Strongest Contender: CONSTITUTION HILL (TFR 188)

One fall doesn’t define a champion. Constitution Hill lost his unbeaten streak in the Champion Hurdle when departing at the fifth, but all the vibes from Seven Barrows suggest he’s absolutely fine — and this 2m4f trip around Aintree is his playground. He bolted up in this race in 2023 and beat Lossiemouth readily in December. The pace setup doesn’t hinder him, and he’s tactically versatile.

> Timeform Note:
“One of the best hurdlers of all time at his peak. Most accurate jumper. Travels strongly close up.”



No question — if he’s anywhere near his best, he wins.


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Main Dangers:

1. LOSSIEMOUTH (TFR 176)
Mullins’ mare has been superb this term, bouncing back from a tumble at Leopardstown to thrash a classy field in the David Nicholson. She’s unbeaten at 2½m, has electric gears, and her 7½-length win at Cheltenham oozed class.

> Timeform Note:
“Travels strongly, fine turn of foot. Arrives in top form.”



She still has 2½ lengths to find with Constitution Hill from the Christmas Hurdle, but this longer trip brings her closer — and she’s arguably in peak form now.

2. WODHOOH (TFR 167)
Unbeaten in 7 starts over hurdles. She was ultra-impressive winning the Martin Pipe and looked every inch a future Grade 1 mare. The ratings gap is significant, but the upward curve is sharp, and she’s a strong traveller who stays well.

> Timeform Note:
“Quickened to lead before last, soon in command. Absolutely thriving.”



A fascinating third wheel — hard to rule out.


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Others:

TAKE NO CHANCES (TFR 157): Tough, consistent, and ran better than the bare result in the Mares’ Hurdle. Probably playing for a place at best.

BREAK MY SOUL (TFR 152): Decent mare but hard to see her laying a glove on the principals.

TELLHERTHENAME (TFR 148?): Pulled up more often than not recently and looks out of his depth.



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Pace Setup:

Forecast: Weak

There’s no obvious front-runner, but Constitution Hill, Wodhooh, and Break My Soul can all race handily. Given the small field, this might turn tactical — but Constitution Hill has shown he can control things from the front or sit off.



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Verdict:

This should be Constitution Hill’s comeback coronation. A track he loves, a trip he thrives at, and no need to get involved in any tactical nonsense — just travel, jump, and assert. Lossiemouth is the danger, especially if the favourite isn’t quite at full throttle. Wodhooh is a wild card with an unbeaten record that deserves respect.

> 1st – CONSTITUTION HILL
2nd – LOSSIEMOUTH
3rd – WODHOOH
Value Each-Way – TAKE NO CHANCES (for the brave)