'We'll keep our sights lowered' - Murphy in no rush with Strong Leader

Saturday: Uttoxeter

Olly Murphy believes Strong Leader will learn from the experience after he made a winning start to life over obstacles.

The five-year-old did not jump cleanly in the 2m novice hurdle, but rallied to finish two and three-quarter lengths clear of Idealdes Villerets.

Murphy said: "I was delighted with him, albeit he probably did a lot wrong through the race. He's taken a while to get used to jumping at home and it showed through the race.

"He has a big engine and the second isn't too bad, while Kim Bailey's horse who finished third [Parc D'Amour] was a first-time-out winner too, so there was a bit of strength in depth in the race."

Strong Leader has now won twice from three starts, but Murphy has no plans to rush the son of Passing Glance.

He said: "He'll come forward from that and he's definitely a horse who wants very soft ground. We'll keep our sights lowered for the time being until he gets more experience. He learned loads today and it'll put him in good stead. He wants to go slowly now over his next few runs."

Hat-trick hero

Tea For Free justified favouritism in the feature 3m2f handicap chase to complete a hat-trick.

Trained by Charlie Longsdon, the seven-year-old extended his unbeaten record over fences after edging out Bells Of Peterboro by a length and a quarter.

Results, replays and analysis

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