Trainer Harry Derham is set to saddle Viyanni at Newbury on Saturday

FOLLOWING last weekend’s Betfair Chase kicking off the Grade One action on these shores, Newcastle hosts the first Grade One hurdle event of the season as the Fighting Fifth (2.00pm) takes centre stage at Gosforth Park.

It’s a fascinating clash, with new kid on the block The New Lion facing off against Willie Mullins’ Anzadam and Constitution Hill, who has it all to prove.

Courtesy of a recent Newbury gallop, it’s evident the 2023 Champion Hurdle winner still has the engine but after falling in two of his last three races, whether he stands up is an entirely different question.

I’d be in the believer camp, but at 6/4 I can leave him alone and it’s a race to watch and savour, rather than bet on.

There are better punti

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