Unibet Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1)

Off time: 14:30 | Winning time: 4m 3.50s

Buveur D'Air²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: B J Geraghty| T: N J Henderson| OR: 169| D

2/11

Reigning champion hurdler, absolutely dotted up on his return in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle and looks the one to give the champion trainer a fifth win in this since 2010 and record-extending seventh overall.

Form: 11111-1

Chesterfield³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: N D Fehily| T: J W Mullins| OR: 146| D

33/1

Prolific handicap hurdler with record of 5-11 over timber but has routinely struggled in better class contests. Outpaced in the Greatwood on reappearance last month and facing stiffer challenge now.

Form: 0211-00

Mohaayed^t¹⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 135| D

20/1

Fair handicapper with two wins from eight starts to date, will need to improve to the tune of around two-stone if hoping to inconvenience the principles in this.

Form: 173-102

The New One¹⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 11-7| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 163| CD

5/1

As tough as old boots and put up a gallant effort conceding weight to My Tent Or Yours at Cheltenham latest. Has finished second in this contest three times and no surprises should he do so again.

Form: 534-142

Non-Runners

Old Guard¹⁰

Weight: 11-7| Age: 6

T: P F Nicholls J: Bryony Frost

Forecasts

Buveur D'Air (2/11), The New One (5/1), Old Guard (12/1), Mohaayed (20/1), Chesterfield (33/1)

Granted a clean passage around, it is very hard to see how Champion Hurdler BUVEUR D'AIR won't be winning this. Nicky Henderson's charge was most impressive in his reappearance, taking the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth at Newcastle without breaking sweat. He is the class act here and should give his trainer a record-extending seventh career win in the race. The New One went down all guns blazing in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham this month and should be next best. He may well settle for second in this festive event for the fourth time. The reliable but limited Old Guard can fend off Chesterfield and Mohaayed, who have stacks to find to be competitive here.