Murphy: Comply Or Die is right horse for Aintree

Mar 25 2008 by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post

TIMMY MURPHY believes he has the right horse in Comply Or Die to help him win a first John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree a week on Saturday.

Murphy had to settle for second best in yesterday’s Powers Whiskey-sponsored Irish equivalent at Fairyhouse as partnered 6-1 favourite Royal County Star to finish a 12-length runner-up to 33-1 outsider Hear The Echo.

But Murphy is already looking ahead to the Aintree showpiece and insists he wouldn’t want to ride an other horse than Comply Or Die.

David Pipe’s nine-year-old was second to current National favourite Cloudy Lane in the Tommy Whittle Chase at Haydock over Christmas. He then defied top weight to score an impressive win in the 4m1f Eider Chase at Newcastle last month.

The David Johnson-owned gelding showed his ability for stamina tests that day and he is now a best-priced 12-1 chance with most firms to add to that success in the Aintree marathon.

Murphy said: “He did it well to say he had top weight over four miles at Newcastle. He jumped and he stayed, but Aintree is a completely different kettle of fish.

“It is all about who handles the fences on the day, but touch wood going into it he is as good a ride as you could hope for. I think you need a horse that is clever and a horse that travels (to win the National). I’ve found that if you don’t travel early on you don’t get into the race, you need something that can pop out smart and sit handy and be happy wherever.

“After that you need something that can get you out of trouble because you won’t be able to present him correctly at every fence.”

Meanwhile Arkle Trophy runner-up Kruguyrova is being lined up to try and go one better at Aintree next week.

Tidal Bay was too good for Charlie Egerton’s mare at Cheltenham, but she did finish ahead of the well-regarded Noland in the two-mile novice championship contest.

Kruguyrova will now aim for success in the John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase on Grand National day, April 5.

Newbury handler Egerton said: “She’s fine and will probably go to Liverpool. She’s in good form and the plan is to go there.”

TODAY’S NAP: Flying Clarets (4.20pm Pontefract).