Murphy hoping for edge in National

The former Scottish National hero enjoyed some exercise on the beach at Redcar earlier in the week as the final touches were put to his preparations for the four-and-a-half-mile showpiece.

"Everything has gone fine at home and now we just need all the luck," Murphy said. "We can't moan about the ground or anything like that as everything is in his favour and I wouldn't interfere with Graham's (Lee) riding plans."

He added: "Graham has won the race before so I'll leave it to him. We just need the luck of the race now."

Pat Hughes reported Point Barrow "not to have turned a hair" on the journey over from Ireland ahead of the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree.

Last year's Irish Grand National hero travelled over from Hughes' County Carlow stables on Thursday and has settled in well as he tries to emulate Numbersixvalverde, who won at Fairyhouse in 2005 and Aintree 12 months ago.

"He's eaten up and never turned a hair," said Hughes, who hopes Aintree continue to water in the absence of much-needed rain. "A drop of water would be good - as well as a bit of luck."

He added: "Everything has gone well since his last race, so we are just hoping for the best.

"As for tactics in a race like this, the jockey has to play it by ear as anything can happen."

Point Barrow is second favourite at a best-priced 10-1 to give Hughes his first success in the world's greatest steeplechase.