Bookies Think Murphy Ace Will Edge It Joes Edge 'could easily start favourite' for the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree on Saturday with support for the Ferdy Murphy-trained runner showing no signs of abating following the five-day confirmation stage.The 10-year-old, seventh in the big race 12 months ago, needs just two horses to come out to be guaranteed a run after a total of 68 stood their ground for the four-and-a-half-mile marathon.Coral have been forced to make Joes Edge their 10-1 co-favourite together with Point Barrow and Dun Doire after a steady deluge of cash.Simon Clare, spokesman for the Barking-based firm, said: 'Over the last few days Joes Edge has been the best-backed horse by some margin and we are already facing a payout of over a quarter of a million pounds on him.'His totesport counterpart Damian Walker added: 'We have trimmed a whole host of horses who will be suited by the likely good ground, including Joes Edge, Billyvoddan and Bewleys Berry.'Joes Edge could easily start favourite on the day.'Hennessy Gold Cup winner State Of Play and the Michael O'Brien-trained Forget The Past were expected defectors, with Don Forster's injured 10-year-old Ossmoses, Innox and Bold Bishop also withdrawn.Other Irish raiders who will not be making the trip to Liverpool include Ground Ball, Garvivonnian and A New Story.All the principals remain in the race, including Numbersixvalverde and Hedgehunter, first and second respectively in last year's renewal.(C) PA Sport
