PUNTERS have been left holding their breath after Nicky Henderson entered odds-on Arkle fav Sir Gino in a different race.
But they need not worry as it is just likely to be cover should anything happen to Constitution Hill.
The entries for the Champion Hurdle, Stayers’ Hurdle and Mares’ Hurdle were revealed on Tuesday.
And punters were originally left shocked to see Sir Gino’s name appear among those entered in the Champion Hurdle.
The Joe and Marie Donnelly-owned superstar is hot 8-11 favourite for the Arkle – a 2m novice chase – after his devastating win over Ballyburn at Kempton over Christmas.
Sir Gino stepped in for Constitution Hill in last November’s Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.
The former Champion Hurdle king – entered for this year’s renewal – was not quite ready for his comeback so Sir Gino took his place and won easily by eight lengths.
It appears the same tactics are being employed by shrewd handler Henderson in the run up to Cheltenham.
The Seven Barrows boss is leaving no stone left unturned this season after a mystery bug at his yard saw him pull practically all his runners from racing’s greatest week last year.
But it still gave a few punters a fright to see Sir Gino given an option in the hurdle contest.
One said ‘no, no, no’ in response to the news – although it’s unlikely they’ll really have to worry come March.
Meanwhile, Gordon Elliott’s unbelievable mare Brighterdaysahead was given an entry, as was Willie Mullins’ Lossiemouth.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”‘She looks top drawer’ purrs Willie Mullins after Rich Ricci’s ‘special’ new horse bolts up on debut” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6366575067112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]While State Man, the defending champ also owned by the Donnellys, was entered.
And it’s possible Sir Gino could be a super sub for him too after his poor showing in the Matheson Hurdle.