Hi °C | Lo °C Made In Taipan will bid to improve on his fourth place in the Irish Independent Arkle Trophy when he lines-up at Aintree next month.
The seven-year-old, trained by Tom Mullins, will be entered for both the John Smith’s Manifesto Novices’ Chase over two and a half miles on April 2 and the two-mile Maghull Novices’ Chase two days later.
"He’ll be entered in both and if the ground is quick he’ll probably go for the two and a half. We’ll look at the entries when they are out and see," said the Co Kilkenny-based handler.
"It was a very good run at Cheltenham and he’s been well since. He wasn’t quite quick enough on the better ground there."
Meanwhile, plans are on hold for Brave Inca following his disappointing display in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham last week.
The 11-year-old, winner of the hurdling crown in 2006, set himself up for another crack at the race with a gutsy success in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown in January.
However, he could finish only 18th of the 23 runners at Prestbury Park and Murphy is currently at a loss to explain that below-par display.
"He seems good. He was little bit quiet with himself after he arrived home which you would only expect," said Murphy.
"We’re going to give him a little while to get over it. We were very disappointed on the day and he doesn’t seem to be himself at the minute but we’ll see what materialises before we make any decisions."
Murphy also had news on Big Zeb, who took a crashing fall in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the showpiece meeting last week.
"Big Zeb is very sore as you would expect, but he seems in one piece," Murphy continued.
"He’s grand and I would say it is more than likely he will run at Punchestown next month."
Meanwhile, Alan Daly ended his 15-year riding career in the best way possible as he guided Desert Dreamer to success in the Newchapel Selling Stakes at Lingfield.
Daly (pictured) settled the Tom Dascombe inmate towards the rear for much of the seven-furlong contest, but was pulled wide to challenge at the top of the straight.
The 2-1 favourite took a while to hit top gear before swooping late to score by a length and three-quarters from Obe Royal.
The 34-year-old, riding the 203rd winner of his career in Britain, could not contain his excitement as he punched the air passing the post.
"I'm high on life," said Daly.
"To get a winner on my last ride like that, it feels like I've just won the lottery.
"Tom Dascombe has done a fantastic job for me.
"He's one of the up-and-coming young trainers of the game and said for a while he'd try and sort out a winner on my last ride."
