Murphy Hoping Lee's Homework Pays Off

Graham Lee is due to study a video of last year's John Smith's Grand National in an attempt to gain any advantage he can on Joes Edge in Saturday's renewal.

Ferdy Murphy's charge finished seventh behind Numbersixvalverde 12 months ago but he arrives at Aintree in much better form this year having won the William Hill Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

And Lee, who won the 2004 running of the Aintree extravaganza on Amberleigh House, is hoping his homework pays off, just as it did three years ago.

'It's looking more likely that he will get in now and he did a brilliant piece of work with Graham on Friday morning,' said Murphy.

'Graham is going to take a look at last year's tape to see what he can do differently.

'It was interesting listening to Graham because he told me how he got the tape out before he won on Amberleigh House.

'He had finished third the year before and he wanted to see where he could save ground here and there.

'There really is no substitute for course form and we know he jumped round last year and he is much better on good ground.

'The horses are running very well, we keep knocking them in and we still have a lot left to run so it's happy days.'

(C) PA Sport