Eile Fighting Fit For Newcastle

John Queally believes favourable ground at Newcastle will help Al Eile handle a step back in trip on Saturday.

The seven-year-old is set to line up in the two-mile WBX.COM 'Fighting Fifth' Hurdle after finishing a fine fourth on the level in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket last time.

Al Eile is a dual winner of the Aintree Hurdle, and although that race is contested over half a mile further, Queally believes the advantageous ground and track can offset any negatives concerning the trip.

'He definitely goes. He's well and we're very happy with him,' said the County Waterford handler.

'It was a very good run at Newmarket last time, but he also ran a very good race in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle earlier in the season (when he finished fourth).

'I think that run passed by quite a lot of people but it was on heavy ground, which wasn't ideal and I was really pleased with him.

'I believe the ground is good to soft there at the moment which will suit him.

'We are stepping him back to two miles but we think the ground and the track will compensate for the drop in distance.'

Queally also confirmed Al Eile will have a new partner on Saturday, adding: 'Tony Dobbin takes the ride as Timmy Murphy is suspended.'

(C) PA Sport