Thomas Darby set for Uttoxeter trip

Trainer Olly Murphy is in positive mood as he prepares to send Thomas Darby out for his debut over fences at Uttoxeter. The six-year-old looked good over the hurdles last season, winning two of his five outings, and that has steered him towards the direction of the bigger obstacles. Murphy was delighted with Thomas Darby’s showing in the Super Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, coming second only to Klassical Dream, but he must now prove himself against an altogether different test. The son of Beneficial has been hard at work over the past few weeks and Murphy is confident that he can put on a good showing at Uttoxeter on November 1. Murphy said: “All being well, Thomas Darby is going to go to Uttoxeter. “He worked and schooled well in Lambourn last week. I’m very happy with him, and we’re looking forward to getting him started, hopefully at Uttoxeter on November 1.”