Murphy sure Brewin'upastorm ready for big test as star heads straight to Arkle

Leading Racing Post Arkle contender Brewin'upastorm will head straight to the Cheltenham Festival and Olly Murphy has no fears about his star's lack of experience despite only two outings over fences.

Barbara Hester's seven-year-old has passed his two tests over fences with flying colours, coming out on top in a red-hot novice chase at Carlisle and following up at Taunton.

Saturday's Kingmaker at Warwick was a potential Arkle prep for last year's Ballymore fourth but connections believe staying patient could unlock further improvement. He is a general 10-1 chance for his festival target.

Murphy said: "He's doing really well and we've decided to go straight to Cheltenham with him. All of his best runs were when he was fresh, so that certainly won't be a problem. He'll have a racecourse gallop and a school beforehand just to put him spot on. He's in great nick at the moment.

Brewin'Upastorm (number 1): defeated Good Boy Bobby in a pulsating finish at CarlisleCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"We like the thought of going to Cheltenham as a fresh horse when a few of the others have had some real hard races."

Three of the four rivals he beat at Carlisle in October have won since and the form is looking very strong with Midnight Shadow and Global Citizen landing Grade 2 prizes. It is particularly interesting as Murphy believes Brewin'upastorm needed the run that day.

"All of my horses needed their first runs and he was no exception," revealed Murphy. "It was a great win that day. We'll look to get him ready for Cheltenham, hopefully he'll get there in one piece and run a big race."

A Carlisle cracker! 2m beginners' chase, October 24

1st Brewin'Upastormwon at Taunton next time
2nd Good Boy Bobbywon at Wetherby and second at Cheltenham
3rd Midnight Shadowwon Grade 2 Dipper, second in Scilly Isles
4th Global Citizenwon the Grade 2 Wayward Lad

When asked about if he had any concern over a lack of experience, Murphy said: "Not really to be honest. He's had plenty of good experience over hurdles and he was a point-to-point winner. They went a right good gallop in Carlisle the day he won there, I think he's got some good experience under his belt."

Itchy Feet has come out of his Scilly Isles Chase victory well and is on course for the Marsh Novices' Chase at the festival. His trainer – for whom Saturday's win was his first at the top level – believes the six-year-old has a great chance of following up at Cheltenham.

"He's come out of his race great," said Murphy. "We'll freshen him up now for a week or ten days and then start his prep for Cheltenham. All being well he'll be going to the Marsh.

"I thought his win was very solid. At the end of the day people can say whatever they want about the race falling apart, but he came down to the last hard enough on the bridle and that was only his second run over fences.

"I thought he was great and the second horse [Midnight Shadow] has shown strong form all year. Whether the few behind him didn't perform or handle conditions I'm not sure."

Itchy Feet is now as short as 6-1 for the Marsh and Murphy added: "After Saturday's win you'd have to say everyone would have to bring their A-game to beat him. He was very good."

One horse who is unlikely to make Cheltenham is Thomas Darby, who is being aimed at Fontwell's Netbet Casino National Spirit Hurdle on February 23.

Thomas Darby: last year's Supreme Novices' Hurdle runner-up was back to his best at Ascot last timeCredit: Mark Cranham

"We're looking at Fontwell for him next," said the Warwickshire-based trainer. "In the back of my head we're thinking about bypassing Cheltenham and heading to the Aintree Hurdle.

"He's in good shape, I think he'll come on for his run again. I'd like to think he's got plenty more to offer for the rest of the season."

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