Honeysuckle vs Constitution Hill – it’s the probable Punchestown showdown that divides the racing public, including oddschecker’s Andy Holding, Architect Tips and Steve Ryder.
Both Honeysuckle and Constitution Hill have been entered for the Champion Hurdle at Punchestown on April 29th, but who wins? Henry de Bromhead's unbeaten 'Queen' or Nicky Henderson's rampant Supreme Novices' Hurdle winning ‘Machine’?
| TIPSTER | SELECTION |
|---|---|
| Andy Holding | Constitution Hill |
| Architect Tips | Honeysuckle |
| Steve Ryder | Honeysuckle |
Andy Holding – Constitution Hill
We are all accused of overhyping horses and wanting to anoint so-called champions without concrete evidence, but that certainly isn't the case where Constitution Hill is concerned.
"His overall speed figure came out as the best of all the 28 races run over the four days"
Extremely impressive on the figures going into Cheltenham, Nicky Henderson's gelding went on to post an even bigger number in the opening Supreme Novices' Hurdle and after all the dust had settled, his overall speed figure came out as the best of all the 28 races run over the four days, which is saying something considering the comparisons were drawn against the likes of Allaho, A Plus Tard and Energumene.
Just as importantly, he also managed to run quicker in pretty much every department of his two-mile Grade 1 race than Honeysuckle did when she landed the Champion Hurdle over the same C&D an hour later, so the conclusion to draw can only be an extremely positive one in favour of the younger horse.
Moreover, Jonbon, beaten 22 lengths back in second, went on to boost the form in a major way at Aintree last week, and it wasn't as if he was driven right out towards the line to thrash his stable companion. How much more to come is anyone's guess, but if he does improve even just a little more as time progresses, he will be a formidable opponent for the current champion when they eventually do meet.
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Architect Tips - Honeysuckle
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Constitution Hill and two-time Champion Hurdle heroine Honeysuckle could be set for a mouthwatering mega-showdown in the Paddy Power Champion Hurdle if both are declared at the final stage before the race.
Honeysuckle is currently the early favourite at 8/11 with Constitution Hill close in behind at 6/4 in a race that has seen a strong field of 10 horses entered at this stage.
Of the two superstars, I would definitely stick with Honeysuckle, who’s been to Punchestown Festival and wore the t-shirt. I just get the impression that she’s got more in the locker if it comes down to a battle between the pair.
Don’t get me wrong, Constitution Hill is clearly a top-class horse with the world at his feet but going into the lion’s den on just his fourth hurdles start under rules against an undefeated mare who’s clearly at the top of her game might be asking too much of him at such an early stage of his career.
Steve Ryder - Honeysuckle
The much anticipated potential clash between Honeysuckle and Constitution Hill at Punchestown will have many sitting on the fence but also many pundits and punters who will have a strong opinion on the most likely winner.
Personally, I would always favour proven form over potential, even if Constitution Hill has also proved himself to be a Grade 1 novice following his 22-length romp in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Jonbon’s victory at Aintree further enhanced the form of the race and I have no doubt Constitution Hill win will a Grade 1 in open company next season but facing Honeysuckle as a novice is a different test all together.
Henry de Bromhead’s star mare is unbeaten in all 16 of her races and looked as good as ever when winning the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham this year by 3 1/2 lengths.
Both second place Epatante and third Zanahiyr were fighting out the finish the Aintree Hurdle to boost that form and I would just favour the mare in this potential clash in receipt of 7lbs.
Honeysuckle Constitution Hill
— oddschecker Racing (@oddsRacing) April 12, 2022
It’s the probable Punchestown showdown that divides the racing public, including oddschecker’s @holding_andy, @Architect_Tips and @SteveRyder13.
Who are you backing?https://t.co/d4QxfTxmdb
