2011 Fighting Fifth Hurdle Preview Part 1

The order of things at Newcastle is starting to shape up as the Fighting Fifth Hurdle now gets firmer commitments from a number of participants. There is a lot to like about this race and it's one of the better contests for hurdlers at this point in the season. Look for a number here to have more than a few expectations at festival time and any of the double digit-priced contenders hitting the board will see their ante post listings drop for later season contests.

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Binocular is the obvious headliner and he's as short as 8/11 with one bookmaker while the majority have him anywhere from 4/6 with 5/6 being the best price on offer.

He came third last year when the race was shifted over to Newbury and delayed a week. Peddlers' Cross took the score on the day but the talented Irish jumper has shifted over to fences and will be pursuing a chasing career this season. He got things off to a smashing start at Bangor-on-Dee when capturing a beginners chase on debut two weeks back.

The Paul Nicholls yard has started this season in as much form as any and there will be many expecting him to build on this past weekend's success with Kauto Star and Master Minded. He's got Celestial Halo trading as a hot second favourite in this one and he's already got a Grade 2 score under his belt at Wincanton this season. Nicholls horses generally don't need a refresher race so expect him to progress even further off that last effort.

Celestial Halo trades as a dangerous 7/2 second choice.