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Can anything beat Tolworth Hurdle winner Constitution Hill in the Supreme?

Constitution Hill (Nico de Boinville) jumps the final flight to win the Tolworth Novices' HurdleSandown 8.1.22 Pic: Edward Whitaker
Constitution Hill jumps the last with a clear lead in the Tolworth Novices' Hurdle at SandownCredit: Edward Whitaker

'De Boinville's reaction was telling'

I was firmly in the Jonbon camp before the Tolworth, but – like Nico de Boinville – I was blown away by what Constitution Hill did at Sandown.

Connections aren't always keen on horses being called freaks, but it is often meant only in complimentary regard to their pride and joy's talents and Constitution Hill certainly seems to have an abnormal level of ability, along with an exceptional temperament.


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Those qualities are not lost on De Boinville, who isn't prone to getting carried away and his reaction was almost as striking as his mount's stunning performance.
James Burn, Lambourn correspondent

'It is difficult to believe he will not be very much the one to beat'

No horse is ever unbeatable two months before a race – eight weeks is an awful long time for the slings and arrows of outrageous setbacks to scupper the most confident of ante-post bets.

There are also several other lightly raced novices who could well come out and show they are top-notchers: nobody would be surprised if the hugely promising Jonbon or El Fabiolo – or both – did something spectacular between now and March 15.

But should Constitution Hill turn up sound on the day, it is difficult to believe he will not be very much the one to beat.
David Carr, reporter

'Sir Gerhard could be this year's Champagne Fever'

Constitution Hill can certainly be beaten in the Supreme and it won't be from another Nicky Henderson stablemate, but a rival from the yard of Willie Mullins.

The form trends of the Tolworth for Supreme winners is enough to keep me hesitant with only one winner of the Supreme from it in the last decade.

Sir Gerhard: not to be forgotten for the Supreme says Matt Rennie
Sir Gerhard: not to be forgotten for the Supreme says Matt RennieCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

I would need his form to be substantially boosted before I would consider backing Constitution Hill, and the buzzy Jonbon could be overcome by the occasion, which leaves me with the Cheltenham proven Sir Gerhard.

He dominated a Champion Bumper field – some hurdles are in his way this time – but you could not fault his jumping on his debut at Leopardstown, where he cruised to victory.

It could be reminiscent of the 2013 Supreme where My Tent Or Yours, Jezki and the slightly lesser fancied Champagne Fever clashed. Sir Gerhard could be this year's Champagne Fever.
Matt Rennie, reporter


Read more Saturday reports . . .

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Published on 8 January 2022inReports

Last updated 10:46, 10 January 2022

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