Nicky Henderson expressed confidence leading up to the highly anticipated showdown this Saturday between two formidable contenders, Constitution Hill and The New Lion. Constitution Hill, previously unbeaten in ten races, faced setbacks last season with falls during key races like the Champion Hurdle and the Aintree event.
Henderson disclosed that Constitution Hill underwent a thorough assessment at a specialized equine clinic earlier this season. Despite recent challenges, Constitution Hill is positioned as the third favorite for the upcoming Champion Hurdle, behind Willie Mullins’ mare 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 notable entries including Anzadam and Golden Ace. Bookmakers Coral have close odds on both Constitution Hill and The New Lion, with Anzadam trailing slightly behind.
Henderson expressed readiness for the upcoming race, highlighting the positive feedback from jockey Nico de Boinville after a recent training session. He also mentioned preparations for the journey to Newcastle, emphasizing the importance of familiarizing Constitution Hill with the course.
As the event approaches, Henderson shared insights on the competitive field and the strategic decisions surrounding the race. He confirmed his presence at Newbury for other races, while owner Michael Buckley is set to attend the Newcastle event.