Monmiral Odds Shorten To Deny Epatante In Fighting Fifth

Monmiral is being backed to give Epatante a run for her money in Saturday’s Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle after both were confirmed in a final field of six on Thursday.

Last year’s winner Epatante, who claims a 7lb mares’ allowance, is the 11/10 favourite to give Nicky Henderson a fourth win in the race in five years, with Elite Hurdle winner Sceau Royal also attracting support as the 10/3 third favourite from 4/1.

But Paul Nicholls’ Monmiral is closing the gap to the market leader after…

We cut him into 5/2 from 11/4 after declarations as he bids to get straight back to winning ways after going four from four in his juvenile campaign last season.

Scottish Grand National fourth The Ferry Master meanwhile leads the betting for the Handicap Chase at the Gosforth Park track ahead of Aye Right (11/2) and the Dan Skelton-trained Spiritofthegames (6/1).

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*Prices correct at time of publication