Kempton has set the stage for the second flat run of Constitution Hill on Wednesday evening.
The 2023 Champion Hurdler was expected to have Group race assignments immediately after his sensational Southwell success. However, Nicky Henderson has entered him for a second run on the all-weather first. The 7.30pm novice event will give Kempton crowds a rare evening treat to savour.
Explaining the decision to run at Kempton, Henderson said to Racing TV: “If he gets a handicap mark that would be terrific and then we have all the options open, and after listening to Ryan and Oisin we’ll be able to work out where we should be aiming and over how far.”
Oisin Murphy has been forced to give up the mount for Constitution Hill’s second flat start. He is serving a ban for overuse of the whip. However, Henderson is certain that Ryan Moore, who is yet to ride Constitution Hill in any capacity,, has the big day experience to cope with the pressure.
“Ryan won’t have sat on him beforehand, but he won’t need to and I should suspect he’s probably won Derbys on horses he’s never sat on!”
Moore and Murphy anticipate something special
Moore has indeed been in the saddle for Derby winners and on many other huge occasions. Even so, there will be a unique pressure in taking over aboard Constitution Hill on Wednesday.
Moore, though, is taking the chance as he always does, plainly on face value.
“He was very impressive that day (at Southwell) and he’s a very talented horse,” he told Racing TV. “So, I look forward to riding him on Wednesday…what he did at Southwell was impressive so it’ll be step by step.”
Murphy, meanwhile, is evidently frustrated at missing out this time. Nevertheless, he told the Racing Post what was so impressive when he was in the saddle at Southwell.
“When I rode him work, I thought he felt very good, like a quick horse considering how big he is. And that’s how he ran in the race as well.”
There is the possibility that he will return to partner Constitution Hill in the future. Whether that bears out or not, Murphy is confident there is more to come, both at Kempton, and when the turf season begins in earnest.
“Yes, I think he will (win at Kempton). I can’t see why he won’t and, when he steps on to turf – where they go a bit faster – you might see an even better horse.
“It’s really hard to know what the future might look like. We’ll see more tomorrow, but you’d imagine with some juice in the ground on turf he’ll be at his very best.”