NAAS PREVIEW:IT APPEARS that Co Wexford trainer Colm Murphy doesn't have to worry about Barry Geraghty's availability for Big Zeb in the Champion Chase anymore after Nicky Henderson yesterday described Petit Robin as "almost certain" to run in the Ryanair Chase.
The English-trained horse also holds an engagement in the Queen Mother Champion Chase and Geraghty could be claimed by Henderson if Petit Robin were to run in that.
However, the Irish jockey, who has ridden Big Zeb to two Grade Two victories this season, should be free to ride Murphy’s star as Henderson said yesterday: “We have talked about it and it’s almost certain that Petit Robin will run in the Ryanair.”
That doesn’t mean Murphy will have a headache-free weekend, however, as Zaarito lines up in the novice chase at Naas tomorrow.
Few doubt Zaarito has the raw running talent to take his place at Cheltenham but a series of “F”s next to his name means Colm Murphy’s star misses out on the festival and instead tries to get his jumping back on track tomorrow.
Earlier in the season a fall on Zaarito’s chasing debut was followed by a second to Captain Cee Bee which in turn was followed by an impressive victory at Leopardstown.
But the wheels have subsequently come off his campaign with an early fall in the Irish Arkle and afterwards he was coming to play a serious role in the Dr PJ Moriarty only to crash out at the last fence. Murphy is now looking at the Powers Gold Cup as a Grade One option for his former bumper star but that will require a sound performance this weekend.
“Obviously after his last couple of runs the main thing we want is a clear round. Anything after that is a bonus,” the Co Wexford trainer said yesterday. “He has schooled well. I actually think he is a good jumper. He just seems to lose concentration now and again.”
Zaarito faces a couple of decent types in Pesoto and Whatuthink but any Grade One aspirations he might have mean a clear round – and a victory – is vital tomorrow.
One of the most visually impressive performers at last weekend’s post-race gallops session at Leopardstown was Rare Bob who has to concede weight all round in the Lucan Racing Leinster National.
A Grade One winner last season at Punchestown, ahead of Joncol, Rare Bob has endured an interrupted season and struck into himself on his sole start at Fairyhouse in January.
“It is unfortunate Cheltenham has come too soon for him but he has had his problems this year. We had him hobdayed earlier in the season and it has taken him a while. But he is a very good horse,” trainer Dessie Hughes said yesterday.
Rare Bob faces just six opponents tomorrow but they include Kings Advocate, a 10-year-old who started favourite for the 2007 Irish National but who has run just three times since.
Clearly fragile, Tom Taaffe’s horse was still only three and a half lengths off Dooneys Gate at Leopardstown and he gets almost two stone form Rare Bob.
Ruby Walsh has four rides tomorrow including on Equus Maximus in the Leinster National but the champion jockey’s best chance looks to come on Angus House, a beaten bumper favourite on his last visit to Naas, in the maiden hurdle.
