Amy Murphy considering Betfair Hurdle shot with smart novice Kalashnikov
Second in the Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown, Kalashnikov has several options open to him including the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury and the Sidney Banks at Huntingdon.
KALASHNIKOV could be fired at the Betfair Hurdle next month after his fine second at Sandown earlier this month.
Amy Murphy's exciting novice hurdler finished behind Summerville Boy in the Grade One Tolworth Hurdle on heavy ground that didn't entirely suit the son of Kalanisi.
Newmarket-based trainer Murphy is delighted with the way he has come out of the contest with the five-year-old given an entry into next month's Betfair Hurdle at Newbury.
The Sidney Banks Novices' Hurdle at Huntingdon next month is also under consideration, with the Cheltenham Festival not the be-all and end-all this season.
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Murphy said: "I was delighted with him, he ran a huge race. I think he was all heart up the straight and that was the only thing that got him home. He looked like he ran with lead weights tied to his feet.
"He had a hard race and I thought he would take a couple of weeks to come back, but on Monday morning he was bucking and kicking and doing everything right.
Templegate's Treble
NAP 1.40 Kelso - Dexcite: 'He's really well weighted on his best form and should come on for his last run'
NEXT BEST 1.55 Southwell - Wazin: 'Run well twice in maidens and she's bred to handle today's surface'
TREBLE 3.15 Kelso - Lough Derg Jewel: 'Has taken well to fences and should improve even further for the extra trip'
"The Betfair is an option and I will put him in the Sidney Banks at Huntingdon. He doesn't need to run again. We will play it by ear and week by week. The Supreme looks the weaker division, but a lot can happen between now and then.
"He is only a baby and he is a chaser for the future. Dad (owner Paul Murphy) has said 100 times over he doesn't have to go to Cheltenham this year as his forte will be chasing."