Superb Alnilam strikes gold for in-form Murphy and Bowen

Olly Murphy is eyeing an immedi- ate step up to Grade One level with Alnilam after he produced a spring-heeled display to strike gold on the opening day of the season at Cheltenham.

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OLLY Murphy is eyeing an immediate step up to Grade One level with Alnilam after he produced a spring-heeled display to strike gold on the opening day of the season at Cheltenham.

Aided by champion jockey Sean Bowen, the Warren Chase handler headed for the Cotswolds in sensational form following a Perth four-timer and a treble at Worcester earlier this week, and Alnilam had looked a smart addition to the chasing ranks when making a successful start at Uttoxeter three weeks ago.

Dan Skelton’s Country Mile, the runner-up at Uttoxeter, was again in opposition in the Holland Cooper ‘Chasing Excellence’ Novices’ Chase at Prestbury Park and the pair went off 9-4 joint-favourites for the rematch - but Alnilam confirmed his superiority in some style.