FERDY MURPHY launches a three-pronged assault on this evening's Johns Smiths Durham National at Sedgefield via Be Upstanding, Fashions Monty, and Looking Forward (7.25).

In view of the fact that Murphy has such superb record in long-distance chases, not one of the trio can be sensibly dismissed with any sort of confidence for the three-and-a-half-mile marathon.

Nevertheless Ferdy's vast legion of National Hunt fans, of whom I count myself a fully paid up member, must make a choice and the one which appeals most is Looking Forward.

A dyed-in-the-wool Sedgefield specialist, Looking Forward has won a total of three races at the course, including last time out when, despite meeting with significant traffic problems, he managed to claw his way back into contention and nail long-time leader Dream On Willie just a few strides from the finish.

Having never won beyond 21 furlongs, the big stumbling block as far as getting financially involved with the selection revolves around the gamble as to whether his stamina with hold out for the duration of the marathon trip.

One can never be certain about such conundrums, however no doubt Looking Forward's training regime will have been geared to help him acquire the extra reserves needed to stay this new and longer distance.

The other feature event on the card is the £10,000 John Wade Skip Hire Selling Hurdle Final.

Not many selling races boast such decent prize-money and in a typically shrewd piece of forward planning Nicky Richards took it upon himself to save Al Mabrook (6.55) specifically for the valuable affair.

Al Mabrook reeled off a quick-fire hat-trick back in early February, but speaking in the winners' enclosure on the third of those victories nearly two months ago connections hinted they might wait for tonight's rich pickings.

As far as entertainment away from the betting ring goes, there'll be a Children's Funfair on site, plus a disco in the Pavilion Grandstand for those adults wishing to stay after the racing is over.

Earlier on in the day a topical tip, Grey Clouds (3.40), looks the logical answer to the DCM Apex Fillies Stakes at Nottingham, provided the track passes a 7am inspection following heavy rain during the past 48 hours.

Tim Easterby's four-year-old made a pleasing reappearance when finishing fourth at Beverley. And it was a performance made all the more meritorious by the fact that Grey Clouds was quite badly hampered not long after leaving the stalls, interference which effectively cost her any chance of winning.

In bodily terms Grey Clouds is quite a substantially made individual, so I've no doubt that she'll have shed a few pounds as a result of her comeback outing. If that does prove to be the case, the selection will now strip far fitter and should therefore be able too launch a serious challenge in her bid to claim the £8,000 contest.

Finally to Musselburgh where it could be worth siding with Badr (4.50) in the Royal Bank of Scotland Maiden Stakes.

Badr was pretty high up in the pecking order amongst Mark Johnston's two-year-olds last year and even though he didn't manage to win there is still time to forge a successful future.

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