Big Fella's sights are on Aintree

AINTREE specialist Big Fella Thanks is set to have two competitive runs over fences before trying to win the John Smith's Grand National at the third attempt.

The Ferdy Murphy-trained horse, an acquisition last summer from the yard of champion trainer Paul Nicholls, is one of four Yorkshire entries in this year's race.

Murphy has also entered Galant Nuit, a horse that has previously beaten last year's National victor Don't Push It, while John Quinn's Character Building and Malcolm Jefferson's King Fontaine also represent local yards.

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The quality of this quartet raises the prospect of Yorkshire celebrating its first Grand National triumph since the Neville Crump-trained Merryman II galloped into the history books 51 years ago under Gerry Scott.

Murphy, based at West Witton, intends to run Big Fella Thanks – sixth and fourth in the last two Aintree renewals – at Ascot on February 19, and Newbury in March, before the National.

Unlike those trainers who are running their horse over hurdles in order to preserve their handicap mark over fences, Murphy accepts that the nine-year-old will be judged on his National form and the fact that he was sent

off the 10-1 joint favourite last year.

And while he was impressed with ante-post National favourite Ballabriggs winning over hurdles at Ayr on Monday for Donald McCain, Murphy added: "We'll see what happens, but the BHA have said they will take greater account of chasing form.

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"My horse is grand. It was disappointing that he parted company with Graham Lee in the Hennessy at Newbury early on, but I hope to have him just right for the day that really matters."

Yet, with a maximum of 40 runners able to compete in the April 9 showpiece, connections of the other local entries will be hoping that they make the cut-off.

Things will become clearer on February 15 when BHA handicapper Phil Smith reveals the weights. Seventh last year under Nina Carberry, Quinn's injury-prone Character Building certainly has the profile to win the National – despite greys having an appalling record in the race.

It is likely to be more borderline for the aforementioned Galant Nuit – Murphy accepts this – while King Fontaine's chances have been scuppered by the abandonment of his intended races.

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The eight-year-old is owned by Trevor Hemmings whose colours were carried to victory by Hedgehunter, and Ruby Walsh, in 2005.

The 102 entries are headed by a 10-strong batallion from the yard of Paul Nicholls as the champion trainer seeks an elusive first success in the National.

His intended runners include Saturday's Cheltenham winner Neptune Collonges and stablemate What A Friend who is co-owned by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Three former winners – the aforementioned Don't Push It, 2009 hero Mon Mome and Comply or Die, a winner in 2008 – are also entered while Notre Pere, a former Welsh National victor, heads Ireland's 34 entries.

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Another intriguing contender is Howard Johnson's Tidal Bay. Having struck up a highly effective partnership with Yorkshire jockey Brian Hughes, the quirky 10-year-old has been given an entry, although next month's Cheltenham Gold Cup is a more realistic objective.