Too good to be true? Constitution Hill's only conqueror tackles handicap off 136

Anyharminasking remains the only horse to have done the unthinkable in beating Constitution Hill and now attempts to emulate his old Tipperary point-to-point foe by winning at Cheltenham in the Catesby Estates Handicap Hurdle (3.00).

The five-year-old was extremely fortunate to win that day in April 2021, but even getting close to the now odds-on Champion Hurdle favourite is deemed an achievement in itself. Twelve lengths is the nearest any horse has got to him on a racecourse; it was almost double that in last season's Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

Anyharminasking has been more of a slow-burner since joining Jonjo O'Neill and has an official rating of 136, well below Constitution Hill's 173. He won moderate handicap hurdles at Catterick and Sedgefield last season and caught the eye when third at Huntingdon on Sunday. A new career-best will be required here, however.

Jockey Jonjo O'Neill Jr said: “Two miles around Cheltenham should suit him well. He’s been a little disappointing this season but going back left-handed should help him. His last run was a step back in the right direction.

"If you watch that point-to-point back, he never should have beaten him. Constitution Hill walked through the last and the rider was almost hanging off him."

Punctuation has improved since joining Fergal O'Brien last year and is chasing a fourth straight win, although there are some concerns about the ground.

O'Brien said: “He’s been great for us but ideally he’d want it a bit softer, so we’ll see what the ground is like. He’s done all his winning on soft, but he’s in great form at home and we’re keen to step him up in grade.

"The step back in trip should help him – he was doing a little too much at Uttoxeter last time. In a nicely run race, he’d be able to use his stride and jump away well."

Mullenbeg has a similarly progressive profile for Milton Harris. The five-year-old, who was sent off odds-on on her last visit here but bumped into the smart Queens Gamble in a bumper in April, has come good over hurdles by scoring on her last three outings.

'When she's on song she's really on song'

Amy Murphy is seeking a second Cheltenham success with the in-form Hawthorn Cottage, who will be among the favourites for the 2m4½f handicap chase (1.50) after recording an emphatic victory last time.

The nine-year-old, who was sent off at 25-1 when striking here for Murphy in a bumper in April 2018, has been kept fresh for this contest since bolting up by 30 lengths at Warwick five weeks ago.

"She's in good form and I'm looking forward to running her," said the Newmarket trainer. "We know she goes well around Cheltenham, so that's a bonus. She's had a bit of a hike up the handicap after her Warwick win, but we'll take another 3lb off her with Niall's [Houlihan] claim.

"When she's on song she's really on song and when she wins it's usually by a long way. She was very good last time and we feel she's fresh, so hopefully she can run well again."

Friday previews:

1.30 Bangor: Only The Bold sets the standard as he bids to maintain perfect record for Pipe

2.25 Cheltenham: 'Why will he win? It's a hard question to answer, but he should go well'

3.35 Cheltenham: Can smart chaser Dusart give weight all round over hurdles on his reappearance?

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