Noel Meade's Go Native has fighting chance

The WBX.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle produced the subsequent winner of the Champion Hurdle last year when Punjabi headed Sublimity.

Nicky Henderson is out to repeat the trick, saddling Binocular, who holds outstanding claims on his narrow Champion Hurdle third.

But if anything is going to upset the form book, then it could be Cheltenham Supreme Novices' hurdle winner Go Native, who looks a massive price at 20-1 with William Hill.

Noel Meade has a great record in the race and is looking for his third win in six years, following victories by Harchibald in 2004 and 2007.

Go Native's last run is best ignored. He was never competitive when beaten comprehensively by Voler La Vadette at Down Royal three weeks ago in unsuitably soft going.

Meade said: "I probably overcooked him. I hope if the ground is good, he can give a decent account of himself. It's a hot race, but he's in tremendous form."