Constable To Lay Down The Law At Cheltenham

Beautiful People was sent off at 14/1, and she rewarded each way support by staying on well from the back for third. Hiskett didn't exactly throw the kitchen sink at her, and she wasn't stopping when she crossed the line. There is more to come from this mare, and she will be well worth backing next time out, once she gets good ground.

John Constable's mark has dropped  to a career low 131. 

Saturday's selection goes in the lucky last at Cheltenham tomorrow, and I think John Constable could be ready to strike dropped to a mark of 131. He ran well here over course and distance to be 6th of 18 on his penultimate start off 137. His last run over 20.5f at Newbury was nothing to write home about but he has been dropped to 131 now and the return to 16f looks sure to suit.

Williams has done nothing but moan about his mark all year, and this is as low a rating as he has had. He was a very useful performer on the flat, and this 6yo son of Montjeu earned an official rating of 94 in that sphere for Aidan O'Brien. He won a maiden and a novice on his first two starts over timber, before producing an excellent run to be 2nd, 4L behind Sternrubin, in a Listed handicap off 137 at Newbury (16.5f sft).

He was also a good 4th in the Grade 3 Swinton off 138, 4th beaten 4L (15.5f gd) so on the evidence of that form he looks very well treated off 131. Williams also runs the top weight Court Minstrel, and that could be a ploy to ensure that John Constable has a nice racing weight. He has won on ground ranging from soft to good, so he won't mind what the weather does.

Paul Moloney seemingly prefers the chances of Court Minstrel, but the 10yo has to carry a welter burden and he could struggle to concede weight to his younger rivals. Adam Wedge is a good pilot in his own right, and he has won on 12 and placed on 24 of 98 rides for Williams in the last 12 months. The drop in the weights and the return to 16f are reasons for optimism and, at odds of 20/1, John Constable is worthy of each way support in an open contest.

STEVOS' SELECTION: 16.35 CHELTENHAM-JOHN CONSTABLE 20/1