BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle (Grade 1) 14.00 Newcastle:
Constitution Hill seeks to reignite his stellar career in this elite contest, having dominated his previous ten outings over hurdles before a trio of setbacks last term derailed his momentum.
The eight-year-old fell at Cheltenham and Aintree before labouring home at Punchestown, yet trainer Nicky Henderson has long excelled in reviving champions, and recent reports paint him in fine fettle ahead of his return.
He previously triumphed here over course and distance on heavy ground two years ago, showcasing blistering acceleration, and his versatility on good to soft surfaces should see him handle this testing track with ease.
Nico de Boinville knows his every quirk, and with superior experience in top-flight battles, he remains the benchmark despite the lay-off.
Anzadam arrives unbeaten in four hurdle starts since joining Willie Mullins, including dominant Grade Three successes at Fairyhouse and Naas last winter where he powered clear with considerable authority.
The five-year-old brings French-bred speed and fluency, thriving on softer ground as evidenced by his effortless wins on yielding, and this sharper layout could unlock even more from his untapped potential.
Trainer Mullins has him primed for his seasonal bow, with Paul Townend aboard to dictate proceedings, and his progressive profile marks him as a serious threat to the old guard.
The New Lion enters open company after an impeccable novice campaign capped by a commanding victory in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, where he outstayed rivals with gritty determination on good to soft.
The six-year-old has won all five hurdle starts, including the Challow at Newbury on similar terrain, and dropping back to two miles poses no issue given his electric pace and bold jumping.
Dan Skelton has schooled him meticulously over the summer, and Harry Skelton’s tactical ride will aim to press the leaders, with his class and fitness earmarking him as a genuine contender.
Golden Ace, the shock Champion Hurdle winner last spring after chaos unfolded at the final flight, arrives with recent race-fitness from a pipe-opener at Wetherby where she found little despite scoping with minor debris.
The seven-year-old relishes cut in the ground, having excelled on soft at Cheltenham, and her battling qualities shone through when second to State Man at Punchestown subsequently.
Jeremy Scott has her in robust shape, and Lorcan Williams retains the mount, though she faces a sterner test against fresher rivals in this company.
Nemean Lion rounds out the field after a productive spell last term, completing a hat-trick with a Grade Two success at Fontwell where he travelled strongly before asserting gamely on soft.
The eight-year-old prefers a bit of give but struggled when upped markedly in trip at Cheltenham in the Stayers’ Hurdle, pulling up tamely, and reverting to sprint distances may revive him.
Trainer Kerry Lee has freshened him up nicely, with Conor O’Farrell aboard, yet he enters with questions over his current acuity against this elite opposition.
Simulation Results:
The rankings emerged as: Constitution Hill (28%), The New Lion (25%), Anzadam (22%), Golden Ace (15%), Nemean Lion (10%).
Best bet: Constitution Hill, his proven dominance and course mastery giving him the decisive edge on return.
Value selection: On the numbers the simulation produced, the only two horses trading longer than their modelled fair price are Golden Ace and Nemean Lion, with Golden Ace at 25/1 being the standout over-priced runner by a country mile.
