Racing’s up-and-coming champion Constitution Hill will make his hotly anticipated return in the Coral Hurdle at Ascot this afternoon, live on Sky Sports Racing.
2.40 Ascot – Constitution Hill attempts Champion Hurdle history
Star winner Nicky Henderson Constitution Hill will look to boost his Champion Hurdle hopes with victory in the Group Two Coral Ascot Hurdle (2:40).
The five-year-old is taking on five rivals in her first outing in novice company, and is as short as 5/4 for the Cheltenham Festival upset showpiece next March.
The main challenger is Olly Murphy’s Brewin’upastorm, who has a top form in the book despite making a mistake when favorite at Aintree two weeks ago.
Gary Moore’s surprise horse Goshen is also in line after jumping over fences last time out at the track.
A busy man
2.05 Ascot – L’Homme Presse on the first step to the Gold Cup
Venetia Williams First Class Winner A busy man He will make his first step into the Cheltenham Gold Cup by returning to his season Grade Two Chanelle Pharma 1965 Chase (2:05).
L’Homme Presse was impressive last season with a record six wins from seven starts, including victory in the Brown Advisory’ Novices Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
The road back to the summit begins now, although owner Andy Edwards has warned that the beauty may not be 100 per cent on the way out.
Contenders include Paul Nicholls’ Saint Calvados, now owned and ridden by David Maxwell.
Tom Cannon salutes the cameras after winning his first Cheltenham Festival at Edwardstone in Arkle
3.15 Ascot – Arkle Champion accepts all weight
Last year Arkle won Edwardstone will try to carry a lot of weight to win in Jim Barry Wines Hurst Park Handicap Chase (3:15)in what will be his first attempt outside the novice company at Alan King’s fences.
It would be excellent from the eight-year-old to defy the mark of 161, who was kicked out of the Shloer Chase last week at Cheltenham because of the ground.
Boothill is one to note from Harry Fry’s yard and looks set to go well, with Thyme White winning a course by a distance last month for Paul Nicholls.
You can’t discount Frero Banbou and Venetia Williams’ soft spot and Third Lucki from Dan Skelton’s yard.
Watch every race from Ascot, Lingfield and Wolverhampton live on Sky Sports Racing on Saturday, November 19.
