Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:55 | Winning time: 3m 45.60s

Burdett Road^t³⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 11-10| J: Harry Cobden| T: James Owen| OR: 142| D

16/1

A listed winner on the Flat this autumn and a hurdle mark of 133 proved lenient when seeing off 14 rivals in the Greatwood at Cheltenham last month. Smart but he'll need to take a sizeable step forward to trouble the big 2 here.

Form: 112-1

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Constitution Hill³⁶⁶

5/6

Outstanding unbeaten hurdler, including easy defeat of State Man in 2023 Champion Hurdle. Looked set for another dominant campaign when winning this last year but a setback forced him out of the Champion in the spring and he also missed his intended return at Newcastle due to lameness. Had wind op.

Form: 11111/1-

Lump Sum²⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Dylan Johnston| T: S Thomas| OR: 144| CD

33/1

Won a Grade 2 novice over C&D last season and improved again to make a winning reappearance in the Welsh Champion Hurdle (handicap) at Ffos Las in October. Best of the rest behind Sir Gino in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle since.

Form: 1215-12

Lossiemouth²⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 160| D

11/8

Unlucky when suffering her only defeat and easily won mares' Grade 1s at Cheltenham and Punchestown in spring. Underlined what a top-class mare she is when proving 3¾ lengths too strong for Teahupoo in the Hatton's Grace on 2½m Fairyhouse return. Drop back to 2m no issue for this strong traveller.

Form: 11/111-1

Forecasts

Constitution Hill (5/6), Lossiemouth (11/8), Burdett Road (16/1), Lump Sum (33/1)

LOSSIEMOUTH has less to prove than the returning Constitution Hill, who has met with various setbacks since making it 8-8 over hurdles in this race 12 months ago and comes up against a rival who looks good enough to take advantage were he understandably not at his very best after a year off.