Supreme Favours Constitution Hill Amidst Eight Entries For Tolworth

Constitution Hill, who is Supreme’s second favourite, might have to be facing up to eight rivals in his second start as he prepares for the Unibet Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle (2.25) at Sandown on Saturday.

Trained by Nicky Henderson, the five-year-old dropped an impressive performance on his debut for the novice hurdle over course and distance last month, which has, in turn, made him an odds-on favourite with the sponsors to watch out for in Grade 1 group.

He was able to race past the now 135-rated Might I by 14 lengths during the race and the Harry Fry-trained could return to pose another challenge with his stable Metier.

The other rivals that are likely to be included in the race are the famous Shall we have one more for Gary Moore, and Mr Glass, who is currently on an unbeaten run in two races over hurdles this season for Paul Nicholls.

It could also be said to be a huge day for trainer Ryan Potter, who entered Jetoile, and claimed an easy win at Chepstow and Leicester on his last two starts, in a £70,000 campaign.

Owned by Michael Buckley, Constitution Hill became a general 4-1 runner-up favourite for the Supreme only come after 9-4 favourite and also stable mate Jonbon, who was among the tips given for these racing tipsters ahead. He was also made a 12-1 chance for the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle.

Reuniting once more in the Listed Unibet 3 UniboostsA Day Mares’ Hurdle (12.40) is the Shark Hanlon-trained Skyace and Willie Mullins-trained Gauloise in a Fairyhouse Grade 1 in April.

Martello Sky, which is trained by Lucy Wadham, on the other hand, could lead the home challenge, as Harry Fry-trained White hot chillifili aims to claim back-to-back wins in the 2m4f contest this season.

In other news, Paul Nolan has been reported to be considering a run in the Cleeve Hurdle for Mrs Milner before bidding for a second Cheltenham Festival win in March.

The six-year-old mare claimed victory in Pertemps Final at the event in the Cotswolds last March and went on to make an impressive start to the new campaign having scored a Listed prize at Limerick in October.

Nolan confirmed his disappointment when his mare finished fourth in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury in her recent appearance, but he remains confident that she will make a comeback.

Her Festival target for this season is the Mares’ Hurdle, and she could feature at Prestbury Park for Festival Trials Day at the end of January.

Speaking to the media, Nolan said: “She went into her shell a bit after her run last time at Newbury. It took more out of her than we thought.

“She didn’t run to the line and Bryan (Cooper) was never happy with her. Obviously there must have been something underlying.

“Hopefully we will see a different mare the next day. She looks great at home again and has put on a bit of weight.

“The plan is either to go straight to Cheltenham for the Mares’ Hurdle or go there with a run before in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham.”