Murphy says time is right for Itchy Feet's Cleeve clash with Paisley Park

Itchy Feet will present a fresh challenge to Paisley Park in Saturday's Cleeve Hurdle with Olly Murphy hopeful it is "the right time" to take on Emma Lavelle's staying superstar.

A Grade 1-winning novice chaser last season, Itchy Feet has failed to get his head in front since his Scilly Isles success at Sandown despite a series of consistent efforts this term, leaving Murphy hoping a change in discipline and trip can spark extra improvement.

He is the general 9-2 second favourite for the Paddy Power-sponsored Cleeve behind Paisley Park, the 2019 Stayers' Hurdle winner, who has bounced back from a heart irregularity at last season's festival in great style, most recently with a last-gasp victory in the Long Walk Hurdle.