'I think he'd beat Honeysuckle' - handicapper raves over Constitution Hill

Constitution Hill has been awarded the highest ever BHA rating for a novice hurdler since the Anglo-Irish jumps classifications began in the 1999-2000 season and the handicapper responsible for his mark is confident he would beat the mighty Honeysuckle if they met.

Nicky Henderson's five-year-old has been given a rating of 170 for his 22-length demolition job in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, eclipsing Iris's Gift, who was rated 168 after finishing second to Baracouda in the 2003 Stayers' Hurdle as a novice.

Constitution Hill's mark is also at least 10lb higher than every other Supreme winner in that time. Altior and Appreciate It have come closest, while Constitution Hill is 11lb higher than Shishkin and Douvan and 12lb above Vautour and Champagne Fever.