Square Necker out to lay claim to Southwell prize

Square Necker is set to take on Constitution Hill in the SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes at Southwell on Friday.

Nicky Henderson’s 2023 Champion Hurdle winner is in line to make his Flat debut at the Nottinghamshire track’s Friday Night Live fixture, provided he makes the cut, having fallen on three of his last four starts over obstacles.

Both Sky Bet and Paddy Power make the nine-year-old their 4-6 favourite for a mile and a half contest that was moved in the calendar and saw its prize-money boosted to £40,000, with Square Necker rated his biggest threat at 7-4 on what will be his first start for trainer Kevin Philippart De Foy.

“It was always the plan to run in this race and we’re delighted they moved it back a week and increased the prize-money,” said the Newmarket handler.

“The horse is in good form, he has to carry a penalty in a novice race that will be competitive enough, but he’s been training well and we’re happy with him.”

The Amo Racing-owned four-year-old finished third on his Doncaster debut for Ralph Beckett last March and was last seen opening his account with a clear-cut win at Dundalk for Robson De Aguiar, since when he has moved from Mullingar to Newmarket.

Philippart De Foy added: “His form of his race in Ireland looks good as the second had decent form (Nuit, rated 93) and he won well that day, carrying a bit of extra weight.

“Hopefully he can transfer his form to Southwell on Friday. It’s quite an interesting of course, we’re excited and looking forward to it.”

Constitution Hill and Square Necker are among 32 entries, although Thankyou Baroness does not qualify, and the maximum field for the race will either be 12 or 14 depending on available stabling capacity and whether other races on the card divide following the declaration stage on Wednesday.

With a ballot number of 16, Constitution Hill needs two of those ahead of him in the elimination sequence not to be declared to get into a field of 14, or four if the race is capped at 12 runners.

Square Necker is guaranteed a starting berth, as is the Willie Mullins-trained Daddy Long Legs, who is third in the betting at 7-2.