Constitution Hill Set for Flat Debut at Southwell as Weaver Provides Friday Night Tips
All eyes will be on Constitution Hill as the Champion Hurdler makes his highly anticipated debut on the flat at Southwell on Friday night, February 20, 2026. The appearance is a prep run for the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. Alongside this headline event, Jason Weaver has provided his selections for the evening’s racing at Southwell.
Jason Weaver’s Southwell Tips
Here are Jason Weaver’s picks for each race at Southwell on Friday night:
- 16:58 – Pearly Squirrel (each-way)
- 17:30 – Something
- 18:00 – Cargin Bhui
- 18:30 – Betsen
- 19:30 – Constitution Hill
- 20:30 – I Still Have Faith
Race-by-Race Analysis
16:58 – Pearly Squirrel (each-way)
Pearly Squirrel aims to secure her first win on a synthetic surface. Following a disappointing run at Wolverhampton where stamina proved an issue, she returns to a venue where she previously showed promise. The change in jockey to David Egan is as well expected to be beneficial, with Egan considered an excellent rider.
17:30 – Something
Something demonstrated strong form when dropping to a lower grade at Kempton, finishing powerfully. Prior to that, the horse competed in tougher races without performing poorly. The partnership between Stuart Williams and apprentice jockey Jack Dace, who claims a 5lb allowance, appears promising.
18:00 – Cargin Bhui
Despite a 6lb rise in the handicap after a convincing win at Wolverhampton, Cargin Bhui is expected to perform well. The horse has previously shown strong form from a similar handicap rating of 80, and now runs off a mark of 70.
18:30 – Betsen
Betsen achieved a notable victory at a 40/1 odds on his debut for trainer Tony Carroll. Even as subsequent runs haven’t matched that initial spark, the horse remains competitive, and his current handicap mark of 85, just 1lb higher than his winning mark, makes him an attractive prospect.
19:30 – Constitution Hill
Constitution Hill enters the race as a prominent contender, despite facing several other strong competitors. Reports suggest the former Champion Hurdler retains considerable speed, making him a potential standout on his flat racing debut. Some anticipate a win by two or three lengths.
20:30 – I Still Have Faith
I Still Have Faith didn’t perform optimally in his debut for Stuart Williams at Kempton, pulling hard early in the race. Yet, a return to a potentially more suitable distance, combined with Williams’s proven ability to improve horses acquired from other trainers, suggests a better performance is likely. A hold-up tactic is expected, with the horse being played late.
Odds are subject to change. Please check with Paddy Power for the most up-to-date information.