Star hurdler Buveur D’Air headlines seven five-day confirmations for the 50th running of the £110,000 G1 Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle (2.05pm) at Newcastle this Saturday, November 30.
Buveur D’Air is aiming for a third successive victory in the two-mile highlight, a feat that would emulate the great Comedy Of Errors who landed three consecutive renewals between 1972 and 1974. Birds Nest is the only other three-time winner, scoring in 1976, 1977 and 1979.
Nicky Henderson’s charge fell when going for an historic third win in the G1 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, but ended the campaign on a high with success in the G1 Champion Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival.
The eight-year-old is the 2/7 favourite with Betfair and, if successful, would provide Henderson with an unprecedented sixth Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle.
Betfair’s 7/2 second favourite Silver Streak (Evan Williams) has race fitness on his side after making a successful reappearance in a two-mile Listed hurdle at Kempton Park on October 20.
The six-year-old developed into a high-class performer last season, finishing second in G2 contests at Cheltenham and Haydock Park before a creditable third in the G1 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Williams said: “Silver Streak is grand. He really enjoyed himself at Kempton and came out of the race fine.
“It was a lovely race to start him off in and, given how tough some of his assignments were last season, it was very nice to go and get his head in front.
“This weekend is going to be another tough assignment. I think anyone who thinks Buveur D’Air is not the horse he was needs their head checked.
“With Silver Streak, I never thought we had a horse who would be competing in G1 hurdles and there is no point pretending that I did.
“We are very grateful to be taking part in a race like this against a horse like Buveur D’Air, who for me has never had the recognition he deserves. He is a dual Champion Hurdle winner and it is a joy to be competing against a horse like him.”
The seven remaining entries also include talented mare Lady Buttons (Phil Kirby), who made a successful return this term in a Listed mares’ hurdle at Wetherby on November 2.
Nelson River (Tony Carroll), who finished fourth in the G1 JCB Triumph Hurdle last season, is one of two four-year-olds in the race alongside French import Zambella (Nigel Twiston-Davies).
Eye-catching Wetherby handicap hurdle victor Cornerstone Lad (Micky Hammond) and Cool Mix (Iain Jardine) also remain engaged.
Betfair spokesman, Barry Orr, said: “Buveur D’Air is gunning for a hat-trick of wins in the race and, with genuine Champion Hurdle class opposition thin on the ground, 2/7 looks about right.
“Buveur D’Air is currently the 4/1 favourite to win back his Champion Hurdle crown in March and a convincing victory on Saturday should see him cement his position at the head of that market.”
Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle -Sponsors’ prices: 2/7 Buveur D’Air 7/2 Silver Streak 9/1 Lady Buttons 25/1 Cornerstone Lad 33/1 Nelson River 40/1 Zambella 100/1 Cool Mix