Falcon Flying Ahead Of Newcastle Test

Connections of Intersky Falcon insist the eight-year-old has a 'major chance' of victory in the Pertemps `Fighting Fifth´ Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday.

The Polar Falcon gelding is set to take his chance in the two-mile contest after delighting Jonjo O´Neill with a staying-on second at Wincanton on his first outing for seven months.

Intersky Falcon, who finished third behind Hardy Eustace in last year´s Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, tasted victory in the `Fighting Fifth´ in 2002 when he had six lengths to spare from The French Furze, who won the race in 2003 and is also entered in this year´s renewal.

Terry McDermott, spokesman for joint-owners interskyracing.com, reported the dual Christmas Hurdle winner to be on top of his game and hopes the horse can finally get the recognition he deserves.

'He´s in great order and I spoke to Jonjo on Friday who is delighted with him,' said McDermott, who is also first-team coach for Newcastle United.

'Intersky Falcon has simply been a remarkable horse for us and never seems to get any credit, even though he´s won some massive races.

'He´s had a wind operation and now Jonjo is back in flying form, we would have to have a major chance.

'I don´t know who´s going to ride him though because AP (McCoy) looks like he´s at Newbury.'

The race has attracted a field of 19 runners at the five-day declaration stage.

(C) PA Sport