Leading hurdler last year and now chasing season debutant Kalashnikov has been reported by his trainer to be heading to Plumpton in what will be his second run over fences after bolting up at Warwick on his chase debut.
Amy Murphy has definitely set her stable stars sites on the Arkle Trophy at the festival this year after finishing second last year in the Supreme Novices Hurdle just being pipped in a photo finish for first with Summerville Boy.
Kalashnikov is the current favourite for the race in March at 5/1 with Kayley Wollacott's Lalor just behind him in the market at 6/1.
Lalor got off the mark last weekend in the Arkle Trial race at Cheltenham blitzing a strong field of runners that arguably looks the better form out of the two, but Murphy is relishing the opportunity for her horse to run again at the festival.
(Credit Racing UK) The female trainer said: “Lalor was super impressive. I thought it was a lovely performance. He jumped and he galloped and he quickened away well.
“I’m sure they will meet one day. They are two lovely horses and I’m sure it will be a great clash whenever it is.”
The female trainer based in Newmarket had a real love story with this horse last year when he was hurdling and she has set his next task now fencing at Plumpton in the extended two mile novice chase in early December.
This race has caught the eye of Murphy for the simple reason that Plumpton have now added a £60,000 bonus for any horse that go on to win a selected race at the racecourse and then go on to land a winner at the Cheltenham Festival.
Murphy added: “He’s absolutely fine and hopefully he’ll go to Plumpton in two weeks’ time.
“He’s not doing a lot at the moment, but there’s no problem at all.”