Grand National is ultimate target for Big Fella Thanks after switch to Murphy's yard

The eight-year-old won just one of his four starts for Paul Nicholls last term and signed off with a creditable fourth in the Grand National at Aintree.

He has switched yards over the summer months, though, and Murphy reports him to be making great progress as he builds towards his return.

Murphy, based at West Witton, believes the horse – owned by controversial gambler Harry Findlay's mother Maggie – will have an outstanding chance at the bottom of the handicap if Denman, the two-time Hennessy winner, runs.

Previously co-owned by Findlay before his acrimonious split with Nicholls following a betting controversy, Denman would be expected to concede up to two stone to Big Fella Thanks.

"He's settled in fantastically well. He's done quite a bit of work and his first outing will be the Hennessy," said Murphy, who believes the horse's ultimate target will be a third attempt

at the John Smith's Grand National after finishing unplaced in 2008.

"I think he'll hit Newbury spot-on – he's a really high-class individual and we're thrilled to have him.

"You would like to think his best days are ahead of him as he's improving all the time."

Murphy has plenty of horses to look forward to this year, with Champion Chase third Kalahari King heading the team.

"He goes to Huntingdon for the Peterborough Chase, that will be his first run, and then we will decide where we go for the rest of the season," explained Murphy.

"There's the King George to think about, but that looks like being a seriously hot race this year with Kauto Star seeking a fifth win and the Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander lining up."

Galant Nuit, another long-distance chaser, will run over hurdles before the Welsh National at Christmas, though Murphy expects next April's Aintree marathon to be "a year too soon" for his rising star.

Poker De Sivola won the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last season under Katie Walsh, but proved a bit disappointing when pulled up in the Scottish National on his final start.

That race is the target again this term but Murphy has a different gameplan in mind.

"He'll probably have a couple of runs over hurdles and his long-term plan would be the Scottish National – he's an ideal horse for that race," said Murphy.

"We'll probably swerve Cheltenham and keep him fresh for that."

Murphy also has high hopes for The Hollinwell, who won twice last campaign before breaking a blood vessel and being pulled up in the Jewson at the Festival.

"He goes to Carlisle at the end of the month and has improved quite considerably from last season," he added.

"His campaign will be aimed at the Ryanair at the Festival."

Another Cheltenham contender is De Boitron.

An eye-catching winner at Doncaster last season, he is already being lined up for the Festival's Grand Annual Chase.

Murphy says it is too early to make definitive plans for Cheltenham and Aintree – he wants his horses to have at least one run first – but he added: "I have about 80 horses and far more strength in depth than last year."