LEADER AIMS TO BUCK TREND

OLLY MURPHY yesterday played down expectations that top stayer Strong Leader could atone for last year's defeat by producing a winning performance in the Grade 1 Howden Long Walk Hurdle.

- JON LEES

Murphy's stable star ran abysmally 12 months ago to finish 75 lengths last behind Crambo having gone off the 11-8 favourite at Ascot, but is 7-2 second favourite with William Hill to turn the tables on Long Distance Hurdle conqueror Impose Toi this weekend.