The Listed Weatherbys Digital Solutions August Stakes at Windsor could be the next port of call for Constitution Hill (Blue Bresil), with trainer Nicky Henderson continuing to weigh up all future options as the nine-year-old prepares to return from a midsummer break.
Unbeaten in two starts on the Flat, Constitution Hill was last seen winning a novice event at Kempton in March, with an intended appearance at Newbury the following month having to be shelved due to the prospect of fast ground.
Conditions will continue to dictate plans for the one-time outstanding hurdler as he bids to continue his winning sequence on the Flat, but Henderson is optimistic that the August Stakes – which takes place over 1m3f at Windsor on Saturday, August 29 – will provide a suitable starting point to what could be an adventurous autumn campaign.
“There are other options, but I think the Windsor race is the right one,” said Henderson. “The timing is good and it's a race that looks good for him.
“It's just down the road, we don't have to travel too far, and the Windsor ground hopefully tends to be quite kind. A figure of eight shouldn't worry him and it's 1m3f which should be all right. Most importantly, it's a Listed race and that is ideal for him.
“We don't need to be running in Group races yet, that is for sure. He's coming back from a break, so it'll be the run that is getting him ready for whatever we are aiming at – and I don't have any idea what we are aiming at yet!”
While the short trip across Berkshire to Windsor remains the preferred plan, Henderson will also hand Constitution Hill an entry for Deauville's G2 Prix Kergorlay on Sunday, August 23, a race nominated by Ryan Moore as a possible option after he partnered the son of Blue Bresil at Kempton.
“Ryan always thought that the Prix Kergorlay would be a good race for him, but he can't go to both Deauville and Windsor,” Henderson continued.
“We'll put him in the Kergorlay this morning, but I think Windsor would be my premier option. I just like the idea of running in a Listed race, which I think is the right level for him. After that he can run in a handicap and it opens up plenty of doors.”
He added, “The people from Australia came to see us on Monday. One minute we think the Melbourne Cup will be fun and then the next a stupid idea, but there you go.
“Of course it will be fun, but it has to be sensible fun. There are lots of other options in England, Ireland and France. You do have to bear in mind that he is nine and he's enjoying himself – we're going to enjoy it as well.”
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
