NICKY HENDERSON hugged Constitution Hill’s owner after the superstar’s ‘frightening’ Kempton workout – as a huge market move took place.
The former Champion Hurdle king powered away from the 126-rated Aston Martini and That’s Nice on his racecourse gallop.
It was sweet relief for Henderson and Michael Buckley after their world came crashing down 12 months ago.
Constitution Hill was forced to miss last year’s Festival after a disastrous Kempton showing.
But there were no such worries this year as he looked back to his best and ready to win a second title next month.
Bookies weren’t blown away, though, with Coral keeping him 1-2 fav for the day one feature.
And the big move took place in the Mares’ Hurdle, where Brighterdaysahead was hammered back into fav on the Betfair Exchange.
Gordon Elliott’s awesome hurdler drifted markedly in the Champion Hurdle markets as Constitution Hill put on a show.
She had rocketed to almost as big as 10-1 for the Mares’ Hurdle on the Exchange in the moments before Constitution Hill’s showing.
But some punters think she’ll be scared off taking on Hendo’s charge now, as he was backed into 1.82 (4-5).
Elliott has already confirmed a decision will be made on which race she goes for later this week.
A delighted Henderson said after Constitution Hill stretched his legs: “It was frightening to watch to be honest.
“You’ve got to try and blank out last year, we knew when we came here last year the horses weren’t flying and it would be harder to get through, whereas today everything has gone perfect.
“We’ve got two weeks to go, he will probably jump some hurdles early next week and then one more gallop on our grass, and that will be him done.
“The other two were doing their own thing, there is no point in those two trying to go with him.
“We didn’t actually ask him to do anything today, it was pure, raw, natural pace.
“One minute he is sat beside you and the next he’s gone. You never get tired of watching him, he is very special.”