Conny Hill long odds-on to make it two from two
Constitution Hill is 2/71.29 favourite to win the Virgin Bet Novice Stakes at Kempton on Wednesday 25 March in what will be his second appearance on the Flat.
The two-time Cheltenham Festival winner has been switched from National Hunt racing to Flat racing after worrying falls in three of his last four starts over hurdles. He made his Flat debut at Southwell on 20 February and put in a scintillating performance, one which convinced trainer Nicky Henderson and owner Michael Buckley to keep him on the level.
Ryan Moore looks set to take over the ride with Oisin Murphy - who rode him to victory at Southwell - out due to suspension next week.
Speaking to the Press Association Henderson said, "Obviously Oisin is suspended, but there are plenty of good jockeys around, I know that. Of course it would have helped if he could have ridden him because he knows him, but it's one of those unfortunate things."
Constitution Hill is set to meet eight rivals with the 83-rated Sea Of Kings his main market rival currently (3/14.00), though the field size could be reduced or increased at Monday's 48-hour declaration stage.
Obtaining a handicap mark the aim
Henderson went on to say that Constitution Hill doesn't need next week's outing for experience, but more to obtain a handicap mark for future engagements.
"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", Henderson later said.
Should all go well on Wednesday night then the John Porter at Newbury on 18 April is likely to be Constitution Hill's next target, with races like the Ebor Handicap at York and the Melbourne Cup in Australia other possible 'big-race' targets should he continue to perform well in his new career.
Constitution Hill is currently available to back at 25/126.00 in the antepost Ebor market, while he's 20/121.00 to win the Melbourne Cup in November.