NEWCASTLE, not to be left out on the winter theme, hosted their showcase jump race of the season in the most wintery conditions of all three venues as Epatante and Not So Sleepy dead-heated in the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle.

Nicky Henderson has been staunch in his defence of Epatante (154) in recent weeks and his former Champion Hurdle winner repaid his faith with a display of slick hurdling and determination despite having to settle for a share of the spoils with Not So Sleepy (154).

The comparison races on the card were a combination of slowly run affairs and low-grade contests so, as expected, the overall time difference was far superior, although a bit below the best time-figures previously achieved by all of the first four home as the early pace was slow.

Johnny Burke was responsible for the lift in pace at the entry to the back straight as he sent Not So Sleepy to the front which led to the Fighting Fifth field covering the final circuit around 20 lengths faster the novice hurdler Mr Glass (117+) and 30 lengths faster than Since Day One (110).

The closing sectionals portray Paul Nicholls’ novice does not lack for speed as he was 1.3 seconds faster than Epatante (78.7) in clocking 77.5 seconds from the final hurdle in the back straight after getting an easy lead in a very slow time.

The juvenile Too Friendly (108) (78.0) was also swift through the closing stages although his overall time was even slower when adjusted for distance.

Eyecatchers

Earth Company (121+), Thursday 25th November, Taunton – turned around Wincanton form with Gala De Corton in good style in a good time.

Carrarea (119), Saturday 27th November, Fairyhouse – could not overcome a few errors late in the race to finish strongly and looks sure to go one better when his hurdling improves.

Street Kid (87), Saturday 27trh November, Wolverhampton – clocked an impressive time again and clearly enjoys the seven-furlong trip at Dunstall Park.