Overturn to copy Peddlers Cross in beating Binocular in Fighting Fifth
Published:Donald McCain watched Peddlers Cross upset odds-on favourite Binocular in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle 12 months ago and history could be repeated at Newcastle this year with Overturn.
Overturn has done little wrong so far this season, winning both of his starts and landing a Grade Two contest last time out at Ascot.
Some may question this victory as Oscar Whiskey was lurking on his shoulder before falling at the final hurdle, but he was eased down late on and still smashed the course record, so this victory should not be underestimated.
Binocular was sent off at 5/6 last year before only finishing third and is 8/11 this year to kick off his season with a victory.
However, with doubts about Binocular, trainer McCain believes that Overturn could be worth siding with at 3/1 to land the spoils and showcase his Champion Hurdle credentials ahead of the Cheltenham Festival in March.
He said: “Binocular is a bit of a flawed champion. He’s very good on his day but you can’t be scared to take him on because of the way he is.
“We’re under no illusions that at his very best we’re not as good as him, but our horse is a grand little horse, he’s going to have a holiday afterwards anyway, so we’ll see how we get on.”
The Fighting Fifth Hurdle certainly seems a three-horse race on paper, with Kosta Brava and Stormy Weather only seriously running for the minor money and their horse racing odds of 100/1 apiece are a fair reflection of their chances.
Celestial Halo is the final runner and is also not without a chance at 3/1, given the inconsistent nature of the favourite and the fact that early rain at Newcastle will not suit Overturn, who would ideally prefer firmer ground.
