Murphy ace on the way back
L’Antartique is back in training and could return to action in December following a knee operation.
Last year’s Paddy Power Gold Cup winner returned to work at Ferdy Murphy’s West Witton stables on Monday following surgery to remove two spurs from the back of his knee.
The eight-year-old was last seen finishing seventh in the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
“He didn’t jump as well in the Ryanair. He’s got the all-clear now and looks fantastic and should be back around Christmas time,” said Murphy.
Murphy still hopes to be represented in this year’s Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on November 15 by last season’s 12th Three Mirrors and possibly Water Taxi.
“Three Mirrors is my definite and principal one for the Paddy Power, although perhaps Water Taxi will run as well,” said Murphy.
“Three Mirrors won at Ayr over two and a half miles off a mark 18lb more than the previous year and is improving after taking time. He’s run in the race before and ran very well and given the time and another year, he’s all right for the race.
“He’ll probably go straight there as he pulls out fine first time and he’ll want good ground being by Cloudings.”
Water Taxi landed a handicap chase at Market Rasen last month by eight lengths, having finished second on his three previous starts.
“He won well the last day over two and a half miles and he’ll be creeping in the Paddy Power at 10 stone,” continued Murphy.
“He’s a good little horse, a competitive two and a half miles is ideal for him and if the ground is lively, he would have an each-way chance.”
