The return of Constitution Hill could occur on Saturday evening at Windsor. Nicky Henderson entered the 2023 Champion Hurdle hero in the Listed August Stakes, as have 18 others. Meanwhile, connections of Maltese Cross have opted to run in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe instead of the St Leger.
Today’s racing news round-up for Tuesday is below.
Constitution Hill faces Listed task at Windsor
Having been absent since the end of March, Constitution Hill may make his long-awaited flat racing return this weekend. Nicky Henderson entered the nine-year-old in Windsor’s Listed August Stakes. Connections will be hoping the forecast rain arrives to provide the ideal underfoot conditions for the former Champion Hurdler. He is yet to run on turn on the flat, with the dry spell this summer delaying his return. Constitution Hill is unbeaten in two starts on the all-weather, with blistering performances in each. (Sporting Life)
Some significant names have been entered alongside Constitution Hill on Saturday,. Former Group 1 winner White Birch is one of them, having switched to Jamie Osborne’s yard. Al Aasy, Arabian Crown and Ghostwriter could also feature, as could Canadian Grade 1 hero Silawi. Willie Mullins, who took on Constitution Hill on his flat debut, has entered Gaucher to run in the race too. (Racing Post)
Maltese Cross aimed at Arc over St Leger
Connections of Maltese Cross have chosen the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe as the Derby runner-up’s intended autumn target. William Haggas’ charge won the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris in July, then defied a 5lb penalty to reverse Epsom form with Christmas Day and win the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York. That commanding performance suggested the Arc was within his reach. However, the decision does rule him out of contesting the St Leger at Doncaster in September. (Racing TV)
James J Braddock to join Joseph O’Brien’s Melbourne Cup team
Another autumn target has been decided the other side of the Irish Sea. Epsom Derby third James J Braddock will be aimed at the Melbourne Cup in November. Trainer Joseph O’Brien has won the race down under on two occasions. James J Braddock was most recently sixth in the Irish Derby, but is the latest in a potential army of stayers who could fly the flag for O’Brien and Ireland in Australia. Defiantly, Goodie Two Shoes and Trustyourinstinct are another trio likely to aim for the big handicap. (Racing Post)
Interest in Goffs sale after Sun Goddess exploits
The exploits of Sun Goddess at York have helped boost the interest in Goffs Premier Yearling Sale. Aidan O’Brien’s Group 1 heroine was a remarkable winner of the Harrys Half Million By Goffs at York’s Ebor Festival. Her victory spraked debate about the fairness of competition given she had already won a top level contest before contesting a mere sales race. However, the prize on offer allured her powerful owners, and her victory has helped the Premier Yearling Sale drum up interest. Sun Goddess was bought there in 2024. (Thoroughbred Daily News)