'We'll know a lot more after a cracking race' - Townend on Anzadam Three of the top four in the current ante-post Champion Hurdle market clash in a mouth-watering renewal of the BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle this afternoon. Constitution Hill is on a retrieval mission after a number of reverses last season and is taken on by two exciting prospects in the shape of The New Lion and Anzadam. Constitution Hill has gained eight of his ten career wins at Grade 1 level including a nine-length demolition of State Man in the ‘Champion’ at Cheltenham in 2023 but was let down by his jumping last term falling twice. The New Lion was the star novice last season and made it four wins from as many starts in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, while French-import Anzadam has won both outings in effortless fashion since joining Willie Mullins. Paul Townend is looking forward to renewing his partnership with Anzadam and told Racing TV, “He seems in great form, and we’ll know a lot more after a cracking race. “He worked nicely after racing at Punchestown. “On strict form he has an awful lot to improve to get up to Constitution Hill, but we can only beat what we were up against, and he’s done that very well so far. “It will be a tough assignment, but we’ll be a lot wiser afterwards.” The five-runner field is completed by surprise 25/1 Champion Hurdle winner Golden Ace and Nemean Lion.
