Epatante and Constitution Hill remain in Fighting Fifth contention

Constitution Hill has been kept in contention for Saturday's Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle (2.10), although trainer Nicky Henderson is also responsible for two-time winner Epatante.

The brilliant winner of last season's Supreme Novices' Hurdle missed his intended return at Ascot on Saturday due to quick ground but could be switched to the Grade 1 this weekend, although Henderson also mentioned the International Hurdle at Cheltenham on December 10 as an option for Michael Buckley's exciting five-year-old.

Epatante was a dominant winner of the 2020 Fighting Fifth and dead-heated last year with Not So Sleepy, who is also among the six runners kept in at Monday's confirmation stage. Pied Piper, Tommy's Oscar and Voix Du Reve are the others who could be involved.

Fanion D'Estruval now heads the weights for the £250,000 Coral Gold Cup (3.05) after Betfair Chase winner Protektorat and Royale Pagaille were not among 19 confirmations for Newbury's feature race on Saturday.

Remastered was one of 19 runners kept in the running for the Coral Gold CupCredit: John Grossick

Ante-post favourites Corach Rambler and Remastered remain in contention, as does last year's runner-up Fidderlontheroof, one of three possibles for Joe Tizzard alongside Lostintranslation and Oscar Elite.

Chantry House, Threeunderthrufive, Our Power and Le Milos also feature among the possible field, while the Joseph O'Brien-trained Busselton is the sole entry remaining from Ireland.

Venetia Williams indicated on Sunday that the Betfair Exchange Rehearsal Handicap Chase (3.25) was a strong option for L'Homme Presse after he was another high-profile non-runner from Saturday's card at Ascot.

Last season's Brown Advisory Novices' Chase winner was indeed among the 15 entries for the Rehearsal, with Aye Right, Chantry House and The Galloping Bear among the possible opposition at Newcastle.

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