Get ready for a thrilling showdown as Constitution Hill finally steps onto the Flat racing scene, but here's where it gets controversial – can he live up to the hype after recent setbacks? The stage is set for a dramatic debut that has everyone talking.
Constitution Hill, the highly anticipated star, will make his Flat debut in the SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes at Southwell on Friday (19:30), with champion jockey Oisin Murphy in the saddle. Initially, it seemed like fate had dealt him a tough hand after Sunday’s ballot draw, but luck turned in his favor when four higher-priority horses were withdrawn on Wednesday, securing his spot in the final lineup. And this is the part most people miss – despite his hurdles success, Constitution Hill has fallen in three of his last four starts, including the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, raising questions about his consistency.
Trained by Nicky Henderson, this nine-year-old hurdler is the undeniable headliner of the 12-furlong race, part of the Friday Night Live fixture broadcast live on ITV4. But don’t expect an easy win. The £40,000 prize has lured a full field of 14 contenders, including the much-discussed Daddy Long Legs from Willie Mullins’ yard, ridden by Ryan Moore. Other notable entries include Paul Nicholls’ Nardaran, Fergal O’Brien’s Tripoli Flyer, and Dan Skelton’s Gambino, partnered by Hollie Doyle.
Here’s the bold truth: Constitution Hill, Paddy Power’s 11/10 favorite, faces stiff competition from Square Necker, an Amo Racing-owned Zarak gelding who carries a 5lb weight penalty after winning a Dundalk maiden in December. This race isn’t just about Constitution Hill’s Flat debut – it’s a test of his resilience and a preview of his potential Cheltenham return.
Speaking of Cheltenham, Constitution Hill remains the 7/2 third-favorite for the Unibet Champion Hurdle on March 10, a race he dominated in 2023. But will he even run? No decision has been announced yet, leaving fans and pundits speculating. Is this race a stepping stone or a detour?
Here’s the full lineup for the SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes, with odds from Paddy Power:
- Gambino (Dan Skelton, Hollie Doyle) – 10/1
- Square Necker (Kevin Philippart de Foy, David Egan) – 7/4
- Constitution Hill (Nicky Henderson, Oisin Murphy) – 11/10
- Daddy Long Legs (Willie Mullins, Ryan Moore) – 7/2
- Grazeon Sunshine (John & Sean Quinn, Jason Hart) – 14/1
- Mr McLoughlan (Jack Jones, Hector Crouch) – 20/1
- Nardaran (Paul Nicholls, Cieren Fallon) – 50/1
- Roadlesstravelled (Jonjo & AJ O'Neill, P.J. McDonald) – 20/1
- Star Artist (Hughie Morrison, Rob Hornby) – 150/1
- Tripoli Flyer (Fergal O'Brien, Billy Loughnane) – 14/1
- Noble Way (David O'Meara, David Nolan) – 33/1
- Masked Mistress (Jim & Suzi Best, Finley Marsh) – 66/1
- Miracles Do Happen (Tom Lacey, Luke Morris) – 150/1
- Tres Bien (Hayley Burton, Darragh Keenan) – 200/1
Controversial question: Can Constitution Hill overcome his recent falls and prove he’s still a force to be reckoned with, or is this the beginning of a decline? Let us know your thoughts in the comments – agree or disagree, we want to hear from you!
