The race is on for Constitution Hill to secure his spot in the prestigious Sky Bet Ebor, a £500,000 handicap race at York on August 22. With entries closing on July 7, Nicky Henderson's stable faces a challenging task to get the nine-year-old horse qualified. The hurdle: Constitution Hill needs to complete a third qualifying run on the level by July 18, just five days before the weights are published for the Ebor.
Henderson's dilemma is further complicated by the summer ground conditions, which make it difficult for the horse to perform. The trainer would have to consider supplementing Constitution Hill for the Group 2 Princess Of Wales’s Stakes at Newmarket's July Festival, a costly endeavor at £12,000. However, this race is on July 9, and supplementary entries must be in by noon on July 3, leaving limited options for Constitution Hill to qualify for the Ebor, especially over a mile and a half.
Henderson's strategy seems to be leaning towards staying closer to home, with Newbury Racecourse, just 20 miles from his stable, offering a potential solution. The Listed Steventon Stakes on July 18, a 10-furlong race, could be an option, but it would require Henderson to be content with a longer distance. Mid-July rain would also be beneficial to avoid the rattling quick summer ground.
With just two novice wins under his belt, Constitution Hill's prospects for the Ebor are uncertain. Henderson might have to wait until the autumn to run the horse again, as the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup over two miles on the Friday of the York meeting seems unlikely given the horse's current form. The pressure is on Henderson to make the right choices, as the Ebor is a highly anticipated race, with Constitution Hill currently the 12/1 second favorite with the sponsors.
In summary, the clock is ticking for Constitution Hill to secure his place in the Ebor, and Henderson must navigate a challenging path, considering distance, ground conditions, and timing. The outcome will be a testament to the horse's capabilities and Henderson's strategic decisions.
