William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:31 | Winning time: 4m 59.15s

Constitution Hill²³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 175| BF| CD

1/1

Exceptional hurdler who missed 2024 Cheltenham Festival after a couple of setbacks but confirmed he's still very much the one to beat in this division with wins in the Christmas Hurdle and International. Lost unbeaten record when falling in the Champion Hurdle but can make amends. Won this in 2023.

Form: 11/1-11F

Tellherthename³³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Kielan Woods| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 137

80/1

Useful novice hurdler for Ben Pauling last season. Pitched in at the deep end in Fighting Fifth at Newcastle on reappearance for new yard and ran well in fourth. Shaped as though amiss in the Morebattle last month and this a very tough race to bounce back in trying a new trip.

Form: 1P10-4P

Break My Soul^t⁴⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: Keith Donoghue| T: Ian Donoghue| OR: 137

125/1

Matched pick of form for Nicky Henderson when second of 6 (first time tongue tie) in Grade 3 Red Mills Hurdle starting out for new yard in February. Isn't really crying out for this trip and this looks a tall order, regardless.

Form: 1-12422

Lossiemouth²³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 160| D

5/4

Underlined what a top-class mare she is when bagging Hatton's Grace on Fairyhouse return but Constitution Hill was too strong for her in the Christmas Hurdle. Fell heavily 4 out in Irish Champion at Leopardstown but right back on her game when thrashing the opposition in the Mares' Hurdle.

Form: 1-112F1

Take No Chances²³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 146| D

28/1

Useful mare who bagged a 2m Wetherby listed race in November. Found the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth at Newcastle too hot but quickly back to best, proving willing, when resuming winning ways in Mares' Grade 2 at Ascot in January. Fared as well as could be expected when third in Mares' Hurdle.

Form: 315313

Wodhooh²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: Danny Gilligan| T: G Elliott| OR: 152| D

17/2

Unbeaten in 7 runs over hurdles since joining this yard, making light of an 11-month absence as she came clear readily in a Cheltenham handicap in December. Found another jolt of improvement when impressive scorer of the Martin Pipe 3 weeks ago and her limit may not yet have been reached.

Form: 1111-11

Non-Runners

Salver³⁹

Weight: 11-10| Age: 5

T: G & J Moore J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Constitution Hill (1/1), Lossiemouth (5/4), Wodhooh (17/2), Take No Chances (28/1), Salver (50/1), Tellherthename (80/1), Break My Soul (125/1)

CONSTITUTION HILL lost his unbeaten record in dramatic fashion in the Champion Hurdle but reportedly none the worse for that fall, he can supplement his 2023 success in this race. Lossiemouth has 2½ lengths to find with the selection on their running in the Christmas Hurdle but a facile win in the Mares' Hurdle confirms she's arriving in top form. Wodhooh is absolutely thriving, too, and looks the other credible threat.