Constitution Hill 1/5 to win second Flat race at Kempton

Racing fans will once again find themselves captivated on Wednesday evening as Constitution Hill makes his second start on the Flat at Kempton.

The 2023 Champion Hurdle winner made headlines around the globe last month when romping to a nine-and-a-half-length success at Southwell on the level, having switched codes following a number of high-profile falls over obstacles.

Such was the dominance shown on debut, Nicky Henderson and connections have opted to make the move to Flat racing a permanent one for their nine-year-old superstar – and he will be out to extend his perfect record in his new discipline when heading to Surrey later this week.

As of Monday afternoon, seven rivals are set to line up against Constitution Hill in the 7.30pm Virgin Bet Novice Stakes over 1m4f.

But bookmakers are taking cover second time around after punters flocked to back the icon at an SP of 6/4 on debut, with all manner of winning distance bets also copping his followers handsome returns.

Constitution Hill is currently no bigger than 1/5 to win his second Flat race at Kempton on Wednesday evening, with his nearest market rival Classical Allusion rated a 5/1 chance and double-figure or bigger quotes offered about the remainder of the field.

Moore steps in for banned Murphy

Oisin Murphy, who was in the plate for that electric victory last time out, is set to serve an unfortunately timed eight-day ban for the totting up of whip overuse offences, with his suspension beginning on Tuesday (24/03).

There is an able replacement on hand however, with three-time Champion Jockey turned globetrotter Ryan Moore set to take the reins in his place.

Trainer Henderson, who saddled three winners at this year's Cheltenham Festival, admits the Kempton outing is less about practice and more about securing a handicap mark for his star performer.

Henderson said: "We’re not running him for experience or anything like that, he doesn’t need experience. The crux of it is we probably need to get him a handicap mark and so this is the second leg.

"Whatever we decide to do next, we’ve talked about the John Porter (Newbury on April 18). That is three and half weeks after Kempton, we could possibly do that and then he’s had his three runs and then he’s got a mark which opens up all avenues.

"We’ve no idea what he is, nobody knows what rating he’ll get. You can’t judge it after one run and nor can I."

Though the future is currently an unknown for Constitution Hill, bookmakers are taking no chances with regards to ante post markets. He is currently the early 16/1 favourite for York's prestigious Ebor handicap in August, while he's no bigger than 20/1 for Australia's Melbourne Cup in November.

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