Adam Williams presents his prediction for the Kempton Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m, 4yo+) horse racing event.
Lossiemouth confirmed her class by winning the Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse on the 1st of December. She was initially set to start the season earlier in the Morgiana Hurdle but was withdrawn due to injury. This victory marked her ninth win in 10 career starts; her only defeat came in February of last year when she was beaten in the Juvenile Hurdle by a stablemate. The crowd would love to see her emerge victorious, but her next opponent poses a formidable challenge.
Constitution Hill remains unbeaten in eight starts in rules races. He claimed victory in this race last year and hasn't raced since. He missed the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham after a below-par workout at Kempton and also skipped last month's Fighting Fifth Hurdle due to lameness. Last season, the Christmas Hurdle was his sole outing. Despite having been out of action for a year, we're inclined to back him at 5/4 on Unibet.
Burdett Road secured victory in his last start—the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham—leading from start to finish. Prior to that, he had five starts on the Flat, winning the Dubai Godolphin Stakes (Listed). He's a solid contender for a third-place finish.
Lump Sum began the season with a win in a handicap at Ffos Las before finishing second in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle, trailing Sir Gino by eight lengths. Last season saw him claim the Coral Dovecote Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2). However, his chances of winning here are not as strong.
