Constitution Hill part of bumper entry for Southwell on Friday

Constitution Hill could face rivals both from the jumps and Flat fraternity after a swelling entry of 32 put their names into the mix for the eagerly-awaited Sbk Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes at Southwell on Friday night.

All eyes will be on the Nottinghamshire track’s Friday Night Live card, as Nicky Henderson’s 2023 Champion Hurdle hero takes to the Tapeta for a first appearance on the level after falling in three of his last four starts.

There is £40,000 up for grabs in the mile-and-a-half contest, with Henderson’s comrades in the training ranks not willing to let the Seven Barrows star have everything his own way.

Good friend and rival Willie Mullins could send over Grade One runner-up Daddy Long Legs, with Dan Skelton and Paul Nicholls both entering horses and Fergal O’Brien’s Grade Two-winning hurdler Tripoli Flyer another contender.

Major operations from the Flat represented include Andrew Balding and Charlie Johnston, while Amo Racing’s Dundalk winner Square Necker is in line to make his debut for Kevin Philippart De Foy.