Constitution Hill is experiencing a notable drift in betting odds ahead of his Flat debut at Southwell. As of 2:30 PM, the 2023 Champion Hurdle winner has settled at odds of 3.45 on the Betfair Exchange. This decline follows a period during which he led the market, now overtaken by the Amo Racing-owned Square Necker, currently favored at 3.05.
Key Statistics from the Betting Market
- More than £150,000 matched on the SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes at 7:30 PM.
- £90,000 of that total was matched solely on Constitution Hill.
- Square Necker saw over £25,000 matched in bets.
- Strong market interest with several bookmakers naming Square Necker joint favorite alongside Constitution Hill.
Market Fluctuations and Expert Opinions
Betfair’s spokesperson, Sam Rosbottom, indicated that the betting market has intensified this week, highlighting the strong public interest in the 7:30 PM race. Earlier this week, Constitution Hill’s odds had dipped as low as evens, but have since widened.
Paul Nicholls, a respected trainer, expressed uncertainty regarding the decision to switch Constitution Hill from hurdles to Flat racing. He believes entering him in the previous week’s Kingwell Hurdle would have been more beneficial for his preparation ahead of the upcoming Cheltenham Festival.
Remarks from the Betting Firms
Sky Bet reported that 66% of stakes placed were on Constitution Hill. Meanwhile, Paddy Power noted the significant volume of bets, suggesting that late support could push him back into favorite territory. Paul Binfield from Paddy Power stated that Constitution Hill has dominated the market, nearly excluding other contenders.
Unprecedented Interest in the Race
Unibet’s head of racing, Ed Nicholson, confirmed that betting activity for this novice stakes race has surged. It is five times higher than usual for similar all-weather events, hinting at the significant public interest in Constitution Hill’s performance.
As the Flat debut approaches, all eyes remain on Constitution Hill. The stakes are high, and his performance will not only influence his future races but also the confidence of punters betting on him.
