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On a day packed with Cheltenham clues, what was the biggest one?

Constitution Hill (right) impressed Nicky Henderson and David Jennings
Constitution Hill (right) impressed Nicky Henderson and David JenningsCredit: Edward Whitaker

The action came thick and fast on Saturday, with plenty of Cheltenham Festival pointers at Sandown, Aintree and Navan. Our experts pick out the horses they really took from the day with March in mind.


'I was blown away by Constitution Hill'

Where do you start? Perhaps the opener at Sandown where I was blown away by Constitution Hill. I am a big fan of Might I, and if you told me before the race that he would beat Outlaw Peter by 17 lengths I would have presumed he was an impressive winner.

For him to be beaten 14 lengths in the manner he was must mean the Seven Barrows-based novice is a potential superstar. He simply must be.

He could even be better than Jonbon, and odds of 8-1 for the Supreme look fine to me.

Edwardstone was very good, but can he beat Appreciate It, Ferny Hollow or Bob Olinger? I doubt it. Ginto looks a live candidate for the Albert Bartlett.
David Jennings, deputy Ireland editor


'If King believes Edwardstone is up to that standard, you have to take notice'

As opposed to staying chasers, the two-mile division is often a seamless progression from the top-rated hurdlers and in that respect, a horse like Edwardstone has ground to make up with Appreciate It and company.

ESHER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 04: Tom Cannon riding Edwardstone clear the last to win The Close Brothers Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown Park on December 04, 2021 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
Edwardstone showed speed and stamina at SandownCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

But if Alan King – who has only saddled two runners in the Arkle since his victories in 2006 and 2007 – believes he is up to that standard, you have to take notice.

What will have stood him in particular stead for Cheltenham was the way he didn't get taken out of his rhythm by the pace Third Time Lucki went up front, while another plus is that he is bred to stay further.
Scott Burton, reporter


More evidence of future Henderson stars

The way Constitution Hill tore away from his Sandown rivals suggests Nicky Henderson was on the money when saying what a talented crop of novice hurdlers he had for this season – something also witnessed last week when Jonbon dazzled at Newbury.

Those two are likely to be near the top of a bright bunch so expect the stable to put right the fact it had no novice hurdle runners at the festival last season, and the wait for the next cab off the rank might not be long as Balco Coastal appears at Huntingdon on Sunday.
James Burn, Lambourn correspondent


Read more here

'I can't speak' - tumultuous week ends in glory for Bryony Frost on Greaneteen

'Extraordinary creature' Constitution Hill 10-1 for Supreme after powerful win

Edwardstone downs favourite Third Time Lucki to land first Grade 1 for Cannon

Mum's the word as brave Snow Leopardess clings on over the National fences

'Unbelievable' Protektorat cruises to 25-length Many Clouds Chase win

Gordon Elliott achieves astonishing seven-timer at Navan


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Published on 4 December 2021inReports

Last updated 16:59, 4 December 2021

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