Boost to Constitution Hill's chances of running at Southwell as field size increased to 14

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The BHA has approved a plan for Southwell to increase its stable capacity, handing a boost to Constitution Hill's hopes of making his Flat debut at the track on Friday night.

The 2023 Champion Hurdle hero is among 31 eligible entries for the £40,000 SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes over 1m4f, and his place in the final line-up was put in jeopardy on Sunday when he was placed 16th on the priority list for protection from elimination in a race with a maximum field of 12. 

If that remains the case come declaration time on Wednesday morning, Nicky Henderson and Michael Buckley will require four horses above Constitution Hill in the ballot list to come out in order to get a run.

The field-size limit for the race can be raised to 14 runners if stabling capacity allows, a prospect which looked bleak when 241 entries were received across the eight races, with one of the three handicaps which open the card almost certain to be divided.

However, the BHA has approved a plan for Southwell to enlarge its stabling capacity from 108 to 110 boxes, and the extra two spots will be allocated to allow Constitution Hill's race to be run as a 14-runner contest.

That still requires two horses from the 15 above Henderson's star to not be declared and, among the trainers who replied to the Racing Post, Secret Squirrel looks the least likely contender to line up, having finished third in the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle on Saturday.

His trainer Hughie Morrison said: "Star Artist is a runner. I only put Secret Squirrel in the race in case something happened with Wincanton last Saturday." 

Paul Nicholls is yet to commit Nardaran to the Southwell race. He said: "We’re undecided about Friday. It depends on how he works on Wednesday morning."

Charlie Johnston is "leaning towards running" Tide Lines but will wait and see what else is declared, while Kevin Philippart de Foy, Dan Skelton, David O'Meara, Jamie Osborne, Fergal O'Brien and Jim and Suzi Best all indicated their entries are intended runners. 

Daddy Long Legs will make the trip to Southwell for a potential clash with Constitution Hill on FridayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Willie Mullins' son and assistant Patrick Mullins hopes Constitution Hill makes the line-up, where he will face Daddy Long Legs. 

"Daddy Long Legs is an intended runner," said Mullins. "He’s always shown an awful lot of speed, he seems to like good ground and although he hasn’t run in a long time, we’re not sending him over for the fresh air. 

"Constitution Hill has beaten us plenty but maybe we can put one over on him on Friday."

Explaining the move to increase the stabling capacity, the BHA's head of racing and betting Tom Byrne said: "Two additional stable boxes have been made available at Southwell’s fixture on Friday following a proposal by the racecourse which has been approved by the BHA.

Southwell's marquee novice race on Friday will have a field-size limit of 14

“This means that the stabling capacity for the fixture has increased from 108 to 110, and as a result the field size limit for the SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes is up to 14 from 12. This will now guarantee that a maximum of 14 runners will get into the race following Wednesday’s declarations.

"The additional stabling capacity has been allocated to the Class 2 SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes considering the high demand for the race and that it is number one in the race sequence should any capacity otherwise arise due to the declaration numbers in other races."

Byrne added: "It is important to note that no horse who might currently expect to get a run at Southwell on Friday is being prevented from doing so following this field size limit increase. Should any stabling capacity become available after declarations, the Class 3 handicap will remain eligible to increase up to a maximum of 14. 

“The additional stable boxes meet the same standards as other stables at the racecourse, as approved by the BHA inspector of courses.” 

Declarations for the Southwell card will close at 10 on Wednesday morning.

SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes, 7.30 Southwell, Friday
Sky Bet: 4-6 Constitution Hill, 7-4 Square Necker, 7-2 Daddy Long Legs, 13-2 Tripoli Flyer, 8 Jupiter Ammon, 9 Gambino, 12 Grazeon Sunshine, 14 bar.

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Southwell race sponsor 'would love to see' Constitution Hill but still happy with bumper backing of £40,000 novice 

Constitution Hill could be denied Southwell Flat debut with random draw taking place on Sunday 

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