Richards not blue with Moon
Expensive Flat recruit Purple Moon is still on target for a possible crack at the John Smith’s Scottish Triumph Hurdle Trial at Musselburgh on February 4.
The former Sir Michael Stoute inmate made a winning debut over hurdles at the Edinburgh venue earlier this month.
Purple Moon, the son of 2001 Derby hero Galileo, was bought for 440,000 guineas at the Tattersalls Sales in October and is now in the care of Nicky Richards.
However, the Greystoke handler issued a warning he will not be running him in soft conditions.
“Purple Moon might go back up to Musselburgh for the Triumph Hurdle trial. He came out of his last race grand,” said Richards.
“Everything will depend on the ground with him with regard to the rest of the season. He wants good, decent ground and he won’t go anywhere if it is bottomless.
“It really is vital to him but there seems to be no end to the rain at the moment.”
Richards is also preparing smart hurdler Faasel for his debut over fences.
He did have engagements at Ayr on Monday over two miles and Catterick on Wednesday over two miles, three furlongs.
But as Ayr has been abandoned, Catterick is now his only short-term option.
“Faasel is fine, he has schooled well and did have the choice of Ayr on Monday or Catterick on Wednesday,” said Richards.
