Constitution Hill will face his toughest tests on his first run for 12 months against Lossiemouth in the Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.
Much has been said and written about Nicky Henderson's pride and joy since his stunning second victory at last year's Grade One event.
No one could have imagined the trials and tribulations his connections have faced in the meantime, so much so that he has seen his position as favorite for the Champion Hurdle in March on to be plucked away by Lossiemouth.
First there was the disastrous racecourse gallop at Kempton, when he was later found to be suffering from a disease that would rule out Cheltenham, then there was colic.
Just when Henderson was hoping for a clear run with him at the start of this season, another racecourse gallop went wrong when he came home lame from Newbury, meaning he was unable to run in the Fighting Fifth.
Constitution Hill has not been seen in a race since the Christmas barrier last year
He is fit again now, though, and reportedly fired on all cylinders – which he will need against Lossiemouth.
Her only loss came when she encountered traffic problems at the 2023 Dublin Festival of Racing, as she won the Triumph Hurdle, the International, the Mares' Hurdle and last out on the Hatton's Grace .
Lossiemouth was dominant in the Hatton's Grace and is now favorite for the Champion Hurdle
Trained by Willie Mullins in the colors of Rich Ricci, Lossiemouth is 15lb below Foundation Hill on official rankings, but gains a 7lb mare allowance to go with the race fitness she has on her side.
There are only two other runners. Winner of James Owen's Greatwood Hurdle Burdett Road and Sam Thomas's Lump Sum, runner-up in the Fifth Battle to the great Constitution Hill sub, Sir Gino.
Spillane Tower tops 11 in the King George mix
Gray Dawning, Il Est Francais and Spillane Tower are among 11 runners nominated for the King George VI Ladbrokes Chase.
Dan Skelton's Gray Dawning, winner of the Turners Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last season, looks the home team's choice after Haydock specialist Royale Pagaille touched him in last month's Betfair Chase .
Il Est Francais, trained in France by Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm, was sublime in landing the Kauto Star Novices' Chase over the King George course and distance 12 months ago, and deserves respect big despite being pulled up at Auteuil last time.
Il Est Francais impressed everyone with his jumping when he won at Kempton last year
Il Est Francais is joined by stablemate General En Chef, who ran creditably when fourth on his British debut in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, also with David Cottin's extended contender Juntos Ganamos hoping to become the first French-trained King George winner. from First Gold in 2000.
A strong Irish group is led by Spillane's Tower, a Grade One winner for Jimmy Mangan last season who was narrowly denied by fellow rising star JP McManus Fact To File in the John Durkan in Punchestown a month ago.
Despite dry ground concerns, Spillane Tower (Mark Walsh) was added to the King George field last week. The McManus colors will also be carried by the Emmet Mullins-trained Corbetts Cross, with senior non-professional Derek O'Connor back on board for the first time since leading him to a 17-length victory there the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham in March.
Spillane Tower and Mark Walsh power to victory at Fairy House
Joseph O'Brien's Banbridge and Henry de Bromhead's Envoi Allen will also make the trip across the Irish Sea, but last year's winner Hewick was not named, with links opting to run over hurdles. starra in Ballyna Lover later this week.
2022 King George Bravemansgame champion is looking to reclaim his crown and give trainer Paul Nicholls his 14th victory in the race.
The field is completed by L'Homme Presse, who is making his first appearance since finishing fourth in last season's Cheltenham Gold Cup for Venetia Williams, and Patrick's Charlie Hall Chase winner Neville The Real Whacker, who will be partnered with Gavin Sheehan, who directed Hewick. to glory 12 months.
