It’s Fighting Fifth Day at Newcastle on Saturday as the Gosforth Park circuit hosts its big Grade 1 over hurdles.
Nicky Henderson will be eager to extend his record-breaking tally as Epatante defends her crown, but Paul Nicholls has an unbeaten up-and-comer bidding to floor the mare.
They have seven races from 11.45am-3.15pm at Newcastle, and you can watch all the action via live streaming when logged into MansionBet, alongside every race from the UK and Ireland. Our tipster has a race-by-race look ahead to Saturday’s Newcastle card.
11.45 – Paul Ferguson’s Jumpers To Follow Introductory Juvenile Hurdle (2m)
Alan King won this contest a year ago and might do so again now. The Barbury Castle handler saw TWILIGHT TWIST make a winning start switched to hurdles at Huntingdon last month, merely pushed out by Tom Bellamy to see off their main market rival as they drew miles clear of the rest. The runner-up chased home smart prospect Knight Salute since in a Grade 2 Triumph Hurdle Trial at Cheltenham. Dan Skelton’s Too Friendly is the other previous hurdles winner having obliged at Stratford in October. This looks tougher.
Selection: Twilight Twist
12.20 – Eileen Peacock Memorial Handicap Chase (2m4f)
Luckofthedraw had a penalty to carry at Huntingdon last Saturday but his rivals rather allowed him to have the run of the race and he won by 20 lengths from the front. These may not be as obliging and he’s 9lb higher to boot. Hereford winner Scene Not Heard should hold claims but NIVEN is fit and well after two spins on the Flat and Phil Kirby’s charge is potentially well-handicapped on this return to jumping.
Selection: Niven
12.55 – Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk ‘The French Furze’ Novices’ Hurdle (2m6f)
Paul Nicholls will be confident that MR GLASS can follow up his Chepstow maiden last month. The dual bumper winner was odds-on there having undergone a summer wind operation and he did the job readily. It’s not the strongest bit of form but he is only likely to improve for it and has the scope to take this novices’ event.
Selection: Mr Glass
1.30 – Betfair Daily Rewards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (2m7½f)
Tupelo Mississippi was turned over at a short price on chasing bow in a match at Carlisle last month but isn’t dismissed in haste now given he has a fine record around Newcastle. VALLERES meanwhile ran on strongly to be third at Newbury (2m4f, good) and he should be well suited going up in distance now. Alan King’s charge may be the one to beat here.
Selection: Valleres @ 11/10
2.05 – Betfair Exchange Rehearsal Handicap Chase (Listed, 2m7½f)
Despite winning over three miles at Chepstow on his chasing bow late in 2018, GLEN FORSA raced exclusively over shorter trips thereafter for Mick Channon. He tackled 3m at Ascot last month having joined Charlie Longsdon and ran well for a long way before finishing a 10-length fourth. He ought to be sharper for that comeback run and this galloping track is also a positive. He could have more to give at the distance and is on a decent handicap mark in that scenario.
Selection: Glen Forsa @ 15/2
2.40 – Living North EBF ‘National Hunt’ Maiden Hurdle (2m)
Sandy Thomson sent DONNA’S DOUBLE out to win a bumper here in March on debut, coming from off a slow pace to gamely get up and win. It’s not the strongest form by any stretch but, neither is this the strongest maiden hurdle. Ryan Mania’s mount could be good enough to remain unbeaten moving into this code.
Selection: Donna’s Double
3.15 – Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m)
Saving the best for last at Newcastle with this Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle bringing up the rear. Not So Sleepy refused the first hurdle 12 months ago and sent his rider to the floor, carrying out Silver Streak as he did. They’ll be hoping for less drama. That of course made the task easier for EPATANTE and she held off Sceau Royal to win with Voix Du Reve fourth. Ribble Valley is the only protagonist missing 12 months on and is replaced by Monmiral. The French import is unbeaten, winning 4-4 since joining Paul Nicholls and the form of his Aintree Grade 1 novice has worked out well. That said, he is a 4YO moving into open company and giving 7lb to the former Champion Hurdle-winning mare could be asking a lot. It’s a mild surprise she’s not odds-on with this being less demanding than the Grade 1s she ran in after winning here a year ago.
Selection: Epatante @ 5/4
*All odds correct at time of writing
