Constitution Hill v Honeysuckle: who would win in a showdown?

'He has the game to down her'

By James Burn, Lambourn correspondent

It was illuminating that Constitution Hill's owner Michael Buckley floated the idea of a Punchestown clash 48 hours before his new superstar's demolition job in the Supreme and plenty will want front-row seats for what would be a mouthwatering showdown on April 29.

If any horse has the game to down Honeysuckle, it would appear to be Constitution Hill, who might – given the freakish talent he seems to possess – still be in second gear when she attempts her trademark move of tearing away from the field just as things are heating up.

They may have been too hot for Constitution Hill's stablemate Epatante, who fluffed the last when attempting her challenge in the Champion Hurdle, but Nicky Henderson's Seven Barrows yard might not have to wait long for revenge.

Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle: full result and race replay

'I would 100 per cent be in his camp'

By Robbie Wilders, The Ante-Postman

Immediately after the Supreme I thought Constitution Hill's performance might have been good enough to win the Champion Hurdle later in the afternoon and I'm standing by that.

He broke the track record despite Nico de Boinville easing him down some way out and gesturing the crowd for good measure. It was a sensational display. Admittedly the relentless pace contributed to the rapid time but Constitution Hill barely looked like he'd been in a race.

He's defeated an unbeaten, high-class stablemate in Jonbon by 22 lengths and my only frustration is that Dysart Dynamo didn't stay on his feet. We don't yet know how the two weight up by comparison.

You can't crab Honeysuckle as she keeps winning and is undoubtedly an all-time great. However, Teahupoo didn't run his race, Appreciate It clearly needed the run and she has beaten Epatante and Zanahiyr in a similar fashion to previous victories.

I would 100 per cent be in Constitution Hill's camp if he meets Honeysuckle in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle. There is no point sticking to the novice route.

Constitution Hill smashes course record with 'staggering' Supreme success

'I firmly believe Constitution Hill is a freak of nature'

By Owen Goulding, reporter

Both Honeysuckle and Constitution Hill looked special, but I firmly believe Constitution Hill is a freak of nature and he is the one who I will be siding with when they clash. Arguably, that Supreme performance could have won him the Champion Hurdle and the time backs up that theory.

The way he quickened clear of Jonbon took my breath away and given that he is just a five-year-old, he is nowhere near the finished article and that is a frightening prospect. If they clash at Punchestown, I will be all over Constitution Hill.

That being said, I have seen quotes of 2-1 for next year's Champion Hurdle and I would not be rushing to be on at that price with a year to go – it is a bit early for that talk!

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