Nicky Henderson: “I am extremely happy with Constitution Hill and my confidence in him has not waned”

AINTREE – THURSDAY

1:45 G1 Manifesto Novices’ Chase

Jango Baie (Nico De Boinville)

It was quite remarkable what happened in the Arkle; the plan was to go out and make it, but he couldn’t lay up and looked a very unlikely winner jumping the last, but his stamina really kicked in up the hill and he got up to score a shade cosily in the end under a great ride by Nico. The step back up to two and a half will obviously suit much better and he’s won and finished second here (over hurdles), so the track won’t be a problem.

This is a very competitive affair, however, and I have a lot of respect for Impaire Et Passé, who has cheek pieces on for the first time, and Gidleigh Park was good at Windsor, but Jango Baie has come out of Cheltenham in great shape and if he’s in the same form here, he should go very close.

Unibet are paying Money Back as Cash if your selection finishes 2nd or 3rd in this race.

3:30 G1 Aintree Hurdle

Constitution Hill (Nico De Boinville)

It was extremely unfortunate what happened in the Unibet Champion Hurdle, which was devastating for all of us, but unfortunately that is jump racing, and we were able to dust ourselves off and be here to fight another day.

Marcus Foley has done plenty of loose schooling with Constitution Hill and Nico has ridden him as well and hopefully we’ve ironed out any issues that caused a momentary ‘lack of concentration’. Everything comes easy to him so we’ve had to bring him back and remind him that these hurdles must be jumped and that they’re not just a bump in the road!

He has been absolutely bouncing at home which is why we made the decision to run and he won this race a couple of years ago, so we know two and a half isn’t an issue.

Lossiemouth was exceptional at Cheltenham, and she receives a very handy 7lbs mares’ allowance, as does Wodhooh who also brings some strong form to the race, so we are by no means home and hosed, but I am extremely happy with Constitution Hill and my confidence in him has not waned.

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