Reporter: Andy Gibson
The most reliable marker to gauge the quality of this race is Rubaud who was running in his ideal circumstances. The Ditcheat horses’ mark of 149 would translate to this winner competing to a rating of about 160 which would put him right in the mix for the Champion Hurdle with The New Lion and Lossiemouth. The official handicapper has been a little more generous than that having determined that this exciting looking performance by Sir Gino was worth a 163 rating.
Despite seriously over racing in the earlier stages, Sir Gino still managed to look extremely impressive in the home straight. He was returning from an absence of 364 days so we can probably expect him to be less buzzy the next time we see him. I suspect the runner up Golden Ace will be better again on a more galloping track so I would prefer to remain open minded as to whether beating her by a relatively comfortable six lengths actually translates into Sir Gino being worthy of his 13/8 odds at the top of the Champion Hurdle market with two such strong rivals in opposition.
She continued her fine run of form in top-class, Grade One two-mile hurdle races with a fine second place finish against a very good winner. She beat a very reliable marker into third place and looks worthy of her 152 rating based on this performance. As with March 2025, she will require plenty to go wrong for the prominent horses in the Champion Hurdle market to hold a winning chance.
I believe he was competing in near perfect conditions, and he did not disappoint as there is plenty of reasons to think he competed close to his mark of 149. He is generally at his best when allowed an easier lead than the one he enjoyed here. Sir Gino took him on from very early on and so it was good to see Rubaud run straight and true to the line as he has appeared to rather down tools on one or two occasions when headed in the past.
After being badly outpaced round the final bend he did eventually begin to make inroads on the third horse in the home straight. I strongly suspect the combination of a speed-oriented track and quick ground was not for him. He will be seen to better effect when faced with a stiffer test of stamina. Maybe something like the National Spirit at Fontwell will be more suitable for him.
