DOWN IN MOUTH IF WE'RE BEATEN

DEFEAT for Lossiemouth at Kempton today would "dent" connections' belief in the mare's ability to capture the Champion Hurdle in March.

- DAVID YATES

The Willie Mullins-saddled five-year-old, William Hill's 7-4 favourite for Cheltenham's Tuesday feature, locks horns with 2023 Champion Hurdler Constitution Hill - Burdett Road and Lump Sum make up the four-runner line-up in the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle.

And Joe Chambers, racing manager to Lossiemouth's owner, Rich Ricci, admits victory for Nicky Henderson's unbeaten star would trigger a change at the top of the Champion Hurdle betting.

"It would be a dent in confidence," said Chambers. "But she's hit every mark we've ever set her - she's never done anything wrong."

Lossiemouth, a dual winner at the National Hunt Festival, returned with a fluent defeat.

Festival in favour of a Grade 2 back at Auteuil. However, he showed his first signs of weakness when last of five behind Youtwo Glass in Paris.

All seemed well when the star bolted up from Toscana Du Berlais on his return at the same venue. He was soon back under scrutiny when pulled up in the Prix Haye Jousselin back there last month.

But this historic race has always been the real target so the bold jumper can silence his critics in style.

EL RIO (12.45) can get the party started in the trappy Ladbrokes Novices Handicap Chase.

Kim Bailey's horse lost his way over after a reasonably promising start to his career over hurdles. He didn't look a natural over fences when pulled up on his first run in that sphere at Huntingdon.