Ferdy Murphy is lining up a strong challenge for Wetherby's two-day meeting which begins on St Stephen's Day. The Leyburn handler is set to be represented by Leading Man in the Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase on the first day, while Show Me The River and Carlys Quest are also set to feature.
A winner over course and distance last year, Leading Man has not troubled the judge since that victory, although he ran with renewed promise when seventh behind Neptune Collonges at Newcastle on his last start.
Murphy said: "Leading Man has improved plenty for his last run and he is in really good order at the moment.
"We were pleased with him at Newcastle - when Keith (Mercer) realised he wasn't going to be in the first four, he wasn't hard on him. It looks like he's back to himself and I have been happy with him at home - in fact he's absolutely bouncing.
"He loves testing ground and the trip is no problem, as he stays all day and wants a big, galloping track like Wetherby."
Carlys Quest, a Grade One winner in 2005, will head for the £10,000 skybet.com Handicap Hurdle, also on St Stephen's Day.
"When Carlys Quest won the Grade One Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown in April of 2005 he got absolutely slaughtered for it," explained Murphy.
"However, the handicapper is starting to relent now, which is a big help, and he's another who enjoys testing ground - he keeps going when others have cried enough."
