Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle

Newbury is not the only track staging top races today, and in fact the theoretical top event is the Grade One Fighting Fifth Hurdle at 15.05 CET at Newcastle, the best early season race for Champion Hurdle contenders. There could be a German-bred winner here as Arctic Fire (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend) and Irving (Paul Nicholls/ Nick Scholfield) are the two top-rated runners here. Irving is the interesting one, and what a double that would be if his half-brother Ivanhowe were to win the Japan Cup tomorrow morning (7.55 a.m.)! He would probably have won the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton but for falling at the last and is reunited with his regular jockey today.The 4yo filly Aurore d´Estruval (John Quinn/ James Reveley) is a danger to all off bottom weight. The 3 mile handicap chase which follows at 15.40 is another tough race; Hey Big Spender (Colin Tizzard/ Brendan Powell) and Vintage Star (Sue Smith/ Reveley) were first and second last year and should go close again, but at these weights we prefer Tutchek (Nicky Richards/ Brian Harding) whose stable is in great form.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Moyode Wood - Straidnahanna - Ballyben
2. Race: Samson Collonges - Dingo Bay - Benefit In Kind
3. Race: Chidswell - Mister Spingsprong - Native River
4. Race: Oscar Lateen - Purcell`S Bridge - Kai Broon
5. Race: Sea Lord - Aurore d`Estruval - Swaledale Lad
6. Race: Broadway Buffalo - Victors Serenade - Lie Forrit
7. Race: Micky Fingers - Kingfisher Creek - Clan Chief