Nicky Henderson laughs off Constitution Hill rumours and Paul Nicholls ready to rock with pricey players - inside Newbury's gallops morning

The annual Coral Gold Cup gallops morning took place at Newbury on Tuesday and Lambourn correspondent Liam Headd was on hand to watch all the action unfold both on and off the track. Here are his takeouts from a lively morning at the Berkshire course

1 Don't believe everything you read on social media

It is amazing how quickly things change in this sport. One minute you're preparing a story on Constitution Hill's eagerly anticipated return in next week's BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle, the next you're having to find Nicky Henderson and confirm everything is okay with his stable star.

A note circulating on X suggested that Constitution Hill was going to be retired after his morning gallop at Newbury resulted in bookmakers pushing the unbeaten seven-year-old out to as big as 13-8 (from 4-7) for the Fighting Fifth. He also drifted to 3-1 with Betfair and Paddy Power for the Champion Hurdle, having been no bigger than 7-4, with Mares' Hurdle heroine Lossiemouth now favourite with those firms.

Constitution Hill (left) and Sir Gino in their racecourse gallop at NewburyCredit: Edward Whitaker

However, Henderson and stable jockey Nico de Boinville were quick to quash the rumours and reported last year's Champion Hurdle scorer in good form following his first bit of serious work this term. "If there was any problem, I would say straight away," said Henderson when made aware of the rumour. "Speaking to Nico, we’re going to school him on Friday and work on Sunday."

2 Nicholls prepared to unleash expensive players

Paul Nicholls is an avid supporter of the gallops morning and his squad of five included €740,000 purchase Caldwell Potter and £660,000 buy Regent's Stroll.

A Grade 1 winner with Gordon Elliott in December, Caldwell Potter could make his stable debut in the Grade 2 John Francome Novices' Chase at the track on Friday week. 

Caldwell Potter (Freddie Gingell, nearest) and Captain Teague (Harry Cobden) in action at NewburyCredit: Edward Whitaker

Newbury bumper winner Regent's Stroll may return in a 2m4½f novice hurdle a day later, while Captain Teague is a possibility for Sandown's Grade 2 Esher Novices' Chase following his Exeter walkover this month.

3 One in, one out for Pauling

It was a mixed morning for Ben Pauling, who will now rely only on Henry's Friend for the main event at Newbury after Shakem Up'Arry's below-par gallop. Although the ten-year-old holds an entry for the Coral Gold Cup, he is not expected to take his chance following what was described as "hardly an inspiring piece of work" by his trainer.

Henry's Friend, who finished last of four at the track on his return this month, is a general 16-1 shot for the race, and Pauling added: "That has put the icing on the cake for him to run in the big one. We couldn't be happier and he looks a million dollars. I feel it's put him spot on."

4 Who goes where?

A number of other horses took part in the morning gallop ahead of their respective Newbury targets.

Kandoo Kid was described as a "proper stayer" by Paul Nicholls and will run in the Coral Gold Cup, while The Jukebox Man will go for the John Francome for Ben Pauling.

Olly Murphy, also in attendance, will saddle Chasing Fire in the Sir Peter O’Sullevan and stablemate Strong Leader is poised for the Coral Long Distance Hurdle. Berkenshtaaap and Pleasington are also expected to feature at Newbury.

The Harry Derham-trained Queens Gamble, who was ridden by Kieran Shoemark due to regular rider Jonathan Burke on the way to Carlisle, will run in the Gerry Feilden on Saturday week, while Sir Psycho will tackle the 2m4f Coral Handicap Chase on Friday.

Read these next:

Constitution Hill ousted as Champion Hurdle favourite after Newbury workout - but upbeat Henderson declares him 'ready for action' 

Can lightning strike twice at Newbury? Jamie Snowden dreaming of back-to-back Coral Gold Cup victories 

Kim Bailey rules Chianti Classico out of Coral Gold Cup and has Trelawne build-up derailed by 'nightmare' weather 

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