdle last season, Golden Ace is set to run at Wincanton next week.
Ahead of a bid for Champion Hurdle glory once again, Golden Ace’s trainer Jeremy Scott has spoken about how he feels ahead of the race.
Scott said: “The standouts earlier looked to be Sir Gino and Lossiemouth, but now we don’t have Sir Gino and Lossiemouth looked far less happy running over two miles than Brighterdaysahead, so it still looks open.”
“The New Lion’s win at Cheltenham didn’t look a truly-run race. “I’m a lot more optimistic this year than I was last!” (Sporting Life)
Punchestown winner Too Bossy For Us a potential Melbourne Cup contender
Too Bossy For Us won at Punchestown on Wednesday, and Willie Mullins is expecting big things from the former flat perfomer.
He could potentially take his chance at Cheltenham next month before a possible tilt Down Under in the Melbourne Cup.
Speaking after his win, Mullins said: “He has enough class for the Supreme (Novices’ Hurdle), but we’ll have a look and see what races he’s in.
“He’ll hopefully be a horse that will be dual purpose during the summer. He’s a horse we might try to qualify for the Melbourne Cup as well.” (At The Races)