sportskeeda
NICKY HENDERSON is gearing up to have Sir Gino make his first appearance over fences at Kempton, clearing the way for Constitution Hill to aim for the Champion Hurdle.
Hendo has been weighing the next moves for the four-year-old after his stunning win in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle last month.
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Following that performance, bookmakers have shortened his odds to 9-2 for the Champion Hurdle, although at the start of this season, his trainer had intended to enter him in novice chasing.
With Constitution Hill appearing fit and set for the Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day, Hendo is likely to revert to his initial plan next week.
Despite being reluctant to share his views on Sir Gino recently, he emphasized on the Nick Luck Daily Podcast today that ‘everything is uncertain.’
However, the horse has reportedly schooled impressively over fences at Seven Barrows this morning and is now being prepared for the Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase on December 27.
Sir Gino currently holds a top price of 6-1 for the Arkle Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
Meanwhile, the six-time champion trainer provided an optimistic update on Constitution Hill as he gears up to return after a year-long hiatus.
He was found to be lame while preparing for the Fighting Fifth Hurdle last month, adding to a series of health issues for the previous champion.
Nonetheless, Hendo is confident that he will be ready for Kempton, where he might compete against Lossiemouth, and will be entered for the Christmas Hurdle tomorrow.
In his own words to the NLD: “We have a week to go and more work to complete, but all is progressing well. I’m feeling very positive.
“He bounced back quickly from the recent issue, so we didn’t lose significant time.
“His training has been excellent, and he schooled the other day, which truly invigorated him. The fire is still burning.”
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