NARROW WATER EARNS CHELTENHAM CHANCE Narrow Water put up a tenacious performance to grind out victory in the Tote Northern National at Newcastle today.The gruelling four-mile-one-furlong test run on heavy ground was not for the faint-hearted as Saxon Duke and Narrow Water disputed the early lead at a good pace considering the conditions. -PA-But by the time the field headed down the back straight for the final time there were only four left in with a shout and as they turned for home the stg#60,000 contest developed into a fight between Narrow Water, ridden by Adrian Maguire, and last year`s winner Scotton Green, the heavily-backed 5-2 favourite.The latter took over after two out but a good jump at the last by the Ferdy Murphy-trained Narrow Water sealed the issue and Maguire kept the 6-1 shot up to his work to score by three and a half lengths from Scotton Green, with the 1997 victor Seven Towers a short head back in third Narrow Water, who is still a novice, was having only his fifth race under rules.And a delighted Murphy was quick to pay tribute to his jockey. He said: 'Narrow Water is a tidy little horse but the man on top is riding out of his skin. He gives the novices so much confidence.'And Maguire added: 'It`s hard work over that trip on that ground but it was a very brave performance. He jumped well - very quick and accurate. 'I always knew he was going to gallop and after four miles one I knew nothing was going to sprint by us.'Narrow Water could now be aimed at the Cheltenham Festival. Murphy added: 'He`s in the National Hunt Chase and the William Hill and I`d say with Adrian he`ll be running in the William Hill.'Adrian plays a big part and it`s all about teamwork. 'He`ll probably go to Cheltenham and then we`ll leave well alone. He could go on and win another big pot.'
