Constitution Hill Most Backed Horse For Cheltenham Glory

We reported this week that the Nicky Henderson-trained Constitution Hill is the most backed horse to succeed at the Cheltenham Festival following his Grade One Tolworth Hurdle win at Sandown on Saturday.

Constitution Hill replaced stablemate Jonbon at the top of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle market with a performance described as ‘very special’ by jockey Nico de Boinville, with his odds cut into 2/1 from 7/2 in the antepost Cheltenham betting.

However, only one winner of the Tolworth Hurdle in the last ten years has gone on to win the Supreme,

…but Henderson will be hoping that either of his pair can land him his fourth win in the race and he is a 4/6 chance to do so.

In contrast, the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle is a far more open market at 6/1 the field. A lot will depend on which race Willie Mullins targets with joint favourite Sir Gerhard, who was very impressive on his seasonal bow over 2 miles at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival.

He could well be a single price favourite if Mullins decides to swerve Henderson’s Jonbon and Constitution Hill in the Supreme and opt for the longer race having won it four times in the past.

Journey With Me is 6/1 joint favourite alongside Sir Gerhard with Stage Star and Ginto both 7/1.

Blazing Khal has been supported since winning over course and distance last month and is a well backed current 4/1 favourite to win the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.

Trainer Charles Byrnes is no stranger to Festival success and compares this horse very closely with his 2009 winner Weapons Amnesty.

He is likely to have his final prep race at the Dublin Racing Festival with his odds expected to shorten even further.

*Prices correct at time of publication