It would seem all my suggestions for achieving a run for Constitution Hill on the flat this Friday might be for nothing as Southwell has come-up with the work-a-round of using two extra stables. It had never occurred to me that a racecourse would not make available all of their quota of stabling on a day when they had over 200 horses declared at the five-day stage. Due to these extra two stables becoming available, Constitution Hill’s race can have 14-runners, leaving only two-horses to come out for the great horse to take his place in the line-up, with one of those, Secret Squirrel more of less already declared a non-runner as he ran last Saturday at Wincanton. So, hopefully, we can all shed a collective sigh of relief and everyone can wait in until after the most famous/infamous 12-furlong novice race ever to be run on the all-weather before going...

When a few weeks ago the Racing Post published my letter expressing surprise no clerk of the course of an all-weather track had considered putting-on a race – I suggested a 2-mile maiden – to help Nicky Henderson solve the problem that is Constitution Hill, I had no inkling that this small step would lead the Seven Barrows maestro having to solve yet another dilemma. My suggestion of a 2-mile maiden, I dare say, would not have been warmly received by Nicky Henderson, as it is believed Constitution Hill has too much speed for a marathon trip on the all-weather. Though even he might concede as things have turned-out that 2-miles would have at least allowed him a few less sleepless nights than the over-subscribed £40,000 novice at Southwell on Friday night. It is incredible how easily British racing can shoot itself in the foot. The race on Friday is only...