Constitution Hill's Path to the Sky Bet Ebor: A Race Against Time
Nicky Henderson is in a race against time to get Constitution Hill ready for the prestigious Sky Bet Ebor at York on August 22nd. With entries closing on July 7th, the nine-year-old must complete a third qualifying run on the level by July 18th to be eligible for the £500,000 handicap.
The Hurdling Star's Flat Transition
Constitution Hill's transition from hurdling to flat racing has been a challenging journey. Since his hurdling career ended, he has only raced twice on the flat, winning novice races over 1m4f at Southwell and Kempton Park in February and March, respectively. These victories, while impressive, are not enough to meet the Weights and Handicapping Code's requirement of three runs.
The Ground Challenge
The summer ground conditions present a significant challenge for Henderson. With summer ground prevalent, Constitution Hill would need to be supplemented for the Group 2 Princess Of Wales’s Stakes at Newmarket's July Festival, a costly endeavor at £12,000. This race, scheduled for July 9th, is one of the few remaining options for Constitution Hill to gain the necessary third run before the Ebor.
Newbury's Steventon Stakes: A Potential Solution
Henderson's preference is to keep Constitution Hill closer to home, and the Listed Steventon Stakes at Newbury Racecourse on July 18th provides an ideal opportunity. This 10-furlong race is the final date to secure the third run before the Ebor, and it aligns with the horse's comfort zone. However, the mid-July rain could be a welcome addition to soften the ground, as connections aim to avoid the rattling quick summer conditions.
The Ebor Qualification Dilemma
With limited options, the Ebor qualification seems uncertain for Constitution Hill. Despite being the 12/1 second favorite with the sponsors, his two novice wins might not be sufficient. The Group 2 Lonsdale Cup over two miles on the Friday of the York meeting could be a potential fallback, but it's a risky move given his novice status.
The Autumn Outlook
If all else fails, Henderson may have to wait until the autumn to resume Constitution Hill's racing career. The current situation highlights the delicate balance between maintaining a horse's form and meeting the rigorous qualification criteria for prestigious races.
In my opinion, the challenge lies in the timing and the horse's limited experience on the flat. Henderson's decision to keep Constitution Hill closer to home is a strategic move, but the pressure to meet the qualification deadline is immense. The outcome of this race against time will determine Constitution Hill's future in the world of racing.
