LO AND BEHOLD

Mare can be more than a match for former champ

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LOSSIEMOUTH (3.30, trb) has the credentials to thwart Constitution Hill in a fascinating clash for the Grade One William Hill Aintree Hurdle.

The Willie Mullins-trained mare receives 7lb from her big rival on the Grand national Meeting's opening card in Merseyside.

On strict ratings and a previous encounter in Kempton's Christmas Hurdle, that should not be enough to secure a gold medal.

But second-placed Lossiemouth was not her smooth-travelling self and only trailed Constitution Hill by two-and-a-half lengths.

Nicky Henderson trainee showed there was a fine line between brilliance and disaster when he clipped an obstacle and came down in the Champion Hurdle.