'We're all very happy and it's the way we're going to go' - Nicky Henderson confirms Sir Gino's Fighting Fifth bid

Nicky Henderson has confirmed that Sir Gino will be aimed at Saturday's Grade 1 BetMGM Fighting Fifth at Newcastle.

The unbeaten four-year-old had been due to make his chasing debut at Kempton on Monday. However, Sir Gino was not declared for the beginners' chase and as a result of Constitution Hill's absence from the top-level contest, he will be rerouted to Newcastle.

Speaking on Sunday morning, Henderson said: "The plan is for Sir Gino to go to Newcastle on Saturday. We were due to work him this morning, but we couldn't do that in the wind – it wouldn't be possible. 

"We'll do a bit tomorrow, but he's in very good form. He's already been out for his racecourse gallop, so he doesn't need a mad workout. We're all very happy and it's the way we're going to go."

Sir Gino has won all four of his starts and ended last season with an impressive victory over Kargese in the Grade 1 juvenile hurdle at Aintree. After discussions with owner Joe Donnelly, Sir Gino was due to tackle fences this term, although Henderson said last week that he could remain over hurdles if there were any issues with stable star Constitution Hill.

Constitution Hill (Nico de Boinville, left) finishes behind Sir Gino (James Bowen) in a racecourse gallop at NewburyCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Last year's Champion Hurdle hero was reported to be lame by Henderson on Friday following his racecourse gallop at Newbury and was therefore ruled out of contention for the Fighting Fifth on Saturday.

Henderson said: "He [Sir Gino] was always going to be waiting in the wings, but I wasn't expecting it to happen. I was expecting to go over fences with him because that's what he's really good at. But under the circumstances, we might as well drop him in and find out how Constitution Hill is doing. He appears to be doing well, but we'll be re-examining him tomorrow."

On whether Sir Gino is likely to remain over hurdles this season, Henderson added: "Let's see what happens. We don't have to, but this is a Grade 1 over hurdles and he's fit and ready to go, so let's go.

"If he comes out as a true Champion Hurdle horse, then we have to treat him as one whatever happens to Constitution Hill. Let's just take it one step at a time and see, but we'll go there and find out what he is."

Henderson added that he will be at Newbury for the track's Coral Gold Cup meeting on Saturday, rather than at Newcastle, but he is relishing the chance to watch Sir Gino take his chance after his eyecatching gallop last week.

He added: "He's very talented and that was visible for all to see last week. I'm sure Nico [de Boinville] will ride him. I don't think I need to be up at Newcastle holding Sir Gino's hand when I can hold a few more hands at Newbury."

Sir Gino is battling it out with the Willie Mullins-trained Mystical Power at the top of the betting for the Fighting Fifth, while Brentford Hope is a general 11-2 chance for Harry Derham.

BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle (2.10 Newcastle, Saturday)

Sky Bet: Evs Sir Gino, 5-4 Mystical Power, 11-2 Brentford Hope, 10 Brighterdaysahead, Salver, 12 Golden Ace, 16 Lump Sum, Nemean Lion, 25 bar

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