Heavyweight hurdlers Teahupoo and Lossiemouth lock horns in a fascinating Hatton's Grace Hurdle

Sometimes you don't need numbers. Sometimes, as Kim Weston and Marvin Gaye told us all those years ago, it just takes two. 

Teahupoo tackling Lossiemouth is as good a Hatton's Grace Hurdle as we could have hoped for. Yes, a bigger field would have been better, but we have the ante-post favourite for the Champion Hurdle taking on the favourite for the Stayers' Hurdle, who won that festival event last season and is seeking a third win in a row in this Grade 1. 

Let's start with Teahupoo. He is the top dog in the staying hurdle division now after his decisive Stayers' Hurdle success in March and he backed it up with an even more emphatic victory at Punchestown. He is rated 164 and this will be one of only three races for him again this season so expect Gordon Elliott to have him cherry ripe for the occasion. He can afford to. 

Tactics are going to be fascinating. Teahupoo is a thorough stayer and connections will not want it to turn into a sprint. Sam Ewing, who is expected to deputise for the injured Jack Kennedy, will want a lead, though, so expect either of his stablemates to make sure he gets one. It will probably be Beacon Edge, who stayed on strongly to land the Grade 2 bet365 Hurdle at Wetherby on Charlie Hall day. 

Maxxum has also made the running in the past, so either of them could do the donkey work. However, if they do go a generous gallop, that will help Lossiemouth settle. She has a tendency to be keen in her races and especially so on her first start for 211 days. Expect Paul Townend to sit on Teahupoo's tail throughout. Indeed, it would be a surprise if the pair hit the front before the final flight, that's if they do at all. 

Maxxum: "could outrun his odds" according to trainer Gordon ElliottCredit: Patrick McCann

Last year, it was a similar scenario and Townend kicked on coming down to the second-last on Impaire Et Passe before being outstayed and outbattled by Teahupoo. Don't expect him to do so here and Lossiemouth's hand will surely be the last to be shown. She has more speed than her main market rival. 

The 7lb mares' allowance could be the deciding factor in swaying the verdict in Lossiemouth's favour. She is unbeaten over this trip and wasn't stopping at the end of her races at Cheltenham and Punchestown over 2m4f. Lossiemouth looks sure to trade quite short in-running on the exchanges, but will she go by a teak-tough Teahupoo? She just might, you know.

'He's in great nick but it won't be easy' - Elliott on Teahupoo

Victory for Teahupoo would see him join greats like Limestone Lad, Solerina, Apple's Jade and Honeysuckle, who all won the race three times. 

He had a flawless campaign last season when winning this before the Stayers' Hurdles at Cheltenham and Punchestown and Elliott does not intend changing anything. 

The trainer said: "Teahupoo seems in great form and I've been very happy with what he's been showing me over the last few weeks. We've always had this race in mind for his comeback and the plan is to stick to the same path as last year. If it's not broke, don't fix it. 

Teahupoo: fended off Impaire Et Passe in last year's Hatton's Grace HurdleCredit: Patrick McCann

"It's not going to be easy, though. We're trying to give 7lb to a serious mare in Lossiemouth and that's a big ask, but we'll give it a go and hopefully he can come out the right side of what should be a great race. I'm looking forward to it."

Elliott said of his other runners: "Beacon Edge has been some servant over the years and was brilliant at Wetherby. This trip might be on the sharp side for him but he'll run his race. Maxxum is a smart horse and rated 150 so he could outrun his odds."

Mullins 'very happy' ahead of Lossiemouth comeback

Lossiemouth is set to go down the Champion Hurdle route this season and the first stop on that road is here in the Hatton's Grace. 

The grey mare, who has won at the last two Cheltenham Festivals, is no bigger than 5-2 to make that three in a row in the hurdling showpiece on day one in 2025. 

Willie Mullins has not won the Hatton's Grace since Arctic Fire in 2015 but he reports Lossiemouth to be in rude health ahead of her reappearance. 

Lossiemouth: won all three starts last seasonCredit: JOHN GROSSICK

"I’m very happy with her," Mullins said. "She’ll start off here and then the International Hurdle at Cheltenham might be a good option after that. 

"The plan for the last two years was to go to the Mares’ Hurdle last season and the Champion Hurdle this season. We’ll keep her apart from State Man until Cheltenham all being well. Everyone wants competition but it would be like opening your presents before Christmas!"

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