(3 minutes read)
It is the race of the season thus far. The Turners Novice Hurdle hero The New Lion is declared to take on the flawed enigma that is Constitution Hill in a pulsating Grade One Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle this Saturday.
Opinions are gloriously divided. After the speed the Skelton horse demonstrated in the Turners, many believe that The New Lion’s optimum distance is 2 miles and is the one to beat for The Champion Hurdle in March.
However, a fit and back to form Constitution Hill is a significant force to overcome. A fascinating dual is on the cards. We assess the chances of these two leviathans of the 2-mile hurdle division and check out the other runners.
Best bets and top odds provided by our partner firms, Bet365, William Hill, Betfred, Bet Victor and Boylesports.
The New Lion
There is no doubt that last year’s Turner Novices Hurdle was a hot affair indeed and the winner, The New Lion, who beat two top Irish novices in the shape of The Yellow Clay and Final Demand, is without doubt the real deal.
He is unbeaten and the best is yet to come, his connections and followers claim. However, this is his first run since that Turners victory, and it is not exactly the most sedate way to give the horse its first outing this season.
Best odds of 7/4 with William Hill.
Constitution Hill
It is plain and simple. If Nicky Henderson has Constitution Hill back to his best, there will be no contest. This is a hurdler with extraordinary ability who possesses one of the most economical jumping styles ever seen whilst able to demonstrate a turn of speed that tempted Seven Barrows to even consider the 2-mile Grade One flat division at one stage.
However, the disasters of last season cannot be ignored. One near fall, two dramatic falls and the embarrassment at Punchestown are huge blots in his career to overcome.
Nevertheless, the vibes and soundbites from Nicky Henderson and jockey Nico De Boinville suggest that all is well with their 2023 Champion Hurdler. If he fails to deliver this time, it could be retirement time which would be devastating for the industry.
Best odds of 6/4 with William Hill and our selection to land his second Fighting Fifth.
Anzadam
They do not come much more unexposed than this exceptionally talented Willie Mullins entry. Last season, he made a significant impression with two hurdle wins in Ireland before being declared injured on the eve of a Champion Hurdle bid.
However, his nonappearance in the Morgiana Hurdle in Ireland last weekend raised a few eyebrows, although one might suggest that Willie Mullins did not want Lossiemouth and Anzadam going at each other’s throats so early in the season, especially with the mare’s weight allowance. He could be the joker in the pack although best watched at this stage.
Best odds of 100/30 with Bet365.
Golden Ace
Fortuitous winner of last year’s Champion Hurdle, although it was a considerable achievement for the horse to finish where he did, beating some quality rivals after the shock departures of Constitution Hill and State Man.
He hasn’t quite hit those heights this season thus far, beaten 28 lengths by Kateira at Wetherby does not therefore inspire confidence.
Best odds of 25/1 with William Hill, Betfred, Bet Victor and Boylesports.
Nemean Lion
Useful hurdler at around 2m 4 furlongs and has performed well in Grade 2 events but was found out when upped in distance to 3 miles. However, he will need a miraculous improvement and some good fortune to figure significantly here.
Best odds of 80/1 with Bet365, William Hill, Betfred, Bet Victor and Boylesports.
Verdict
A fascinating high-class dual as the relatively young pretender The New Lion takes on the enigmatic although flawed superstar Constitution Hill.
Nicky Henderson has been extremely bullish regarding his chances of a comeback and based on that; it would be prudent to side with the Seven Barrows handler.
However, the persistent errors of last season are a major concern. Essentially, if the engine is still intact and the jumping errors have been worked on effectively, there is no reason to suggest that Constitution Hill will not win.
But I do not think it will be the procession we have been treated to in the past. He has aged a little and The New Lion looks to be the best he’s taken on. I expect a diligent two to three length victory for Constitution Hill.
Please note all odds are correct at the time of publishing (5pm 27th November 2025) and are subject to change
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