Hill prepared for a fight now in the race of year

WHERE to start with the BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle? The only thing that can be said for certain is that this is the race of the year so far, as Constitution Hill, The New Lion and Anzadam meet in a blockbuster clash today.

- By NICK GRANT

All three camps are making the right noises, but perhaps more with heart than head, the pick is Constitution Hill, the deposed champion. He has more questions to answer than his market rivals after horror shows at Cheltenham, Aintree and Punchestown - but equally, unlike the others, he has been there and most definitely done it.

The New Lion is feared most, but if we are to take Nicky Henderson at his word then the former champion is ready to roar back to his brilliant best.