"Templegate Predicts Historic Opportunity for Constitution Hill Following Kempton Victory"

IN his long career, Ryan Moore cannot have got off many nine-year-olds and declared “there’s a bit more improvement to come” as he did after his armchair ride to victory on Constitution Hill at Kempton.

Then Constitution Hill is no ordinary nine-year-old.

Nicky Henderson has some big decisions to make on where Constitution Hill runs this seasonCredit: PA

Watching him travel with such enthusiasm, there must be a tiny tinge of regret from owner Michael Buckley and trainer Nicky Henderson that they didn’t try their superstar on the level years ago.

It may have even made him a better hurdler in his pomp – before he puzzingly forgot how to jump.

But better late than never and we’re set for an exciting season if connections keep the cotton wool off and campaign Constitution Hill as a horse who is here for a good time, not a long time.

Unfortunately Henderson is already putting the dampeners on heading for meetings like Royal Ascot, saying he doesn’t think he’s a summer horse.

Visually, his as the Southwell debut but this was a much messier race as they crawled along early before it developed into a sprint up Kempton’s straight.

He passed the 40mph benchmark of a quality Flat performer again as he came through nicely without Moore having to get too serious.

You’d love to see him at a more galloping track where he could really go through his paces.

Now it’s a case of wondering just how far he can go – in terms of distance and class on the level.

It’s easy to get carried away but the John Porter at Newbury on April 18 would be a good yardstick.

You’re no mug if you win that 1m4f Group 3 with the likes of top-class Harbinger and Warrsan on its recent roll of honour.

He looks up to that standard – especially if that improvement comes.

And with just 16 runs on his clock, there’s every chance he could emulate the great Sea Pigeon who won the Ebor and the Champion Hurdle in his incredible 85-race career.

Incidentally, he lost 48 of those contests yet still undoubtedly goes down as all-time great – so let’s hope connections of Constitution Hill don’t keep him to penalty kicks this summer.

The 12-1 about an Ebor win looks tempting but six of the past eight renewals have been on good to firm ground and there’s zero chance of Hendo letting him run on that.

How about a real chance to make history by winning a Classic?

The all-age Irish St Leger over 1m6f in September has been run with cut in the ground for the past four years and winning that really would bring the house down.

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