Big Zeb could step up in trip

Sun 9th Sep 2012, irishracing.com

Big Zeb could step up in distance this season as the 2010 Queen Mother Champion Chase hero enters the twilight of his career.

Trainer Colm Murphy has no concrete plans for the 11-year-old but believes his stable stalwart could still have plenty to offer.

"He seems like a two-year-old at the moment. He's in great order and he looks magnificent," said the County Wexford handler.

"I think we'll play it race by race with him. I'm not sure where we'll start him or whether it will be much the same route as last year.

"We have the option of going up in trip as well.

"There are plenty of options and we will see how he is during the year. We'll let him do the talking."

Murphy's classy mare Voler La Vedette is set to follow a similar route to last season..

The Grade One-winning hurdler, who was runner-up to Big Buck's in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, is said to be in great condition as she builds up to another campaign.

"She's back and has done really well over the summer. She's gone really strong and is one really to look forward to," Murphy told At The Races.

"The programme is mapped for her. There are only a few races she can go for. I am hoping she can have as good a year as last year. That would be fabulous."