Constitution Hill looks like perfection in equine form and Tuesday is the day he can prove it.
Already ranked on par with legends of the game such as Lanzarote, Bird’s Nest and Bula, Nicky Henderson’s star hurdlesman, unbeaten in five rules starts, has demolished every opponent he has faced to date and it’s hard to imagine. the defeat of a horse yet to let go of the bridle.
The six-year-old boasts all the attributes required in a top-level hurdler: a rock-solid attitude and temperament combined with high cruising speed and brilliant hurdling technique make him the all-around horse. from National Hunt.
With each of his wins to date achieved by a minimum of 12 lengths, it will take something special to stop his rise to greatness.
In any normal year STATE MAN would be a heavy favorite for this race and his presence should ensure this race is not a complete game, while I LIKE TO MOVE IT is unbeaten in three starts over hurdles on Tuesday track and should produce another career record. .
State Man must ensure Champion Hurdle is not a complete romp for Constitution Hill
SELECTION: CONSTITUTION HILL 1-3
MAIN DANGER: STATEMAN 3-1
LIVE OUTSIDER: I LIKE TO MOVE IT 16-1
DIRECTORS
ROBIN GOODFELLOW
PETER SCUDAMORE
LIZZIE KELLY
MICK FITZGERALD
THE PEOPLE OF MARCUS
OF BAD QUALITY
3:30 p.m.
CONSTITUTION HILL
I LIKE TO MOVE IT (EW)
CONSTITUTION HILL
CONSTITUTION HILL
CONSTITUTION HILL
CONSTITUTION HILL
ODD
1/3
1/16
1/3
1/3
1/3
1/3
HORSE TO HORSE GUIDE
CONSTITUTION HILL
He rose to fame with a 22-length success in last year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and has twice beaten former Champion Hurdle winner Epatante by double figures to confirm his billing as the most talented hurdler of his generation.
I LIKE TO MOVE IT
He tore up the field in the Kingwell Hurdle when he jumped more fluidly and has won three of four races on the Old Course, which qualifies him as a podium contender. He can beat his price if his weight stays in this company.
JASON THE MILITANT
Hit in the company handicap on his debut by new connections and it’s hard to imagine him making an impact at this level.
NOT SO SLEEPY
Pounded up Constitution Hill in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle and failed to report for more than three miles at Kempton last time. He is likely to be among the favourites, but a win would be a big shock.
STATESMAN
It would be prohibitively expensive to win this event in any normal year, but Constitution Hill’s presence ensures he is a strong second favourite. It keeps getting better and is unlikely to go down with a whimper.
VAUB AN
Last year’s Triumph Hurdle winner has found life difficult in open company, with State Man twice putting him in his place. The hurdle technique is sometimes questionable, as he’s not the biggest, and a spot may be his best hope in this venture.
ZANAHIYR
Well held in the Irish Champion Hurdle by State Man and the balance of his form suggests he is often one of the top level opponents. He third at last year’s renewal, but was subsequently disqualified after a drug test.
WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY
PETER SCUDAMORE
He is a fearless pundit against Constitution Hill – he has looked brilliant in every race he has run in his career so far and has yet to come under serious threat.
It seems likely that you will be asked the most important question you have ever faced this afternoon and you are sure to find a heightened intensity of competition. That’s a given in one of the biggest races at the Cheltenham Festival. I hope you find the answer.
Its price of 1-3 means that it is not a bet proposition for a small player. State Man clearly looks second best with I Like To Move It, the one to step up if either of the first two fail.
1. Constitution Hill
2. Statesman
3. I like to move it
LIZZIE KELLY
When you’re a jockey, you try to find ways to beat your opponents. The problem for the riders of the six rivals facing Constitution Hill is that they are struggling to find a flaw in their make-up.
He has a temperament to match his ability and is tactically adaptable. His jockey, Nico de Boinville, can lead if he wants to and would be just as comfortable accommodating his mount for a late race if the pace is fast.
You should always expect the unexpected in jumping races, but it’s hard to imagine Constitution Hill being beaten.
1. Constitution Hill
2. Statesman
3. I like to move it
MICK FITZGERALD
I really want to see Constitution Hill strut around. It has impressed people and I hope we get more of the same this afternoon. State Man is the obvious danger and Vauban could be the one to chase them in third.
1. Constitution Hill
2. Statesman
3.Vauban
HOW THE RACE WILL BE RUN
Jason The Militant and Not So Sleepy look like the two most likely runners to cut the race with State Man, Constitution Hill and I Like To Move It sure to be close behind. Vauban usually rides patiently as he can run exuberantly and with this in mind I Like To Move It may be better positioned to challenge for the silver or bronze medal behind Constitution Hill.