The highly anticipated Grade One BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle is set for a thrilling showdown this Saturday at Newcastle's Gosforth Park, with the racing world eager to see the return of a superstar and the challenge of a rising talent.
The Contenders: A Clash of Titans
Scheduled for 2pm over a distance of two miles and one furlong, the race features a compact but fascinating field of five. The headline act is the Nicky Henderson-trained Constitution Hill, the eight-year-old gelding making his long-awaited comeback to the track where he triumphed impressively three years ago.
He faces a formidable challenge from the Dan Skelton-trained The New Lion, a horse in the form of his life. Also in the mix are Anzadam, the reigning champion hurdler Golden Ace, and the supplemented Nemean Lion, making for a truly intriguing contest with £66,548 awaiting the winner.
Constitution Hill: The Great Unknown
Pre-race reports for Constitution Hill have been positive, with his fitness reportedly sharpened by racecourse gallops at Worcester and Newbury. A recent win by his work companion, Act Of Innocence, has provided a welcome boost for trainer Nicky Henderson.
However, significant questions remain. The horse, once hailed as a potential all-time great, has faced well-documented challenges with his jumping following heavy falls at the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals. His no-show at Punchestown, where he missed the start and jumped hesitantly, highlighted a potential mental hurdle.
The key question for jockey Nico de Boinville is whether Constitution Hill will be decisive and responsive when approaching obstacles at pace. His last victory in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton was solid, but the spectre of his recent experiences looms large.
The New Lion: A Progressive Threat
In contrast, The New Lion arrives with momentum and confidence. His victory in the 2m 5f Turners Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham, where he defeated The Yellow Clay with the highly-regarded Final Demand in third, marked him as a horse of serious quality.
While some question his pure speed for a Champion Hurdle campaign, his efficient jumping and strong travelling style are major assets. The slight reduction in trip to 2m 1f is unlikely to be a hindrance and may even play to his strengths.
Officially, he has 11lb to find with Constitution Hill on the ratings. Yet, this gap is narrowed considerably by the palpable doubts surrounding his rival's current ability to reproduce his former brilliance. The Skelton yard is in excellent form, treating every weekend as a new challenge, and they will be full of confidence as they make the journey from their Warwickshire base.
The Supporting Cast
Willie Mullins sends over Anzadam, who will be ridden by Paul Townend. However, he is rated 13lb inferior to Constitution Hill and is yet to beat a horse of note, with his limited race record suggesting he can be difficult to train.
With the reigning champion Golden Ace and Nemean Lion completing the field, the stage is perfectly set for a dramatic renewal of this historic race. The outcome rests on whether Constitution Hill can rediscover his spark, or if the progressive The New Lion can capitalise and claim the biggest victory of his career.
