Carlisle beckons for Big Fella

Big Fella Thanks is on course to have his first run since joining North Yorkshire trainer Ferdy Murphy at Carlisle next Monday.

Last season’s Grand National fourth has been with the West Witton handler since leaving the Paul Nicholls stable in the summer.

Following Big Fella Thanks’ Aintree exploits in the spring, Murphy wants the eight-year-old to get back in the routine of jumping normal fences before his first big target, the Hennessy Gold Cup.

“He runs in a three-mile graduation chase at Carlisle. He’s in great form and we’re happy with him,” said Murphy.

“I don’t want to go for the Hennessy without giving him a run over the regulation fences after his run in the Grand National at Aintree.”

Big Fella Thanks is generally available at 20-1 for the Hennessy at Newbury on November 27.