Having ran out of time to meet the qualification requirements for the Ebor Handicap, Constitution Hill looks set to return to Windsor next month following a summer break.
The once heroic two-mile-hurdler lit up what would otherwise have been a dull Southwell evening in February, pummelling his rivals by nine lengths. It was no fluke, as the second has won twice since now rated 97.
Though less impressive next time, it was refreshing to see him regain consistency as he comfortably followed up at Kempton. A combination of dry ground and being in training all year meant connections have kept him fresh since.
It remains to be seen how much improvement on the level he can find, but he looks set for an Autumn campaign. Speaking to the Press Association, via At The Races, Nicky Henderson said: “There are other options, but I think the Windsor race is the right one. The timing is good and it’s a race that looks good for him.
“It’s just down the road and we don’t have to travel too far. The Windsor ground hopefully tends to be quite kind. A figure of eight shouldn’t worry him and it’s one-mile-three which should be all right. But most importantly it’s a Listed race and that is ideal for him.
“We don’t need to be running in Group races yet that’s for sure and he’s coming back from a break. So it’ll be the run that is getting him ready for whatever we are aiming at. And I don’t have any idea what we are aiming at yet!”
Listed races ‘the right level for him’, suggests Henderson
Any grand envisages of Constitution Hill tearing up the higher echelons of flat racing were quashed by Henderson. However, while Windsor is the likely aim, the Group 2 Prix Kergolay has also been flagged, advised by Ryan Moore.
“Ryan always thought the Prix Kergorlay would be a good race for him. But he can’t go to both Deauville and Windsor,” noted Henderson.
“We’ll put him in the Kergorlay this morning but I think Windsor would be my premier option. I just like the idea of running in a Listed race, which I think is the right level for him.”
The Prix Kergolay is a ‘win and you’re in’ race for the Melbourne Cup. Racing Victoria came to Seven Barrows on Monday to further pitch the idea. Though again, it doesn’t seem likely, as Henderson said: “The people from Australia came to see us on Monday. One minute we think the Melbourne Cup will be fun and then the next a stupid idea. But there you go.
“You do have to bear in mind though he is nine and he’s enjoying himself. And we’re going to enjoy it as well.”