Constitution Hill drops to the Flat at Southwell on Friday after a series of jumping mishaps. Trainer Nicky Henderson hands the ride to five-time Flat champion Oisin Murphy, replacing Nico de Boinville. The nine-year-old last raced in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle in November, where he fell again.

Geraghty told William Hill the switch plays to Constitution Hill’s strengths. “He’s a very good work horse,” Geraghty said. “He shows so much natural pace at home. He’s not a horse who is reliant on a jump to make him a good horse.”

A mile and a half at Southwell suits him perfectly, Geraghty added. Murphy is the ideal jockey for the job. “Judging on what he shows at home, you’d like to think he’ll win,” Geraghty said. “It will take a smart one to come home in front of him over a mile and a half.”

The outing offers more than a victory chance. Constitution Hill has endured two tough years with falls in three of his last four starts. The first came last March at Cheltenham, where he tumbled as odds-on favorite for a second Unibet Champion Hurdle win.

“It’s great for Constitution Hill to get the chance of a day out,” Geraghty said. “It’s good for him to get out and hopefully have a nice experience.” A racecourse atmosphere beats a gallop. Southwell will draw crowds and buzz. That energy could settle him before a potential Cheltenham return.

“It’s important to get some of that fizz out of him before a possible trip to Cheltenham,” Geraghty noted. “It’s good for the horse more than anything, so it makes a lot of sense for Nicky to have gone this route.”

Jumping specialist Yogi Breisner has schooled Constitution Hill recently. Officials report positive progress. Geraghty expects sharper sessions ahead of Cheltenham’s Champion Hurdle on March 14. Success at Southwell could pave the way.

“I’m sure his schooling at home will dictate whether he is a Cheltenham runner or a Flat runner from here on,” Geraghty said. “There are good vibes on his schooling. Yogi Breisner has been with him a few times and I believe he’s done really well.”

No red flags in training would boost hopes for Cheltenham. Geraghty sees the Flat run as low-risk preparation. Constitution Hill, a Grade 1 hurdling star, now tests his speed on an all-weather track. Henderson’s team eyes versatility after hurdles frustrations.

Southwell’s tight turns demand early pace. Constitution Hill’s home work suggests he has it. Murphy, with his Flat expertise, brings added firepower. Geraghty, who spotted potential as a foal buyer, remains bullish.