Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:55 | Winning time: 3m 52.70s

Black Poppy⁶⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Brendan Powell| T: Kerry Lee| OR: 130| D

50/1

Has developed into a useful 2mn handicap hurdler (good second of 18 at Cheltenham latest) but he has a lot to find at this level.

Form: 2731-12

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Constitution Hill²⁵⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 175| CD

1/12

One of the best hurdlers seen for a very long time, 7-7 in this sphere, landing the Fighting Fifth, this race, the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham and Aintree Hurdle in impressive style last season. Can't be opposed.

Form: 11/1111-

First Street²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N J Henderson| OR: 141| BF| CD

33/1

Very useful winning hurdler but held by Rubaud on C&D reappearance form. Well below his hurdle form when beaten in a match on his course chase debut since.

Form: 3308-32

Rubaud⁴⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: Harry Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 149| CD

15/2

Building up a good record over hurdles, his speed again in evidence when making all in a C&D listed and Wincanton Grade 2 this autumn. The one likely to follow Constitution Hill home.

Form: 2011-11

Sceau Royal³¹

Age: 11| Weight: 11-10| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: A King| OR: 145| CD

50/1

Very smart hurdler/chaser but he resumed with below-par fourth to Rubaud on C&D reappearance and last of 5 at Ascot since.

Form: 4326-45

Non-Runners

Nemean Lion³⁷

Weight: 11-10| Age: 6

T: Kerry Lee J: G Sheehan

Forecasts

Constitution Hill (1/12), Rubaud (15/2), First Street (33/1), Nemean Lion (33/1), Black Poppy (50/1), Sceau Royal (50/1)

This is all about the outstanding CONSTITUTION HILL, who will surely extend his unbeaten hurdle record to 8. Rubaud has listed and Grade 2 wins to his name over this C&D and is the one likely to follow him home.