A rematch from Cheltenham. Of a match that didn’t happen. Constitution Hill and Lossiemouth clash in today’s Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle. The former crashed out in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, his first loss. The latter swerved the Champion Hurdle for the Mares’ Hurdle and buried the penalty kick in the back of the net. Today they meet in a 2 1/2-mile sizzler.
In their only other clash, Constitution Hill brushed away Lossiemouth by an easy 2 1/2 lengths in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day. The water has flooded under both their bridges since. Lossiemouth fell in the Irish Champion Hurdle in February, came back to win a laugher at Cheltenham in March. Constitution Hill won a laugher in the Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham in January and then did what he had always threatened to do at Cheltenham in March. Both are back it in the race of the day, the race of the week.
Here’s a brief preview to the Aintree card.
Race 1. 8:45. The EBC Group Manifesto Novices’ Chase.
Jango Baie looked like a 2 1/2-miler in the 2-mile Arkle and needed every step to upset that Grade 1 at Cheltenham. Impaire Et Passe, in cheek pieces, oozes talent and skipped Cheltenham to come here. The all-class Gidleigh Park missed Cheltenham and winds up here.
The Picks: Gidleigh Park, Impaire Et Passe, Jango Baie.
Race 2. 9:20. Boodles Annivesary 4-year-old Juvenile Hurdle.
Willie Mullins launches 28 at the three-day Aintree Festival and throws Willie De Houelle and Murcia at this. Is the British training championship still up for grabs…?
The Picks: Aviemore, Live Conti, Naturally Nimble.
Race 3. 9:55. Brooklands Golden Miller Chronograph Bowl Chase.
The ever-mercurial Gaelic Warrior skipped Cheltenham for this. As did Grey Dawning. As did Spillane’s Tower. As did Stage Star. You get the drift.
The Picks: Grey Dawning, Embassy Gardens, Stage Star.
Race 4. 10:30. The William Hill Aintree Hurdle.
See above.
The Picks: Constitution Hill, Lossiemouth, Wodhooh.
Race 5. 11:05. Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase.
The amateurs chase one day in the sun, one chance to catch that fleeting bolt in their sporting bottle.
The Picks: Famous Clermont, Jet Plane, Joker De Mai.
Race 6. 11:40. Red Rum Handicap Chase.
A 2-mile handicap chase. Tack another dartboard on the wall and start heaving.
The Picks: Dr T J Eckleburg, My Mate Mozzie, The Folkes Tiara.
Race 7. 12:15. The Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Open NH Flat Race.
Tricky one to finish the card.
The Picks: Jackie Hobbs, Betty’s Daisy, Kingston Queen.
Name of the Day:
Therdgoesonforever. Race 6. Hawthorne. The 3-year-old filly is out of Thepartyneverends. Take a few minutes and listen to one of our favorite songs by Robert Earl Keen.
Nico De Boinville rides Constitution Hill.
