Constitution Hill is doing well in his comeback bid, and is looking increasingly likely to return to action in the Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day.
Nicky Henderson’s star has suffered from various ailments since winning the race last season, missing the Cheltenham Festival with an infection and then suffering a bout of colic.
His first start of the year was delayed after he was found limping before a fifth hurdle fight in Newcastle, but the injury proved fairly harmless and Henderson was still hopeful of making it at Kempton Park.
Those hopes look set to come true, and the coach is not ruling out switching Sir Geno to fencing in the same encounter after the four-year-old claimed the Fighting Fifth title in the absence of his stablemate.
“Everything is going well,” said Henderson of Constitution Hill.
“I can tell you how many days there are left (until the Christmas race) and I think we have every chance of being there. I’ve never seen him look better – he looks great.
“He’s got some work to do, and I think we’ll get there.
“There is still a possibility that Sir Gino will appear over the walls in Kempton. He has to go somewhere. It’s all up in the air, so let’s see how we get on.
“I wouldn’t say we won’t run the Christmas Hurdle, it’s possible we will.
“I’m still fond of dueling with Sir Geno, because he’s a very good jumper. We haven’t taught him how to handle a duel since Fighting Fifth, we’re thinking about it.”
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