Murphy expects big showing from pair

Ferdy Murphy will be double-handed in tomorrow`s Stg£65,000 Tote Eider National at Newcastle and he is confident of good performances from both his runners.

A total of 15 horses were declared today, including ante-post favourite This Is Serious, for what promises to be a gruelling slog over four miles, one furlong of the Gosforth Park track.

Tony Dobbin takes the mount on Charlie Swan`s Irish raider as David Casey is injured.

Murphy will be represented by last year`s winner Narrow Water and Ackzo, who heads the weights on 11st 10lb following the defection of Beau, The Last Fling and Birkdale.

Narrow Water has been out of form so far this season, being pulled up on his three starts but Murphy is confident the bad patch is behind him now.

He said: 'I think he`s back nearly right now. He`s been absolutely bouncing at home and my head lad rode him in midweek and he was very pleased with him.

'I think he will seem a lot more sprightly this time out and he`s got a good chance.

'He`s a real staying horse and hopefully he will be staying on late in the race when the others aren`t.'

Murphy is also expecting a big run from stablemate Ackzo, who finished second to Scotton Green in this race two years ago.

The trainer said: 'He was unlucky in this race a couple of years ago when he was second to Tim Easterby`s horse.

'He was going well before he made a mistake, but then he flew and was only beaten a neck and went on to win the Midlands National.'

The nine-year-old is the choice of stable jockey Adrian Maguire for the race after a couple of promising performances this season.

On his last run, Ackzo was sixth behind Moor Lane in the Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster and on his other outing he finished third to Supreme Charm after a long lay-off.

Ackzo would not relish extremely testing conditions but Murphy is not too worried by the going.

'I`d hoped it would be a bit better ground but I think he`s got an exceptional chance and should run a good race,' he added.

'The ground won`t be a problem as such for either of them but Ackzo might have preferred it a bit better.'

Murphy also had Birkdale and The Quads in the race but he elected to pull out the pair this morning.

Earlier in the card, Murphy sends out Martell Grand National hopeful Luzcadou in the two mile, four furlong UK Hygiene For Air/Smoke Filtration Handicap Chase.