Murphy breaks new ground
Last Updated: 27/06/14 3:30pm
Discussiontofollow heads Mike Murphy's first racing foray to Ireland on Saturday when he bids for glory in Saturday's Paddy Power Scurry at the Curragh.
The lightly-raced four-year-old has not been seen since running at Windsor in April, when finishing a close third to Huntsmans Close.
After joining Murphy's Bedfordshire stable during last winter, Discussiontofollow collected in his first three starts on the Polytrack.
Murphy said: "We've had runners in Germany before but never in Ireland, so it's exciting.
"Usually the ground is softer in Ireland than Britain but it's looking like it will be quick, over a nice six furlongs.
"He's just not had his ground in England, but his last run at Windsor, which was on good ground, is working out well with a couple that finished around him going on to win.
"They've had some rain but the trainers over there are still calling it rattling quick ground so hopefully he can run a nice race."
The betting became wide open when ante-post favourite Great Minds was not declared, and another British trainer full of hope is Eric Alston.
His ultra-consistent Barkston Ash has not finished out of the first three in five starts on grass during this campaign and will break from stall 23 of 25.
Alston said: "A bit of rain there is a good thing for him, and it looks like he has a decent draw. He's in great order, and he has been all year.
"I think this is the first time I've been over since I had (top-class sprinter) Reverence, so I'm looking forward to it."
David Marnane has a very strong hand in this valuable six-furlong dash.
"We can't find enough of them," said Tipperary-based Marnane. "We've three good chances, but none of them have great draws.
"Seanie hadn't run since the middle of December so I was delighted with his run back at Navan last month.
"He travelled particularly well and has been running very consistently, even beating my other horse Jamesie last October at Dundalk, but I think he's better on turf.
"Harry Trotter was fourth in a messy race at Tipperary the other day, I wasn't disappointed really but only the first three ever got involved. He was staying on well at the end and is a tough horse.
"Zalty has first-time blinkers. He hasn't the best draw but I think a race like this will suit as he'll have the chance to finish through horses."
Ger Lyons is doubly represented with Greek Canyon and last year's winner Burn The Boats, who needs to step up from a moderate run in Ascot's Victoria Cup.
Richard Fahey has booked Joseph O'Brien for Alben Star, while Dermot Weld's lightly-raced Listed winner Alkasser is likely to be a major player.