Hi all,
Inside today’s column, I share thoughts on Sir Gino and highlights a few future winners from the weekend.
Sir Gino Ruled Out
A blow for Nicky Henderson—Sir Gino is out for the rest of the National Hunt season. A minor leg wound, picked up during routine exercise, developed an infection that now requires extensive treatment. That setback ruled him out of Saturday’s Game Spirit Chase, and now the Cheltenham Festival is off the table too. Can’t say I was shocked by the news. They hinted yesterday that he’d taken a step back after the initial diagnosis. Speaking to the Racing Post, Henderson called it. Henderson expressed his disappointment in the Racing Post, stating, “It's a dreadful blow to Joe and Marie Donnelly and everybody at Seven Barrows.”
This is the second year running Sir Gino has missed a big Cheltenham target. He was ruled out of last year’s Triumph Hurdle, and now the Arkle Trophy is off the agenda. His absence has shaken up the Arkle market, with Majborough now the new favourite. He was my ante-post pick, so it’s a boost, but he still needs to get there and win before I can collect.
L'Eau du Sud Impresses Again
While we wait for Sir Gino’s return, we saw another serious performance from L’Eau du Sud in Saturday’s Grade 2 Unibet Kingmaker Novices' Chase at Warwick.
Carrying a penalty for his Grade 1 success, he made it four wins from four over fences. His jumping was slick, and though Rubaud put up a fight, L’Eau du Sud always was always holding the runner-up. He’s now second-favourite for the Arkle, but I reckon a flatter track like Aintree could suit him even better than Cheltenham.
Future Winners
A few from the weekend to keep onside:
Favour And Fortune (4th, William Hill Handicap Hurdle) – Better ground will bring improvement. One to keep onside for the valuable Spring handicap hurdles.
Navajo Indy (3rd, same race) – Needs a step up in trip.
Beat The Bat (5th, same race) – 2m 4f will suit better.
Haiti Couleurs – Rebecca Curtis
Haiti Couleurs, a winner of his last two chase starts, was well backed for Saturday’s 3m handicap hurdle at Newbury. Despite returning to timber, he continued his recent progress, finishing his race off well in what looked an ideal prep for a return to fences at the Cheltenham Festival. Keep him on the radar.
Tomorrow, I’ll be looking at Saturday’s Grand National Trial at Haydock.
Good luck with your Tuesday bets.
John