Lean in and enjoy - the festive action is out of this world and 'beast' Gaelic Warrior is the pick of my rides

Some things push you back in your seat. Others make you lean in. Our flying French mare Lossiemouth taking on the pride of Britain, Constitution Hill, in the Christmas Hurdle on Thursday has the capacity to do both. Lossiemouth was exceptional in the Hatton's Grace, exceeding even the effortlessness she showed at Cheltenham last January. She has the attitude of Hurricane Fly and Quevega, understanding the aim of the game: to beat the others. But Constitution Hill is not like the others; or at least he wasn’t before. Kempton will tell us if that is still the case.

I’m not sure if you are aware of the expression 'a stunned silence' but that is what we at Closutton found ourselves wandering around in after State Man was defeated in the Morgiana Hurdle by Brighterdaysahead. He had been tick-tocking along as normal when he hit the front before the last but then he fluffed his line and the mare toughed it out. It was a fantastic ride by Jack Kennedy, putting the emphasis on fitness and it was enough to win the day. But the fitness card won’t work this time at Leopardstown on Sunday. That was her bright day. I’m all in on State Man reversing the form. Lean in.

Ballyburn is on his travels to Kempton on Friday. In an effort to split our aces we may run head first into Sir Gino, who is also a split ace. Ballyburn never came out of third gear on his chasing debut, even very kindly lifting his head a fraction when faced with five foot of birch. His defeat of Supreme Novices' winner Slade Steel would strongly suggest he can cope with two-milers like Sir Gino but his pedigree is all stamina so the scary thing is he could even improve if and when he steps up in trip.