Clopf holds 'fighting' chance

Clopf will join compatriots Jazz Messenger and Harchibald in the line-up for the wbx.com “Fighting Fifth” Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday.

Edward O'Grady’s Irish raider was considered a live Champion Hurdle contender in some quarters but could only finish fourth of seven in the Maplewood Developments Hurdle at Punchestown this month.

The Grade One-winning gelding will now be given a chance to rebuild his slightly tarnished reputation at Gosforth Park.

“He travelled well up to the second-last at Punchestown, when he blew up,” O'Grady told the Racing Post. “He’ll take his chance. I’d have preferred another week but we don’t have another week.”