Request Fighting Fit

Noble Request's owners David and Karola Vann believe their horse will be significantly sharper as he attempts the first leg of an enormous bonus in the wbx.com 'Fighting Fifth' Hurdle at Newcastle tomorrow.

The sponsors are offering a #1 million pot to the winner of the Fighting Fifth and the Christmas and Champion Hurdles, although the Chichester-based couple would like to take it one step at a time.

Winner of the Scottish Champion Hurdle and the Betfred Million Hurdle last spring, Noble Request was only fourth to Crow Wood on his reappearance in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton.

He will again take on the John Quinn-trained winner plus Paul Nicholls' Desert Quest, and Nicky Richards' Faasel, second and fifth respectively three weeks ago, but a better run is expected.

'We were satisfied with his run that day, but he will have come on for the race,' said David Vann.

'He is a terrible horse to put weight on ? it was only after a run that he finally sparkled last February, March and April. I believe he weighed about 507 kilos at Wincanton, and his winning weight is about 485.

'It's not an excuse for him getting beaten, but he's getting lighter and we hope he runs well.'

Although trainer Philip Hobbs also trains Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle favourite Detroit City, Vann is hoping the five-year-old, as low as 14-1 for the race, can also become a contender at Cheltenham.

'According to Mr Hobbs, he's very well and it would be lovely to win the bonus. But it is a long way between here and there and we'll see how he gets on. The main thing is that hopefully he is at his best in March.'

Last year's winner Arcalis was also declared, with Graham Wylie's six-year-old making his seasonal debut while The French Furze, third 12 months ago, will be appearing for the seventh successive time in the Gosforth Park feature.

(C) PA Sport