Murphy hoping for leading role

Ferdy Murphy hopes Leading Man can continue his progress in the staying ranks with victory in Saturday’s Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock.

The seven-year-old, an impressive winner of the Rowland Meyrick Chase at Wetherby last time, will be having just his fourth start in full fencing company after graduating from the novice division last term.

Stable jockey Graham Lee will be aboard for the three-mile feature after Ascot abandoned their fixture, where Lee was due to ride Another Promise for Murphy.

“He’s come on well from his last run and he’s in good order but it is a competitive race and he’s one of probably three or four that could win it,” said Murphy.

“Graham will be back on him as Ascot is off so that is a bonus.

“He’s gone up quite a bit in the weights for his Wetherby win and you always worry when that happens but he’s a big, strong horse so he should be able to handle it.

“He seems in good shape and he is a progressive young horse, but we are still just dipping our toe in the water with him.

“He should handle the ground though, and I think the track and the fences will suit him.”

Leading Man will be bidding for a fourth career success but Murphy is reluctant to make long-term plans until after the Peter Marsh.

“It’s always been one race at a time with him so we don’t really want to make any plans,” added the Leyburn handler.

“He obviously stays and jumps well though, so we would be looking towards the Eider, Midlands National or the Red Square race, something like that.

“There’s plenty of options for him.”