Hennessy plan for Big Fella
The eight-year-old won one of four starts for Paul Nicholls last term and signed off with a creditable fourth in the Grand National at Aintree.
He has switched yards over the summer months though and Murphy reports him to be making great progress as he builds towards his return.
“He’s settled in fantastically well. He’s done quite a bit of work and his first outing will be the Hennessy,” said the Leyburn handler.
“I think he’ll hit that spot-on – he’s a really high-class individual and we are thrilled to have him.
“You would like to think his best days are ahead of him.”
Murphy has plenty of horses to look forward to this year, with Champion Chase third Kalahari King heading the team.
Meanwhile, Paul Nicholls says Denman has given Ruby Walsh the best feel for three years” ahead of his racecourse return in November.
The 2008 Gold Cup conqueror is being geared towards attempting to win the Hennessy at Newbury for a remarkable third time - even though the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby towards the end of the month was fleetingly under consideration.
All roads now lead to the Hennessy, however, for which the popular 10-year-old is now giving off the right signals.
Nicholls wrote in his column on the betting exchange site Betfair on Saturday: “Along with Mandarin and Arkle, he is the only horse to have won the race twice.
“And, 9lb higher than for his win last season, it is possible that Denman has to improve to win. But we know he loves a big and competitive field, and Newbury.
“And, pointedly, Ruby says Denman has given him the best feel for three years.”
Kauto Star is on schedule to run in the Champion Chase at Down Royal on November 6, while fellow Gold Cup aspirant What A Friend is poised for an absorbing duel with Imperial Commander in the Betfair Chase at Haydock a fortnight later.
