'We're looking forward to taking him on again' - Strong Leader raring to go as Olly Murphy eyes Grade 1 rematch with Impose Toi

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Olly Murphy is ready to roll the dice with Strong Leader and is hopeful he can put up a better showing in Saturday's Howden Long Walk Hurdle (2.25) than when a major disappointment in the race last year.

The eight-year-old landed the Grade 2 West Yorkshire Hurdle at Wetherby on his first start of the campaign last month, and followed that up with a close second to Impose Toi in Newbury's Coral Long Distance Hurdle.

Strong Leader finished last of ten when sent off 11-8 favourite in the race 12 months ago, and although Murphy knows he is better suited to left-handed tracks, he is prepared to let the 2024 Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle winner take his chance at Ascot.