Constitution Hill remains in full working order.

Henderson's star showed no signs of the dreaded 'bounce factor'

Constitution Hill proved he remained in full working order when backing up his reappearance success in the Christmas Hurdle with victory in the Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday. National Hunt Racing's star missed last season due to well-documented health problems, and many questioned if he would ever be capable of returning to his best. Whilst we learnt very little regarding the formbook after his three-length triumph over far inferior rivals on Saturday, Constitution Hill did confirm his wellbeing and that his reappearance defeat of Lossiemouth on Boxing Day didn't leave any lasting mark.

Is there anything James Owen can't do?

Plenty of trainers have adopted the role of handling both flat and jump horses now, but the majority of them will be dual-purpose middle-distance types. However, James Owen, who is relatively new to the training ranks, continues to prove he can train any type of horse, from five-furlong sprinters to classy Classic prospects, to Cheltenham Festival contenders, to purebred Arabians and point-to-point winners. Owen, who made his name in the Arabian sphere, houses Cheltenham Festival contenders Burdett Road and East India Dock alongside talented two-year-old Wimbledon Hawkeye for powerful owner Tim Gredley.

Gambles can still take place

Owl Of Athens left his all-known form well behind when landing the Quinnbet Handicap Hurdle at Uttoxeter on Saturday. Evan Williams' six-year-old had been beaten 277 lengths in seven previous starts but was sent off the 85/40 market leader for the two-and-a-half-mile handicap, having been available at 80/1 the night before and 66/1 on the morning of the contest. The trainer was interviewed by the stewards after the race regarding the apparent improvement in form and his comments were passed on to the BHA's head office.

France continues to prove a happy hunting ground for Donnelly's

Prominent owners Joe and Marie Donnelly have assembled a powerful squad of horses in the National Hunt sphere, the majority of which were purchased from France. Anzadam became their latest French recruit to throw his hat into the ring as a possible Cheltenham Festival contender after a facile success in the Grade 3 Limestone Lad Hurdle at Naas on Sunday, while Dancing City also enhanced his claims with victory on the same card. Fellow unbeaten Cheltenham Festival contenders Lulamba and Sir Gino, who are both trained in England by Nicky Henderson, were also sourced from France and the same can be said for their reigning Champion Hurdle hero State Man, who will look to regain the winning thread in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday.