Hottest Cheltenham favourite this century is anything but a non-event | Constitution Hill

Being there will probably be extra necessary than backing the winner for many punters earlier than the Grade Two Unibet Worldwide Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday, as Structure Hill, fairly presumably the best hurdler that Nationwide Hunt racing has seen, makes his last begin earlier than making an attempt to reclaim the Champion Hurdle on the observe’s pageant assembly in March.

The primary two begins of Structure Hill’s profession had been on a Saturday at Sandown Park, however he has not raced on the weekend within the south of the nation since his second outing in January 2022 and round 20,000 racegoers are anticipated at Cheltenham to see Nicky Henderson’s unbeaten eight-year-old within the flesh.

A run on Trials day didn’t appear to be Plan A for Structure Hill after his long-awaited return to motion within the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day, however he took that race so nicely that Henderson noticed no motive to maintain him at residence. “He’s in nice kind and got here out of Kempton a lot better than I anticipated,” the coach mentioned at Huntingdon on Thursday. “I by no means thought we’d be doing this, however he’s up for it and we’re up for it.”

Barring an unlucky mishap, it appears unlikely to be a lot of a contest, as Structure Hill (3.00) is rated at the least 27lb in entrance of his 4 opponents on Timeform’s figures, and having been put in because the 1-10 favorite within the early betting on Thursday, an SP of 1-11 or shorter on Saturday would see him turn into the shortest-priced favorite for any race at Cheltenham this century.

“I don’t assume we’ll be slaying Goliath,” Harry Derham, the coach of Brentford Hope, the possible second favorite, mentioned on Friday. “I believe it will likely be a bizarre little race, as everybody apart from Structure Hill goes to be attempting to complete second.”

Cheltenham 1.15: East India Dock posted an distinctive timefigure when pulling 18 lengths clear on the Outdated course right here in November and may verify his Triumph Hurdle credentials right here.

Doncaster 1.30: The front-running Stormin Crossgales faces no apparent opposition for the lead and will show robust to move on the enterprise finish.

Cheltenham 1.50: A number of of the regulars over this observe and journey are weighted as much as their greatest so Moon D’Orange might add to John McConnell’s tremendous report on the course.

Doncaster 2.05: Loads of potential within the area for the Grade Two River Don Novice Hurdle however the worth might lie with the 10-1 shot Gamesters Man, who posted a powerful time when profitable at Carlisle in December.

Cheltenham 2.25: Final yr’s Gold Cup fourth, L’Homme Presse, can take advantage of a 6lb concession from his important rival, Gentlemansgame.

Doncaster 2.40: Della Dasa Lunga was a lot improved for a wind operation at Kempton final month and may again up that handicap success again up in grade.

Doncaster 3.15: This observe and journey brings out the most effective in Ahead Plan, who was touched off on this race by a nostril final yr. He’s 9lb larger within the weights now however Chad Bament’s 10lb declare is an enormous assist and a worth round 5-1 appears very reasonable.

Cheltenham 3.35: Robust Chief comes with a wealth warning after a blow-out behind Crambo final time however will probably be an enormous runner if a subsequent wind operation sparks a return to his greatest kind.