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

Itchy Feet: will tackle the Grade 1 Marsh Novices' Chase on Thursday
Itchy Feet: Grade 1 winner is being sent back over hurdlesCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

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.

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Matt ButlerDeputy news editor

Published on 26 January 2021inNews

Last updated 16:16, 26 January 2021

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