2024 Fighting Fifth Hurdle Tips - Mystical Power to take Sir Gino down at Newcastle

Jon Vine

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Last updated: 28 Nov 2024

Jon Vine 28 Nov 2024

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Odds and betting predictions for the 2024 Fighting Fifth Hurdle
This Grade One Hurdle takes place at Newcastle on Saturday 30th November
We're backing Mystical Power over favourite Sir Gino

Expired

Mark Walsh riding Mystical Power (green/gold) clear the last to win The TrustATrader Top Novices' Hurdle during Ladies Day at Aintree. (Getty)

Following on from the Betfair Chase last Saturday, British fans look to Newcastle for their fix of Grade One action this weekend. The Fighting Fifth Hurdle has been won by many of the sports top two-mile hurdlers down the years, with greats like Comedy Of Errors, Sea Pigeon, Harchibald and Constitution Hill.

Here's our guide to the 2024 Fighting Fifth Hurdle, including our best betting tips.

2024 Fighting Fifth Hurdle Odds

Name	Odds
Sir Gino	5/4
Mystical Power	7/4
Brentford Hope	12/1
Lump Sum	16/1
Bar	40/1

2024 Fighting Fifth Hurdle Entries

With Constitution Hill set for another spell on the sidelines, Nicky Henderson has subbed in Sir Gino. A Grade One winner over hurdles as a juvenile last term, Sir Gino was due to go novice chasing this season, but Henderson has rerouted his Aintree winner while Constitution Hill recovers from his latest set-back.

Willie Mullins will be represented by Annie Power's son, Mystical Power. Mullins' five-year-old claimed Grade One wins at Aintree and Punchestown following a runner-up finish in the Supreme at Cheltenham, and possible tilts at either the Champion Hurdle or the Stayers' Hurdle have been discussed.

Harry Derham will be represented by Brentford Hope, following his runner-up finish at Kempton first time out. Sam Thomas' Welsh Champion Hurdle winner, Lump Sum has 14 lengths to find on Mystical Power from their clash at Aintree back in the spring.

There's then a huge gap in the betting until we reach Kihavah, who reached a mark of 101 on the flat after a runner-up finish in the Ebor, and ran Rubaud close for a long way over hurdles at Kempton. Dan and Harry Skelton could team up with Take No Chances, who showed her pace when winning a Listed race over two miles at Wetherby.

Colonel Mustard is turned out quickly, having finished third in the Ascot Hurdle last weekend. Jonjo and AJ O'Neill's recruit Tellherthename, and Sandy Thomson's former Morebattle Hurdle winner, Benson complete the line-up.

2024 Fighting Fifth Hurdle Tips

The top two in the betting look to be a long way clear of the competition. If both run to form, then an RPR in the mid-150s will be needed just to mount a challenge, and I don't think any of the other runners are capable of running to such a lofty mark.

Sir Gino clearly has stacks of ability, but the four-to-five season is notoriously tricky. Plenty of top-quality juveniles have struggled in their first season out of novice company. Also, Sir Gino was due to go chasing before Constitution Hill's latest setback, so much of his schooling in the early weeks of the season will have been over fences. This race is very much a second thought.

MYSTICAL POWER (7/4) will be having his first start in the colours of the Ricci's after they, and John Magnier, purchased shares in this gelding from JP McManus. Willie Mullins' star was only beaten once last term, bouncing back from that runner-up finish in the Supreme with Grade One victories at Aintree and Punchestown.

Mullins withdrew all of his runners at Thurles on Thursday due to the ground being too quick. Despite the groundstaffs efforts, watering continuously through the week, the going at Newcastle on Saturday will be good, and there is a chance Willie could have second thoughts.

That being said, Mystical Power won a bumper and his maiden hurdle during the summer of 2023 and Mullins didn't mention the ground in any of his stable tours. Despite the change in silks, JP McManus' jockey Mark Walsh travels over to Newcastle to take the ride and he knows Mystical Power well, having ridden him on all of his hurdles starts last season.

Mystical Power is older, more street-wise, a better jumper and he's been trained with this race in mind. If Sir Gino can overcome those factors, he's a genuine Champion Hurdle contender.

Live Stream

Visit our Fighting Fifth Hurdle Live Stream page if you plan on watching this Grade One via a mobile or tablet.

Verdict

2024 Fighting Fifth Hurdle

I was toying with backing Kihavah at an each-way price, but quite frankly, Saturday's Fighting Fifth Hurdle revolves around the two big guns and I fancy Mystical Power could get the better of Sir Gino.

Mystical Power

2024 Fighting Fifth Hurdle Tips

@7/4 - 15 Units

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