Constitution Hill, the former champion hurdler now campaigning on the Flat, is set to take a significant step up in class when he lines up for the William Hill September Stakes (Group 3) at Kempton on Saturday.
Owned by Michael Buckley and trained originally for hurdling by Nicky Henderson, the nine-year-old has won both of his starts since moving to the flat. The Sunbury mile-and-a-half represents a tougher assignment than he has faced to date and will provide a clearer indication of his prospects at the highest level on turf.
New rider for a high-profile switch
Constitution Hill will be partnered by apprentice jockey Billy Loughnane, whose name appears on the British Horseracing Authority declarations list for the weekend. Oisin Murphy and Ryan Moore have had previously handling rides on the gelding since his code switch; Moore is unavailable on Saturday owing to commitments in the United States.
Loughnane is due to ride at Kempton on Saturday and has been confirmed as the pilot for this engagement, a notable booking given the calibre of this race and the profile of the horse.
Quality opposition lines up
The September Stakes has attracted a competitive field. George Scott’s Bay City Roller, most recently an emphatic winner of the Coronation Cup and regarded as a possible Arc candidate, is among the leading entries. Saeed bin Suroor has entered Tornado Alert, a Group 1 winner who will be ridden by Oisin Murphy, and the veteran Dubai Future also remains in contention.
Ralph Beckett’s Pride Of Arras, last year’s Great Voltigeur winner, is another high-class contender. Owen Burrows has Gethin entered, while Joseph O’Brien has declared Small Fry, leaving a line-up of 14 possibles for the mile-and-a-half showpiece.
Gethin’s preparation and ride confirmations
Gethin disappointed on his most recent start in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown in July, but connections report the colt has returned to form at home. Callum Rodriguez, who has ridden Gethin in each of his three career wins to date, is expected to regain the ride on Saturday. James Doyle is likely to be engaged elsewhere, at Haydock for the Sprint Cup, which influenced the decision to reunite Rodriguez with the Burrows-trained runner.
Burrows has indicated that the horse is fit and ready after a period of less racing through the summer months, and that he has been schooled with an eye to this race and future targets.
Implications for autumn targets
Aside from the immediate honours on offer at Kempton, this contest carries potential implications for the autumn campaign of several connections. Bay City Roller remains under consideration for an Arc bid if his form continues to merit it, while a strong showing from Gethin could see plans for a similar upward move.
For Constitution Hill, the September Stakes will be an important barometer. The gelding’s progressive start on the Flat has drawn attention, but Saturday’s mile-and-a-half test against established middle-distance performers will help clarify whether he can be competitive at that level and over that trip.
All declarations for the William Hill September Stakes close on the day and the final field will be confirmed thereafter.
