Constitution Hill won't run in the Fighting Fifth at Sandown - so who remains in the mix for Grade 1 glory?

The mighty Constitution Hill won't run in the Fighting Fifth at Sandown on Saturday, so who's left to challenge for Grade 1 glory?

'Ideal' race for Love Envoi's return

The Fighting Fifth's switch to Sandown and the fact it takes place a week later suits the connections of Love Envoi, who won the 2022 Mares' Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham and was denied a second festival win only by the mighty Honeysuckle in March.

Love Envoi: mare has been off since the springCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Her trainer Harry Fry said: "It's definitely a plus to have the extra time as she came back to us later than normal after picking up an injury when she ran at Punchestown in the spring. It's disappointing for Newcastle to lose this race, but having it at Sandown is welcome as she's three from three there and it will play more to her strengths than Newcastle.

"This is no small challenge taking on Constitution Hill [who no longer runs]. We're well aware who we're up against, but it's an ideal start for us and we're looking forward to it."

What they say

Gary Moore, trainer of Goshen
I'm well aware he's got little or no chance of winning the race and we're just running for place money.

Hughie Morrison, trainer of Not So Sleepy
I'm pleased they saved the race, but I thought it should have gone to Aintree, which is another flat, left-handed track, like Newcastle. We're there as a 66-1 chance, but his run in the Cesarewitch last time was a smashing one when you consider the weight he was carrying as an 11-year-old, and he's been in super form at home since.

Jamie Snowden, trainer of You Wear It Well
I suppose Sandown and the stiffer track is better for her than Newcastle because stamina is in her pedigree and she won the Jane Seymour over two and a half miles last season. I was really impressed with her win at Wetherby last time, which was a career-best in my mind, and she's definitely grown and strengthened through the summer. She could improve again and has a run under her belt, which some of these don't, but we're under no illusions when it comes to the enormity of the task – it's monumental. In the absence of a suitable race for her at the time of year, it's worth a crack though.
Reporting by James Burn

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