Horse racing news: Barry Geraghty – I haven’t lost faith in what Constitution Hill is capable of

William Hill ambassador Barry Geraghty is keeping the faith with Constitution Hill ahead of his clash with The New Lion and Anzadam in tomorrow’s Fighting Fifth, but he gives an idea of the dilemma Nico de Boinville faces aboard the Champion Hurdle winner.

Tough test awaits

Geraghty said: “They’re really happy with Constitution Hill. The vibes are very strong on his wellbeing, and his schooling has been good.

“I suppose he has been written off in a lot of people’s eyes after those two heavy falls and disappointing at Punchestown on the back of those.

“Obviously, he needs to keep his jumping together, but to me that is his biggest danger. He does jump brilliantly, but he has developed a habit of picking up on an early stride. It’s been going on a while too, as he did it at the last when he won the Champion Hurdle.

“What he has been doing, it’s very hard to untrain, so he needs to just relax and find his rhythm and not take that chance. Nico [de Boinville] is a top-class rider and a brilliant horseman, but it’s a difficult position for him.

“Any subtle move, when you make contact [with the bit] can trigger a horse to come up on an early stride, so it’s a really difficult thing. You just have to trust and believe.

“The more you try and influence them, the more they are likely to take that as a signal to pick up on an early stride. It’s a really tricky one for Nico, but there’s no doubt he’s the man who knows him best.

“I’d have great respect for Anzadam and The New Lion. The way Anzadam has been winning and what he has been beating, you have to respect him, and likewise The New Lion, who is a winner at the Festival and looks very progressive.

“I have full respect for the opposition, but I haven’t lost faith in what Constitution Hill is capable of.”

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