Significant ante-post movers for the Cheltenham Festival: 'We'll have a crack at the Arkle'

He's been the name on every racing fan's lips for a while and Constitution Hill isn't likely to move out of the limelight any time soon.

The former Champion Hurdler lit up Southwell on Friday night, but it appears we are no closer to learning if he will bid to regain his crown in the Cotswolds on March 10.

Here's three horses worth a second look in the antepost Cheltenham Festival markets after their recent exploits.

Constitution Hill - Champion Hurdle @ 3/1

Jax Junior - Arkle Novices' Chase @ 25/1

Majolique - Triumph Hurdle @ 25/1

Constitution Hill lights up Southwell

The 'former Champion Hurdler with the champion flat jockey on board' suggested commentator Malcolm Tomlinson before wondering: 'Where now Nicky Henderson and Michael Buckley?' as Constitution Hill stormed to victory on his maiden start on the Flat.

It was an outstanding effort on the Tapeta in a 1m4f novice race under Oisin Murphy and it opened lots of doors for Constitution Hill, while also serving to ask many more questions.

Bookmakers reacted by making Henderson's star around 3/1 to regain his Champion Hurdle title, but this Flat effort didn't repair the damage of three falls in four starts over hurdles most recently.

If he ran and won the Champion Hurdle, it would kind of put a few demons to bed for me, but if he doesn't run on that Tuesday next month, I don't see him running over hurdles again this year.

Michael Buckley on Constitution Hill

A decision is likely this week, according to the owner and trainer. A major Flat campaign surely beckons but Cheltenham is not off the agenda.

Owner Buckley outlined his possible plans for a campaign on the Flat when appearing on Luck On Sunday before suggesting it will be the Champion Hurdle or nothing this year as far jumps go.

"We certainly care like hell about our horses and we don't want him to do something that threatens his very existence or hurt Nico (de Boinville, jockey), or disappoint everyone. On the other hand, we see how much the horse is loved and would like to see him run," said Buckley.

"If he ran and won the Champion Hurdle, it would kind of put a few demons to bed for me, but if he doesn't run on that Tuesday next month, I don't see him running over hurdles again this year."

Jax Junior steps up for Wadham

The Lucy Wadham-trained Jax Junior continued his progression with an impressive victory in the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Pendil Novices' Chase at Kempton on Saturday under Tom Cannon.

He's now 2-2 since his wind operation and 3-5 over fences. Cannon's partner always had matters in hand after front-running market rival Go West blundered for Harry Cobden on the second circuit and duly dropped back to last in the four-runner event.

It was a smooth win and Jax Junior was cut to a short as 25/1 for the Arkle at Cheltenham with some firms.

Wadham suggested post-race that jumping is his 'weapon' and she says connections are now keen on heading for Cheltenham.

"We wanted to win a Grade 2 before we went for a Grade 1," said the trainer. "I think the owners would like to go to Cheltenham and if he's right I think we'll have a crack at the Arkle."

Majolique reveals Triumph Hurdle potential

Willie Mullins' Cheltenham squad took a hit last week as antepost favourite Narciso Has was ruled out of the Triumph Hurdle.

It's a race the Closutton powerhouse has taken a real stranglehold over in recent times, winning five times in six years, and he's got plenty alternatives for 4YO Grade 1.

The Kenny Alexander-owned Majolique could be another for the mix after a smooth winning stable bow at Naas on Sunday in a Listed contest under Paul Townend.

She wasn't hard pressed in a four-length win from Jessica Harrington's Michonne in second spot and she was a winner on her only start in France on the Flat.

She got 25/1 quotes for the Triumph Hurdle and holds an entry in the Cotswolds contest.