Fighting Fifth now at Wetherby

the important Champion Hurdle trial, the Fighting Fifth Hurdle, is normally run at Newcastle, but after last week´s meeting there had to be abandoned, the race was saved and is now to be run this afternoon at 14.50 at Wetherby (which also has to survive an early morning inspection). Only 6 runners, but this is a high-class renewal, with the field headed by 2007 Champion Hurdle wnner Sublimity (Robbie Hennessy/ Andrew McNamara), one of 3 Irish runners, and amazingly the first runner ever for his trainer. The obvious threat is Nicky Henderson´s Punjabi (Barry Geraghty), who has already beaten him this year and is certain to start at a short price. However the likely very heavy groundf will not be in favour of the favourites, and Blue Bajan (Andrew Turnell/ Philip Hide) and Beau Michael (Adrian McGuinness/ Jason Maguire) are both capable of springing a surprise. With the Fighting Fifth now added to the card, there are 8 races at Wetherby and a very early start at 12.40 CET.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Diamond Frontier - Border Reiver - Fabalu
2.Race: Glenary - Kentucky Boy - Nothingbutthetruth
3.Race: Will Be Done - Silver By Nature - Basoda
4.Race: Andytown - Terenzium - Theatre Belle
5.Race: Punjabi - Sublimity - Blue Bajan
6.Race: Donny Briggs - Cesium - Tarrivo
7.Race: Wee Forbees - Edmo Yewkay - Polar Gunner
8.Race: Malko De Beaumont - Zitenka - Just For Men