We have the pace guide, Timeform view, Daryl Jacob insight, plus key video replays for the Unibet Champion Hurdle on day one of the Cheltenham Festival.
Timeform Analyst's Verdict
Several high-profile absentees potentially leaves the door ajar for another mare to add their name to the Champion Hurdle roll of honour. LOSSIEMOUTH looks the type to benefit from cheekpieces so is marginally preferred to Brighterdaysahead in her quest for a Cheltenham Festival 4-timer. The Elliott-trained mare has yet to win at this venue but she did beat the selection at Leopardstown and demands respect, while The New Lion's ceiling has yet to be ascertained.
Daryl Jacob Insight
It's great to see LOSSIEMOUTH in the Unibet Champion Hurdle and I think the addition of cheekpieces could be key to her claiming the crown.
Sometimes she races a little bit behind the bridle and I do think the headgear will help her go faster. Pace-wise this should be set up for her with the likes of Tutti Quanti and Workahead set to cut out the running and I can see Paul Townend sitting in third or fourth just off the pacemakers down the middle.
He will keep it simple and she should have track position ahead of chief rival The New Lion, who is likely to play a stalking role under Harry Skelton.
I think they will go for home running off the last bend and that's where it gets exciting. Turning for home I can see Lossiemouth coming wide, with Paul squeezing her into the bridle and asking her to go and win her Champion Hurdle where her proven stamina can come to the fore up the hill.
It's a long run-in with the last hurdle moved back, almost a furlong and a half away from the winning post. They'll all want the rail to run against, so position off the final bend will be vital and it should make for fascinating viewing.
Golden Ace got lucky last year but she comes into this year's renewal in even better shape and I think she'll run well, but Lossiemouth can be too strong and she's a confident selection to beat the Jeremy Scott-trained mare.
Timeform Pace Guide
Pace Forecast: Strong
Specific Pace Hint: The probable strong or stronger pace will enhance further the prospects of THE NEW LION and not BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD if they are ridden as they usually are at a trip and track where hold-up horses generally have an advantage anyway.
Individual Price Hint: THE NEW LION usually races towards the rear so given how things seem likely to pan out could well trade much higher than Betfair SP as has happened before when successful.
Key Video Form
BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD, LOSSIEMOUTH, PONIROS, ANZADAM - Leopardstown 01/02/2026
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THE NEW LION - Cheltenham 24/01/2026
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Discover Sporting Life Plus BenefitsGOLDEN ACE - Kempton 26/12/2026
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