Jazz goes down fighting

Jazz Messenger has been ruled out of the WBX.COM “Fighting Fifth” Hurdle on Saturday.

Noel Meade’s Maplewood Developments Hurdle winner will play no part in the Group One at Newcastle after sustaining a cut leg on his last outing.

The seven-year-old was second favourite behind Katchit in the betting for the two-mile contest.

Meade said: “I’m just not 100% happy it’s healed so I don’t want to take a chance and he’ll be running nowhere at the weekend.”

Last year’s renewal of the “Fighting Fifth” was won by Straw Bear, a leading contender for the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival.

However, trainer Nick Gifford revealed his talented performer is far from certain to be sent over fences this term.

The JP McManus-owned six-year-old, who enjoyed a spin after racing at Lingfield on Wednesday, was also due to run in the “Fighting Fifth” but his handler told the Racing Post: “He just wasn’t ready in time for Newcastle.

“For a Grade One hurdle you have to be absolutely spot-on – so the plan is to go for the Boylesports.

“If he performs well in the Boylesports and he’s there or thereabouts, I think we’ll probably stay hurdling. If he doesn’t, we may well go novice chasing with him.”