Henderson Cautious Ahead of Sir Gino’s Key Hurdle Race

The upcoming Grade Two contest at Warwick will significantly influence ante-post betting for the Champion Hurdle, scheduled for early March. Currently, Sir Gino stands as the favorite at 5-4, while Dan Skelton’s The New Lion follows closely at 4-1. Following a successful return from a year-long absence, Sir Gino impressed many with his victory in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day. However, trainer Nicky Henderson expressed caution regarding the conditions of the race, particularly the impact of the ground on his six-year-old horse’s preparation.

Henderson noted the challenges posed by the current weather, stating, “We could have done without the rain and Ferraris probably don’t work in a muddy field. It might not be that, but it might be hard work tomorrow.” He emphasized the importance of trial races but highlighted the need to avoid taxing conditions so close to the main event in March. “Everyone is probably quite twitchy at the moment and nobody really wants to see horses walking up the hill at Cheltenham as that is not a good preparation two months before the Festival,” he added.

With only four runners confirmed for the race, Sir Gino and The New Lion are expected to dominate the contest, leaving other competitors like Nemean Lion and Brentford Hope at a disadvantage. This situation may lead to a tactical race, and Henderson has not dismissed the idea of Sir Gino taking the lead. He explained, “He made the running in the Christmas Hurdle because he was too fresh and nobody wanted to go on and it left him in front. He didn’t mind though, and he also made it when he won the Desert Orchid over fences.”

The New Lion, who had a stellar season as a novice, faced setbacks when he fell two from home during his reappearance in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle in November. Skelton recognizes the challenge posed by Sir Gino’s recent performance but remains optimistic about his horse’s potential. “We’re taking on a horse that won the Christmas Hurdle very authoritatively and we fell, so there’s a difference in last-time-out performances,” he acknowledged.

Despite the setback, Skelton expressed confidence in The New Lion’s preparation, stating, “I’m very happy with our horse. We’ve done lots of jumping since Newcastle, and I think the track’s a suitable track for him.” He also noted the advantage of slower ground and a more galloping track for this race. “It’s the next step and we’re only just out of novices, and I feel like there’s more to come,” he added.

As the race approaches, both trainers are keenly aware of the stakes involved, not just for their horses but also for the upcoming Champion Hurdle. With the right performance, both Sir Gino and The New Lion could significantly shape the betting landscape for March’s prestigious event.