Nicky Henderson is considering unleashing his talented novice hurdle champion, Sir Gino, over fences in the Ladbrokes Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase at Kempton this Friday.
The highly-regarded gelding, who triumphed in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle this season, is also in the mix for the prestigious Christmas Hurdle, alongside his stablemate Constitution Hill.
Choosing the Right Challenge
Henderson, in a statement, expressed a preference to run Sir Gino in the Wayward Lad if everything goes according to plan. He believes taking on a Grade Two level chase early in his transitioning over fences would be far more rewarding than waiting for another novice hurdle the following year.
“If Gino is going to lose his maiden over fences, it’s got to be worthwhile, otherwise he’d be better off as a novice next year,”
“We’ve got to see where we are, he’s won a Grade One hurdle already this year, so I’ve got to get him to Kempton and that’s it, then we’ll find out.”
A Potential Showdown
However, Henderson faces a potential tricky opponent in Willie Mullins’ highly promising Ballyburn.
Ballyburn, undefeated in both hurdle starts since joining Mullins’ yard is also entered for the race, adding further intrigue for fans. Mullins, confident about Ballyburn’s potential, indicated Kempton is likely destination.
“Ballyburn’s in both Kempton and Limerick but it looks like Kempton for him.
“Hopefully, there’ll be nice ground there, it suits time-wise and we might have three horses Impaire Et Passe, Mirazur West and Sa Majeste, for the Limerick race,” Mullins stated following Ballyburn’s progress.
Mullins updates on his other stars are encouraging. Fact To File and Galopin Des Champs, both looking toward the Savills Chase whilst State Man is primed for the Matheson Hurdle.
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