Edge Set To Make National Cut

Ante-post favourite Joes Edge looks almost certain to make the cut for Saturday's John Smith's Grand National at Aintree.

Backers of Ferdy Murphy's charge have faced an anxious wait to see if their fancy makes the cut for the big-race, with Joes Edge needing two to drop out.

However, he is almost certain to get a run now after Fota Island was declared for Friday's Melling Chase, although he was later ruled out through lameness, while the Sir Robert Ogden-owned Iris Royal will also miss out.

'Iris Royal will not run. He has had a little blood problem for a couple of weeks and he is not going to be right to run on Saturday,' said Barry Simpson, Ogden's racing manager.

'He could run but at 11 it wouldn't be fair to run him when he is not 100%.'

Joes Edge, who is now the clear 8-1 favourite from 9s with totesport, had the finishing touches put to his preparation on Redcar beach.

'It all went grand. We just give them a day out and it is something a bit different for them, and they enjoy it,' said Murphy.

'He's definitely got the best chance of any of my previous National runners, by a long, long way. It is the first time everything has fallen into place for any of mine.'

(C) PA Sport