Supreme second Thomas Darby set for return to hurdles this season

Last season's Supreme Novices’ Hurdle second Thomas Darby will return to hurdling for the remainder of the season.

The Diana Whateley-owned six-year-old finished four and a half lengths behind Klassical Dream at the Cheltenham Festival in March but was a beaten favourite in two starts over fences this term.

Trainer Olly Murphy is considering two races on January 18 for Thomas Darby – The New One Unibet Hurdle, registered as the Champion Hurdle trial, at Haydock and the Matchbook Holloway’s Handicap Hurdle at Ascot.

He said: “I met with Grahame Whateley last week and we feel returning to hurdling is the best route to go down. Nothing came to light with him after his last run – although mine weren’t running great at that stage – but we’ll keep him as a novice over fences for next season.

“He’s bred to want a trip and I feel he could be suited by going over further, but he’s got loads of ability and will be a nice chaser for next season.”

Brewin'Upastorm: has a Grade 2 assignment at Warwick in FebruaryCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Brewin’Upastorm has impressed in two chase victories, most recently scoring by four lengths at Taunton, and is set for a step up in company with Murphy eyeing the Grade 2 Kingmaker Novices’ Chase at Warwick on February 8.

Murphy, who saddled two winners and three seconds on Saturday, said: “He gave himself a bang at Taunton but is back cantering. He put on a fair bit of weight for having a little time off and looks great. His form has been enhanced recently and I’m really excited about him.”

Murphy could have another Supreme contender for this season in the unbeaten Nickolson, who made a successful hurdling debut at Wincanton in October and is well regarded by the Warwickshire-based trainer.

Murphy said: “I’ve struggled to keep him healthy since Wincanton but he’s had no physical issues and is cantering away. I’ve always thought an awful lot of him. I’d love to get one more run into him before maybe going to Cheltenham in March.

"Cheltenham’s Trials day could be a possibility, or we could go smaller, but he has a massive engine.”

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