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Saturday updates: Sir Gino out to 6-4 in major Fighting Fifth drift, big mover in Coral Gold Cup market

Sir Gino: Grade 1 winner at Aintree
Sir Gino: on the drift at NewcastleCredit: Alan Crowhurst / Getty Images

Sir Gino is a notable drifter, out to 6-4, for his return in the BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle (2.10) with Mystical Power odds-on in places for the showdown at Newcastle.

The Nicky Henderson-trained runner was as short as 5-6 on Saturday morning but has been friendless in the market and is as big as 6-4 with the sponsors to win the second Grade 1 of the season.

Mystical Power, looking to give Willie Mullins a first winner in the race, was 5-4 overnight but is Evens generally with Betfair Sportsbook going 10-11 about the Aintree and Punchestown-winning novice.

Lump Sum, the Sam Thomas-trained third favourite, has also shortened up to 9-1.

Paddy Power spokesman Paul Binfield said: ā€œSir Gino was very strong this morning and was as big as 16-1 chance before Constitution Hillā€™s gallop, Ā but he has drifted since. Mystical Power also has plenty of supporters and he is actually officially rated a couple of pounds higher.



Broadway Boy into 4-1 for Coral Gold Cup

The Coral Gold Cup (3.00) is one of the biggest betting races of the season and punters are backing favourite Broadway Boy to deliver the Ā£250,000 prize for Nigel Twiston-Davies.

The second-season chaser won three times last term, including in a competitive Cheltenham handicap off just 2lb lower, and caught the eye when a promising third on comeback in October.

He was as big as 6-1 overnight but has been supported across the board and is no bigger than 11-2 with William Hill and Betfred

There has been interest in Kandoo Kid, who is 7-1 from 8, after trainer Paul Nicholls trained a double at Newbury on Friday.

Meanwhile, Iron Bridge has been withdrawn from the race due to the ground. He was around a 14-1 chance for Jonjo O'Neill.

Updated at 11am


'No excuses' at Newbury with fresh ground provided

The Coral Gold Cup, Britain's richest handicap chase after the Grand National, will be run on good to soft ground at NewburyĀ on Saturday.

It remained dry at the Berkshire venue overnight and conditions have not changed since racing on Friday. It was fractionally slower on the hurdles track, with the ground good to soft, soft in places.

It will stay dry and cloudy through the afternoon with highs of 13C.

Clerk of the course George Hill said: "We're still good to soft on the chase course but we've flipped it on the hurdles track to good to soft, soft in places.Ā 

"We had a very good day on Friday and everyone was pleased with conditions. The groundstaff did a great job. We've moved the rail in on every bend and put the hurdles in the centre to provide fresh ground so there should be no excuses. It'll be a busy day and we're expecting a good crowd."

Mystical Power: takes on Sir Gino at Newcastle
Mystical Power: takes on Sir Gino at NewcastleCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

The ground at Newcastle is good for its Fighting Fifth card, featuring a high-profile clash between Sir Gino and Mystical Power.

Course officials added 6mm of watering to the track on Friday and it is forecast to remain dry through racing.

Clerk of the course Jane Hedley said on Friday: "It's been dry for the last two days and we're not expecting any significant rain before racing. Therefore we've continued with watering. We put six millimetres all the way around on Friday afternoon.

"It's just good ground, it won't be slow and we've been straight with trainers about that. Anyone that's fine on good ground will be happy. Saturday will be a nice day with bright spells. It's going to be a big day for the team and we're looking forward to it."

Updated at 11am


Non runners

NewburyĀ 

1.54
2 Dargiannini (pricked foot)

3.00
14 Iron Bridge (going)

3.35
7 Real Stone (going)

Newcastle

11.53
4 Viyanni (going)

2.10
2 Brentford Hope (going)
3 Colonel Mustard (not eaten up)

2.45
5 Jus de Citron (going)

Updated at 11am


Read Saturday previews

1.54 Newbury: 'She will be happy with everything' - does Nicky Henderson hold the key to this valuable handicap hurdle?Ā 

1.55 Fairyhouse: 'She should go very close' - plenty of confidence behind favourite in Grade 3 WillowWarm HurdleĀ 

2.10 Newcastle: Sir Gino v Mystical Power - analysis and trainer comments for Fighting Fifth showdownĀ 

2.25 Newbury: 'He's an exciting prospect' - Gary Moore double-handed as stable seeks back-to-back Gerry Feilden victoriesĀ 

3.00 Newbury: 'This race has been his target all season' - Broadway Boy set for bold bid in a Coral Gold Cup to savourĀ 

3.20 Newcastle: 'His work has been very good - we've got no excuses' - who is confident for the Rehearsal at Newcastle?Ā 


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West Country correspondent

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