Renowned trainer Nicky Henderson remains calm and confident leading up to the anticipated showdown between seasoned veteran Constitution Hill and the rising star The New Lion this Saturday. Constitution Hill, a former unbeaten champion in jump racing, faced setbacks in recent races, including falls during the Champion Hurdle and at Aintree.
Ahead of the new season, Henderson took proactive measures by sending Constitution Hill for an extensive evaluation at a specialized equine facility. Despite recent challenges, Constitution Hill is positioned as the third favorite in the upcoming Champion Hurdle, trailing behind the likes of Lossiemouth and The New Lion.
The upcoming BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle will witness a face-off between Constitution Hill and The New Lion, with other contenders including Anzadam and Golden Ace. Bookmakers like Coral have the two frontrunners closely matched in odds, creating an exciting competition for fans.
Expressing optimism, Henderson stated that there is no undue pressure, highlighting the progress made with Constitution Hill compared to the previous season. As preparations continue, jockey Nico de Boinville’s positive feedback after a recent training session adds to the team’s confidence.
With the race dynamics evolving, Henderson mentioned considering additional strategies, such as potential pacemakers, to enhance their chances. While Henderson will be attending the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, owner Michael Buckley is set to oversee Constitution Hill’s performance at the upcoming event.