Murphy Plays Aintree Aces

Ferdy Murphy has his string in tip-top condition and he has his eyes set on more big prizes at the Aintree Grand National meeting.

Murphy has high hopes for Aces Four in the John Smith's Mildmay Novices' Chase after on Friday an unlucky run at Cheltenham.

The eight-year-old is owned by a partnership run by David Parry Racing, who also have an interest in Irish Grand National hope Nine De Sivola.

He was the only serious rival to Denman in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase for the final mile at the Festival before a mistake three out put paid to his chances.

'We are sending seven horses to Aintree and they are all in great nick,' said Murphy.

'Aces Four is perfect at the moment. He's in cracking form, the track should suit him and the drier the ground gets the better.'

Another given a big chance by the West Witton-handler is New Alco who goes in the betfair.com Handicap Chase, also on Friday.

He did not get the run of the race behind stablemate Joes Edge in the William Hill Handicap Chase at Cheltenham but after finishing second to Mon Mome at the meeting last year, Murphy is hoping for a better showing on Friday.

'New Alco ran well at the meeting last year over two and a half miles and the extra trip will suit him a little bit better I would think,' Murphy continued.

'He got in a little bit deep to a few of the fences at Cheltenham and the race didn't really go his way.

'Joes Edge got a great run down the inner whereas Graham (Lee) got pushed out a bit wide and when that happens there is not a lot you can do about it.

'If he jumped as well as he can he could have got away with it but Graham was having to chase him up all the time and there's no hiding place at Cheltenham.'

(C) PA Sport