Boodles Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)

Off time: 18:40 | Winning time: 3m 57.00s

Absurde²⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: H Cobden| T: W P Mullins| OR: 151| BF| D

40/1

Smart Flat performer who proved better than ever in this sphere when winning Sussex Champion Hurdle at Plumpton a year ago. Well below his best in 2 starts back over hurdles this spring, though was closing when making a mistake at the last in minor event at Cork 26 days ago.

Form: 41/31-02

Anzadam^h,t⁵²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Danny Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 155| D

12/1

Looked an exciting prospect when winning first 4 starts, including a pair of Grade 3s on first 2 outings for Willie Mullins in 2024/25. However, hasn't been able to kick on at the highest level this season, bad mistake at the second in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham last time.

Form: 11-2447

Glen Kiln²⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Brian Hayes| T: D H Kelly| OR: 146| C| D

100/1

Has developed into a smart performer this season, registering a first graded success in the Limestone Lad at Naas in January. However, found things tougher next time when down the field in a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse 25 days ago.

Form: 12U218

Wilful⁴⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 152| D

16/1

Runner-up in listed handicap here last year and has continued to go the right way this season, recording major handicap successes at Ascot in December (form worked out well) and in the County at Cheltenham. Up in grade but he's worth a chance at this level.

Form: 12-3121

William Munny^h⁴¹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Sean Flanagan| T: B Connell| OR: 155| CD

9/1

Smart form in bumpers and progressive over hurdles in 2024/25, opening account with an impressive success in listed novice over this C&D. In first-time hood, excellent second to Kopek des Bordes in the Supreme at Cheltenham when last seen and he's respected despite his 13-month absence.

Form: 13/2212-

Golden Ace^p1²²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: Lorcan Williams| T: J Scott| OR: 150| D

11/1

Credit to connections, landing a second Cheltenham Festival success in the 2025 Champion Hurdle, albeit fortunate. Again had things go her way when scoring in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle, before running creditably in defeat last 3 starts. Can go well with cheekpieces added.

Form: 2-21254

Lossiemouth^p⁵²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 162| CD

2/7

Winner of 14 of her 17 completed starts, including victories in the Mares Champion Hurdle and Morgiana at this course. Fitted with cheekpieces, recorded her fourth Cheltenham Festival success in the Champion Hurdle last time, scoring with plenty in hand, and she's the one to beat.

Form: 11-1121

Forecasts

Lossiemouth (2/7), William Munny (9/1), Golden Ace (11/1), Anzadam (12/1), Wilful (16/1), Absurde (40/1), Glen Kiln (100/1)

LOSSIEMOUTH quickly left behind a rare below-par effort when landing the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in good style and she can add another Grade 1 success to her remarkable CV. The main danger could be William Munny, who has a lengthy absence to overcome but had developed into a very smart novice, ahead of Golden Ace.