Paddy Brennan believes Lossiemouth is well and truly the horse to beat in the Champion Hurdle following Hatton’s Grace’s success over Teahupoo last weekend.
Joined by co-host Matt Chapman on episode 3 of Unbridled, Brennan revealed how he would choose the Rich Ricci-owned mare over stable and defending champion State Man if he were Paul Townend.
Matt and Paddy also discussed the strength of Hatton’s Grace’s form, as well as whether Constitution Hill is likely to ever return to his best.
Watch Unbridled with Matt & Paddy on the At The Races YouTube channel.
“Hatton’s Grace was some race,” said Paddy. “From the moment he started there were tactics and Jordan Gainford’s (at Maxxum) only job was to be up on Paul Townend (at Lossiemouth) to keep him honest. It was as fair as you can do without fouling.
“I thought Paul Townend was incredible because he just played the role of the silent man. He didn’t react and his mind never left the task.
“The only mistake Jordan Gainford made was to look around to see where Paul was. If you’re going to kiss someone’s girlfriend, don’t look around for the boyfriend!
“From there, Lossiemouth was so impressive – one of the best mares I’ve seen in a long time. She was awesome.”
Lossiemouth (nearby) passes Teahupoo at Hatton’s Grace
Matt didn’t want to get too carried away with the performance, particularly as Gordon Elliott’s other runner in the race – Beacon Edge – finished just nine lengths back in third.
“The general gist of this is that Lossiemouth dropped Teahupoo, which is fine, but everyone forgets that Beacon Edge was only five lengths behind Teahupoo,” Matt said.
“This suggests that Teahupoo ran well below form and that Gordon Elliott’s team completely messed up the tactics and didn’t go fast enough.
“The math is there. The Teahupoo is rated at 164 and the Beacon Edge at 144 – 20 pounds less!
“I’m fully aware that Lossiemouth looked a monster and may well be a monster, but because she got past Teahupoo she doesn’t become a monster when Beacon Edge is just five lengths back.”
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Nicky Henderson explains the problem with Constitution Hill and the updated plans for his fixed star
If Constitution Hill, State Man, Sir Gino and Lossiemouth appear in the Champion Hurdle, who wins?
Paddy rice…
“Lossmouth. I’d ride Lossiemouth over Statesman and I wouldn’t even have to think about it. I don’t think any horse can give her 7lbs.
“These are worrying times for Constitution Hill. I just can’t see him getting back to his prime. I think it’s impossible to win something like Lossiemouth the way things are today.”
Riot police…
“If Constitution Hill comes back, none of them have even the slightest chance of seeing him, let alone getting close to him. If he’s back in his prime.”
