Poquelin faces tough task in today’s Murphy Chase
Carrying top weight out of all 10 horses in the Murphy Group Chase race card, Poquelin is likely to face tough task in the event which is set to be held today, January 28 at Cheltenham horseracing track.
Poquelin is at top of the list both in terms of weight (11-12) and official rating (168). His nine competitors include Woolcombe Folly, Tartak, Aerial, h**l ‘S Bay, Tamarinbleu, Chance Du Roy, the Giant Bolster, Araldur and Billie Magern.
Murphy Group Chase is going to be a Grade 3 race. The event will start at 2:05.
Owner of Poquelin, Andy Stewart, thinks that heavy weight may be a hindrance for the horse to thrive in today’s event, claiming that it will be hard for him to jump over the fences.
Stewart said, “I was very keen to run him in the Atlantic4 Gold Cup for obvious reasons (he sponsored it) but he met with a late setback. We need to find out if he's still good enough to win a Ryanair. He finished second in it two years ago to Albertas
Run and there's every chance he (Albertas Run) might be running in the Gold Cup this year rather than going for the hat-trick.”
However, the owner hopes that, Poquelin, will not lose without fighting as his past experience on Cheltenham track is somewhat pleasant. He opines that, Aerial, will pose a big threat to his horse.
He told, “Ruby (Walsh) has decided to ride Aerial on Saturday. It's going to be tough, but we know he likes the track so we'll see what happens."
Foaled in March 2003, the nine-year-old horse has run 38 races so far, but won only 10 including 1 Flat Turf, 3 Hurdle and 6 Chase. His total earnings to date are £454,906.Trained by Paul Nicholls, Poquelin started his career on July 3, 2005.
Murphy Group Chase is likely to be a thrilling event packed with awe-inspiring competition as all of the 10 participants are equipped with immense experience and talent. If Poquelin manages to win this event, he will be able to boost up his morale
for the upcoming challenges of the calendar year.
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