Following the four-year-old’s thrilling victory in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle last month, Hendo has been tormented by the task of organizing plans for him. His trainer had been going to send him novice chasing at the beginning of this season, but the bookies chopped him into 9-2 for the Champion Hurdle after that victory.
Hendo is anticipated to go back to Plan A next week, as Constitution Hill appears to be fully recovered and on track for the Boxing Day Christmas Hurdle. He reiterated today on the Nick Luck Daily Podcast that “everything is up in the air,” indicating his reluctance to discuss his stance on Sir Gino in recent days.
However, the horse is now being prepared for a try at the Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase on December 27 after reportedly schooling impressively over fences at Seven Barrows this morning. For the Arkle Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, Sir Gino is now the favorite at a top price of 6-1.
As he is ready to make a comeback after a year off, the six-time champion trainer gave a positive report on Constitution Hill. The former champion’s newest health problem was discovered to be lame during his preparation for the Fighting Fifth Hurdle last month.
Nevertheless, Hendo is certain that he will be in fine condition going to Kempton for a potential matchup with Lossiemouth and that he will be entered for the Christmas Hurdle tomorrow. “We have a week left and some more work to do, but everything is going well,” he told the NLD.
I am ecstatic.His work has been excellent, and he schooled the other day, which really perked him up. He recovered rather fast from the problem he had the other week, so we didn’t lose much time. The flames are still burning.
