Constitution Hill returns to the spotlight this weekend in the September Stakes at Kempton.
Few horses have captured racing's imagination quite like Constitution Hill, and this weekend he's back in the spotlight once again, this time on a very different stage. The former Champion Hurdle hero, who tore through the jumps ranks unbeaten before a string of falls forced Nicky Henderson to abandon hurdling altogether, has found a new lease of life on the Flat. Two starts, two wins, and now comes a real test: a first taste of Group company in Saturday's William Hill September Stakes at Kempton. Henderson has been coy about ambitious targets, a possible Melbourne Cup bid has been floated more than once, but first things first, connections need to see how their nine-year-old measures up against genuine Group 1-class opposition. It's a fascinating puzzle, and one that promises to tell us plenty about where this remarkable horse goes next.
When is Constitution Hill Running?
Constitution Hill lines up in the Group 3 William Hill September Stakes at Kempton on Saturday, with the race off at 2.50. It's his third start since switching codes and his first outing since a comfortable success at the same track back in March, following a lengthy break that Henderson always earmarked for an autumn reappearance. Billy Loughnane takes the ride, with the nine-year-old stepping up from novice company into the deep end against seasoned Group performers for the very first time.
September Stakes Constitution Hill Odds
Here's how the market currently shapes up for Saturday's feature at Kempton:
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Gethin | 11/8 |
| Tornado Alert | 7/2 |
| Constitution Hill | 4/1 |
| Pride of Arras | 9/2 |
| Bay City Roller | 8/1 |
| Warrant Holder | 12/1 |
| Arabian Crown | 16/1 |
| Almeric | 20/1 |
| Dubai Future | 20/1 |
| Lions Pride | 25/1 |
| By The Book | 25/1 |
| Small Fry | 25/1 |
| Paddy The Squire | 33/1 |
| Watch My Tracer | 100/1 |
Constitution Hill sits third in the betting, but on official ratings he's arguably flattered by that position — he's among the lowest-rated runners in the field on adjusted figures, and this represents a significant step up in grade from anything he's faced on turf so far.
Who is favourite to win the September Stakes at Kempton?
Gethin heads the market at 11/8 and does so on solid credentials. Owen Burrows' colt is unbeaten at Kempton, returns to a track that clearly suits, and has been running well above Listed level all year, pushing subsequent Eclipse hero Ombudsman close at Sandown before a below-par run at Sandown's showpiece that most shrewd judges are prepared to forgive.
Behind him, Tornado Alert represents the biggest each-way threat at 7/2. Saeed bin Suroor's Group 1-winning colt was frustrated for a run in Germany last time but boasts the kind of top-level form few in this field can match, and there's a strong case that he's crying out for this step up in trip.
The obvious complication is Bay City Roller. On pure form he'd start a warm favourite, a demolition job in the Coronation Cup at Epsom marks him out as clearly superior on paper, but he's carrying a 7lb penalty and his participation is far from certain, with connections still weighing up a switch to the Prix Foy depending on conditions across the Channel.
As for Constitution Hill himself, the sentimental heart says one thing, but the form book says another. He needs to find significant improvement on his Flat form to date, and with a lengthy absence since his last outing, patience may be required. A big run here wouldn't just be about Saturday, though, it could shape whether Melbourne beckons, or whether a future in domestic handicaps awaits this most beloved of racehorses.
Constitution Hill Melbourne Cup Odds
Connections have already entered Constitution Hill for the Melbourne Cup, but plenty of hurdles remain before any Flemington adventure becomes reality. He'd need to finish inside the top three at Kempton just to keep that dream alive, then navigate a lengthy quarantine process, stringent veterinary checks, and a 10,000-mile journey into conditions he's never done before. Even with a wetter-than-usual Melbourne spring, the fast ground typically associated with the race makes it a stretch. A big-priced success might instead point towards a more realistic assault on Britain's major autumn handicaps.
He is a 25/1 shot to win the Melbourne Cup as things stand.
