Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Off time: 16:00 | Winning time: 3m 56.12s

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Selected odds by:

Burdett Road^t²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: James Owen| OR: 150| CD

66/1

Classy dual-purpose performer who won the Greatwood Handicap over C&D before a fine effort behind Constitution Hill in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. Golden Ace also had a bit too much for him in the Kingwell at Wincanton since and he's surely playing for place money at best.

Form: 112-132

Constitution Hill⁴⁵

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

1/2

Exceptional unbeaten hurdler who missed last year's Festival after a couple of setbacks but has confirmed he's still very much the one to beat in this division with wins this winter in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton and International here. Can regain his Champion Hurdle crown.

Form: 111/1-11

King Of Kingsfield⁷²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: D J Gilligan| T: G Elliott| OR: 146| D

200/1

Acted as a pacemaker for the same connections' Brighterdaysahead at Leopardstown in December and presumably here to perform the same role again.

Form: 30-4225

State Man^p1³⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: P Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 168| BF| CD

8/1

Top-class hurdler who took advantage of Constitution Hill's absence to win this last year. Beaten twice by Brighterdaysahead at the end of 2024 but looked back in form when winning the Irish Champion last time, although Lossiemouth's fall made his task a lot simpler. Wears first-time cheekpieces.

Form: 11-1231

Winter Fog³⁷

Age: 11| Weight: 11-10| J: B Hayes| T: W P Mullins| OR: 150| D

150/1

Smart hurdler. Picked up the pieces for third behind State Man in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown last time and a similar outcome is almost certainly the best he can hope for.

Form: 143323

Brighterdaysahead⁷²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: J W Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 163| D

5/2

Beaten at odds on in the Dawn Run at last year's Festival but that's her only defeat. Had State Man behind her when winning the Morgiana at Punchestown in November and Neville Hotels at Leopardstown over Christmas. The one likely to give Constitution Hill most to do.

Form: 121-111

Golden Ace²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: Lorcan Williams| T: J Scott| OR: 144| BF| C| D

25/1

Unbeaten in 4 novice hurdles last season, including the Dawn Run at this meeting (beat Brighterdaysahead). Reached the frame in Grade 2 events on first 2 outings this winter prior to proving ¾ length too strong for Burdett Road in Kingwell at Wincanton.

Form: 111-431

Forecasts

Constitution Hill (1/2), Brighterdaysahead (5/2), State Man (8/1), Golden Ace (25/1), Burdett Road (66/1), Winter Fog (150/1), King Of Kingsfield (200/1)

CONSTITUTION HILL doesn't look quite as invincible as 2 years ago but is still very much the one to beat in this division and can fend off Brighterdaysahead, who was mightily impressive at Leopardstown when last seen over Christmas. Last year's winner State Man looks clear best of the rest.