Jockey Hector Crocuh is Southwell bound as Constitution Hill headlines the Friday Night Live series, but bids to derail the 9yo’s flat debut. Read his weekend preview, exclusively for kwiff.
Hector Crouch: Big Ask for Constitution Hill at Southwell
There’s a lot of hullabaloo around the debut of Constitution Hill this evening on the tapeta. The gelding is being heralded as an equine superstar and for it to be quite the big deal of him running in a Novice Stakes over a mile and a half.
Whilst some seem to assume he’s the best horse currently in training, it’s important to remember he’s won just one Champion Hurdle – he’s no Istabraq. It will be fascinating to see how he runs this evening, but I will be trying to beat him and I definitely think he’s too short at the current prices.
Constitution Hill: Don’t Believe The Hype
Far from me to be telling Nicky Henderson how to run his horses, but you do have to wonder about his campaigning and whether wrapping a gelding up in cotton wool is best for the horse. When you compare that to of Willie Mullins and how he raced Absurde for example – winning an Ebor and a Breeders’ Cup a year after finishing 5th in a Melbourne Cup. They are racecourses and are bred to be raced.
My runner Mr McCloughlin (7.30) is a big price, but is definitely over-priced at around the mark of 66s. He’s won a few times over hurdles this season and this race has long been a target for the 6yo according to trainer Jack Jones. It looks a good race, with Daddy Long Legs coming over for trainer WIllie Mullins and R L Moore on board, and Amo Racing’s potentially 100-rated Square Necker likely to ensure Constitution Hill is given a good run for his money this evening.
My other ride on the card is Stanley Spencer (6.30) who is well drawn for the 6f Handicap. He got flattened last time out at Chelmsford when trying to keep tabs on a well-backed winner for the Richard Hughes yard. The handicapper has taken a couple of pounds and given his run from the same mark back in November, when second behind a horse now rated 10lb higher, he has to go close. They should go a good clip and he will likely have the race run to suit.
Hector Crouch: Grosser Preis von St. Moritz
I make the journey to Switzerland for the Grosser Preis von St. Moritz which is the feature of the white turf season. I’ll be partnering Lord Melbourne for trainer Ralph Beckett, who carries a good level of form after winning The November Handicap 18 months ago, and then running well in his bid to follow-up in the autumn. Fingers crossed there’s no massive hiccups and we get home in one piece safe and sound.
By Hector Crouch
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