Constitution Hill to face six rivals in Saturday’s September Stakes

Constitution Hill is due to face six rivals on his highly touted return to action in Saturday’s Group 3 William Hill September Stakes (2.50) at Kempton.

The top-class hurdler, who traded the jumps for the Flat this year, has not been seen on the track since winning a novice over the September Stakes course and distance in March and makes the leap up to Group company this weekend on his return to Kempton, with Billy Loughnane booked to ride the nine-year-old for the first time.

With Bay City Roller diverting to Longchamp, Constitution Hill’s chief rival is Wathnan Racing’s Gethin, a Listed winner at Kempton who was fifth in the Coral-Eclipse last time out. The Owen Burrows-trained colt holds an entry in the Arc and the Champion Stakes at Ascot, for which he is 20-1.

Constitution Hill was ridden on his first Flat start by Oisin Murphy, before being partnered by Ryan Moore last time, and Murphy will ride the Saeed bin Suroor-trained Tornado Alert on Saturday. The four-year-old is one of two Godolphin runners in the field alongside Dubai Future. Charlie Appleby did not declare either of his entries, Arabian Crown or By The Book.

Nicky Henderson’s stable star has been well backed to score at Kempton, with Constitution Hill now generally 4-1 after being available at 14-1 at the start of the week.

He is third favourite behind Gethin and Tornado Alert, with the field rounded out by royal runner Warrant Holder, Group 2 winner Pride Of Arras and Almeric.