Dual Cheltenham Festival winner Constitution Hill heads to Southwell on Friday for a run on the flat at 7.30pm. Devoid of confidence over hurdles, Nicky Henderson’s superstar will have a spin on the level before a possible tilt at next month’s Champion Hurdle.

We preview the fascinating 1m 4f 14y contest, that is the feature on the live ITV racing Friday Night Live card. We have the latest odds and racecard for the event, whilst our tipster Steve Chambers picks out his tips.

Runners Guide

You have to start with Constitution Hill, who has been a superstar of his generation. A winner of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in fine style, he then went and sauntered to a Champion Hurdle win. However, three falls in his last four outings has forced the Seven Barrows team to look at a different route to this year’s Champion Hurdle. Bidding for a confidence-boosting run, Constitution Hill makes his flat debut, and whilst he’s shown he’s a superstar when he stands up, does the nine-year-old have what it takes to deliver on the level?

Willie Mullins also targets the £21,600 prize with Daddy Long Legs, who is a Grade 3 winner over hurdles. However, his last flat run was seen finishing down the field at Tipperary. Starting out on his career, Kevin Philippart De Foy’s four-year-old Square Necker could prove to be the biggest danger. A winner of a Dundalk maiden, he shaped like he could be a decent performer and has youth on his side.

Second in the Holloway’s Hurdle at Ascot, Tripoli Flyer is another warming up for Cheltenham here. Fergal O’Brien’s charge is another making his debut on the flat. A winner on the flat at Gowran for Noel Meade, Gambino has switched to Dan Skelton’s yard. He add more depth to a race that sees 14 go to post.

SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes Racecard

SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes Tips

All eyes will be on Constitution Hill on Friday night. A race put on especially for him, but can he come out on top? Well, Oisin Murphy will have the task of trying to pilot the superstar hurdler. Drawn in stall 12, he’s going to face a battle from the first stride. One thing is for certain, this is a confidence-booster for the gelding, so Murphy isn’t going to be going mad on the former Champion Hurdler. With that in mind, you have to potentially take him on. Square Necker has been heavily supported in recent days and the youthful contender could just outgun Constitution Hill. The pair could fight it out in the closing stages, with Square Necker coming out on top. Tripoli Flyer has been running well over hurdles and can complete the placings.

FAQs

When and where will the SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes be run?

The SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes will take place at Southwell racecourse on Friday 20 February at 7.30pm

How can I watch the SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakesy?

The SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes will be shown live on ITV Racing at 7.30pm.

Who is Steve Chambers?

Steve Chambers is the editor for GG.co.uk and is a senior racing analyst, specialising in race previews, betting insight and feature coverage.

When were the SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes tips published?

The tips for the SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes were published at 9.35am on Thursday 19 February

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