FRESH from a minor operation for a breathing problem, Intersky Falcon (3.00) gets the nod for the Pertemps "Fighting Fifth" Hurdle at Newcastle.

Intersky Falcon is no stranger to success in the Grade One contest, having already picked up the prestigious prize in 2002. But the Jonjo O'Neill-trained did not fare anything like so well 12 months ago, when despite being installed as the red-hot 1-2 favourite, he could only manage third spot behind shock 25-1 scorer, The French Furze.

It was an uncharacteristically poor effort, however the classy seven-year-old bounced back in emphatic fashion next time out by slamming Rooster Booster in Kempton's always competitive Christmas Hurdle.

Even though Intersky Falcon progressed afterwards to finish third in this year's champion hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, it has still been thought wise by connections to try to improve the passage of air to his lungs by virtue of some routine throat surgery.

Such procedures often result in improved performance levels, which in the case of the selection could easily make the difference between victory and defeat for the £75,000 two-mile Tyneside feature.

In addition there'll be one other major change to Intersky Falcon's 2004/2005 campaign because his regular rider, Liam Cooper, has sadly been forced to quit the saddle due to injury.

The search for a suitable replacement was solved with the appointment of the ultra-reliable Richard McGrath, who is reportedly "very much looking forward to the new partnership".

Former Magpies' midfielder and part-owner Terry McDermott is also enthusiastic about what promises to be a terrific showdown.

"It's a better race than the Hennessy and only Teme Valley can be ruled out.

"We left the jockey arrangements to the trainer, but Richard used to ride a lot for him and he was down at Jonjo's riding work for him recently," revealed McDermott.

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