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Kalashnikov could still have Festival prep

KalashnikovKalashnikov
© Photo Healy Racing

Amy Murphy would not hesitate to run leading Arkle contender Kalashnikov in the Kingmaker Novices' Chase - provided it is re-staged within the next 10 days.

The Grade Two prize was due to be run at Warwick on Saturday, but was one of numerous events cancelled due to the six-day shutdown sparked by an outbreak of equine flu.

Last year's Betfair Hurdle winner is a general 6/1 chance for the Arkle, but saw his unbeaten run over fences come to an end over Christmas when finishing second in a Grade Two at Kempton.

Murphy said: "If the Kingmaker was run in the next 10 days, I would definitely be running him in it as after that you start thinking you are getting too close to Cheltenham.

"If there was a reason why they didn’t re-stage the race, he would be fine as he would just go for a racecourse gallop with Mercian Prince.

"Don’t get me wrong though, I would love to get another race into him for some more experience, but we will work with whatever we are dealt with."