Boxing Day saw the two Champion Hurdle market leaders lock horns for the first time this season at Kempton. The comeback of Constitution Hill had race fans eagerly waiting to see how fit the gelding was for his return to the track.
He certainly didn’t disappoint fans, looking the business on the way down to post and the market spoke extremely confidently for him. For Nico De Boinville it would have been a relief getting the win as he told Henderson “we’re back” after a impressive gallop late in November.
There was never a moment of worry for Constitution Hill who travelled and jumped with enthusiasm only making one mistake down the back straight where he took off slightly too early. Nico sent him to the front jumping the second last and Lossimouth could never get near the gelding.
Whether they will be up against one another in the Champion Hurdle in March time will tell as Paul Townsend said “i was never comfortable at any stage”. Willie may look at the Mares Hurdle for Lossiemouth as he will be represented with Stage Man in the Champion Hurdle who we will now discuss.
State Man trained by Wille Mullins ran in the Neville Hotels Grade 1 at Leopardstown yesterday where he was looking to reverse the form with Brighterdaysahead who beat him in the Morgiana Hurdle in November. There were only ¾ lengths between the two that day so the betting suggested that a reverse of form was expected.
Sent off at 9/4 the Gordon Elliott trained Betterdaysahead raced in second but was soon clear with one other before leading easily two out and then was shaken up and went clear on the turn before the last hurdle winning by no short than 30 lengths. Sam Ewing took the ride today but Jack Kennedy remains number one jockey.
They have the choice to go for the Mares Hurdle but no decision on her route will be decided till nearer the day.
“State Man was in trouble from an early stage and was never really travelling” Paul Townsend reported. He took a keen hold early and albeit plenty to do but made headway before two out. He had no extra inside the final 110 yards and lost second place to stablemate Winter Fog.
These two races understandably shock up the Champion Hurdle market.
Latest Champion Hurdle Betting Prices:
Non UK Casinos: Constitution Hill 10/11, Brighterdaysahead 9/2, Lossiemouth 6/1, State Man 14/1, Anzadam 12/1 and 22/1 bar.
American Betting Sites For UK Players: Constitution Hill 10/11, Brighterdaysahead 4/1, Lossiemouth 11/2, State Man 14/1, Anzadam 12/1 and 20/1 bar.
Gambling Sites That Take Credit Cards: Constitution Hill 17/20, Brighterdaysahead 9/2, Lossiemouth 5/1, State Man 12/1, Anzadam 12/1 and 20/1 bar.
Betting Sites No ID Verification UK: Constitution Hill 5/6, Brighterdaysahead 9/2, Lossiemouth 11/2, State Man 11/1, Anzadam 12/1 and 20/1 bar.
Betting Apps That Require ID: Constitution Hill 5/6, Brighterdaysahead 5/1, Lossiemouth 6/1, State Man 12/1, Anzadam 12/1 and 20/1 bar.
However you look to play the Champion Hurdle we wish you the best of luck. Happy New Year and remember to gamble responsibly.
