Nicky Henderson: “Constitution Hill has done everything he’s been asked and it goes without saying I wouldn’t swap him for anything in the world”

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL – TUESDAY

2:10 G1 Arkle Chase

Jonbon (Aidan Coleman)

He had his final school last Monday where he went up twice and was excellent as always so he comes into this ready to go. He wasn’t impressive at Warwick in the Kingmaker, and had a very good blow afterwards, but we’ve done plenty with him since and he’s also been away to gallop. Warwick was very much a prep race for this so always knew he was going to come on for that and he’s cherry ripe now. We have previous form with El Fabiolo, and there’s not much between them on their Aintree run over hurdles last April. This is going to be a great race and the field has really held up but apart from the Supreme last year, he’s unbeaten and I’m really look forward to it.

3:30 G1 Unibet Champion Hurdle

Constitution Hill (Nico de Boinville)

There is very little I can say that hasn’t already been said or seen so now it’s simply a case of letting him continue to do the talking and let’s hope he can do what we all wish he will. Thankfully everything has gone well since the Christmas Hurdle and he enjoyed an away day at Kempton a couple of weeks ago which will have done him good so he comes here as good as we can get him.

State Man is a very obvious danger, and looked good at Leopardstown last time, but Constitution Hill has done everything he’s been asked and it goes without saying I wouldn’t swap him for anything in the world.

Unibet are TOP INDUSTRY PRICE EVERY RUNNER in the Champion Hurdle!

4:10 G1 Mares’ Hurdle

Marie’s Rock (Nico de Boinville)

We were toying with the idea of running in the Stayers’ on Thursday, and the decision was left as late as we dared, but the weather forecast is very unpredictable which helped us make our mind up and I think it is the right decision. Going up to three miles for the first time in a Stayers’ Hurdle is a big ask in itself, but on potentially soft ground as well, I think you can understand why we opted to give her the chance to retain her crown. She is a top class Mare who was brilliant in the Relkeel and as the reigning Mares Champion she  has very, very obvious claims.

Epatante (Aidan Coleman)

Apart from bumping into a certain Constitution Hill twice this season she has been pretty much exemplary in everything else and we have always really wanted to run here, rather than the Unibet Champion Hurdle, because she has an excellent chance against her own sex and I must admit she has been in fantastic form at home. We know she gets the trip well and handles soft so has plenty in her favour and on ratings there is absolutely nothing between her and Marie’s Rock.

Theatre Glory (Daryl Jacob)

She has been a grand mare for her owners Canter Banter Racing and was very impressive at Warwick last time which was why the decision was made to supplement for this rather than run in the Coral Cup. She has to improve a little, and wouldn’t want the ground too soft, but she deserves to take her chance and I really hope she runs a nice race and gives everyone a great day out.

Unibet are paying an EXTRA PLACE in this race!

4:50 Boodles Handicap Hurdle

Arclight (Nico de Boinville) RESERVE

She needs a couple to come out to get a run but she was very good on her first two runs over hurdles and wasn’t disgraced at Doncaster last time in what was a ‘funny’ race. If she sneaks in down at the bottom I certainly think she has solid each way claims and she won’t mind the ground.

Unibet are paying EXTRA PLACES in this race!

5:30 National Hunt Chase

Mister Coffey (Mr Derek O’Connor)

He has a few more seconds next to his name than I’d like but he’s a very talented horse who has to have soft ground and go left handed, both of which he has here. Derek O’Connor is one of the best in the game in races like this and is a professional in all but name. He’s in the Grand National and, all being well, that’s where we’d like to go, but it would be nice to pick this up on the way!

Unibet are BOOSTING the favourite in this race (from Noon).