Williams admits improvement is needed to give Streak a Fighting chance

Evan Williams says Silver Streak must step up from his seasonal reappearance in order to be a factor in Saturday's Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, stating he "needs to put his best foot forward".

Williams acknowledges the grey wasn't at his best on his return at Kempton last month when he was second after being sent off 4-6 favourite to beat Sceau Royal, who could be in opposition again on Saturday.

"He jumped poorly and was in cuckoo land really, but he didn't look great, he looked poor in the paddock, and he looks a lot better in himself now," he said.

"He not only needs to look better but needs to put his best foot forward on Saturday. There are good horses in the race and it'll be incredibly difficult to win, but as long as we come back in one piece having put up a good show then I'll take that."

Fighting Fifth racecard and betting

Silver Streak once again takes on 2020 Champion Hurdle winner Epatante, having beaten her to land a first Grade 1 success in last season's Christmas Hurdle. The mare reversed form when third to Honeysuckle at Cheltenham, with Silver Streak back in sixth, but the rematch isn't something Williams is fixated on.

"We're never confident, we're just glad to be taking part. We genuinely feel privileged to be there, it's not about what we beat or what beat us. We're very lucky to have him, there's no doubt about that. He's a very special horse," he said.

"We have to pinch ourselves every day to be working with horses who are capable of running at all levels, but the horses who can run at the very high level are a scarce commodity. You don't come across them every day."

Silver Streak was third in the Fighting Fifth two years ago to Cornerstone Lad but was robbed of the opportunity to compete meaningfully last year when he was carried out by the riderless Not So Sleepy at the second hurdle.

The riderless Not So Sleepy takes out Silver Streak in last year's dramatic Fighting FifthCredit: Andrew R Parker

"People thought I was disappointed last year but I was delighted the horse was in one piece and the jockey who rode him was in one piece," Williams said.

"People fixate on results and we're obsessed with these horses having to do A, B and C but as long as they go back home safe and sound that's the reality."

Williams had plenty to celebrate last weekend when his daughter Izzy won the Grade 3 staying handicap hurdle at Haydock aboard Dans Le Vent, and the trainer confessed to "blowing his cover" as a professional after becoming emotional in the winner's enclosure.

With his feet back on the ground, Williams is reluctant to compare that victory with the prospect of winning Saturday's feature at Newcastle.

"It sounds stupid but last Saturday was last Saturday, that’s gone now, we need to concentrate on this weekend. Those Grade 1s are the pinnacle of the sport and to win any Grade 1 is something we treasure."

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