Mystical Power, far side© Photo Healy Racing
Mystical Power is set to take on Sir Gino in the BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday.
With Constitution Hill ruled out, Nicky Henderson has shuffled his pack and confirmed that Sir Gino – who was set to embark on a career over fences – will instead make the trip north to Gosforth Park.
The Seven Barrows handler has saddled a record eight winners of the Grade One contest, including claiming five of the last seven renewals, with My Tent Or Yours, Buveur D’Air and Epatante all on the roll of honour.
The biggest threat to last season’s star juvenile hurdler Sir Gino appears to be the Willie Mullins-trained Mystical Power, who will bid to become the first Irish-trained winner since Identity Thief nine years ago.
Owned in partnership by JP McManus, John Magnier and Rich Ricci, the son of Galileo out of the brilliant racemare Annie Power won four of his five novice starts last term, rounding off his campaign with back-to-back Grade One wins at Aintree and Punchestown.
Having sidestepped a strong renewal of the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown last weekend, Mystical Power is being readied for a trip across the Irish Sea.
Frank Berry, McManus’ racing manager, said: “That’s the plan, Willie is very happy with him, so the plan, all being well, is to go to Newcastle.
“The Morgiana looked very hot, so this was another option for him and he goes there in nice form.”
On Sir Gino stepping in to replace the sidelined Constitution Hill, Berry added: “No matter who drops out, there’s always one there.
“It’ll be a good race, but we’re looking forward to getting our horse out.”
Henderson expects to have a clearer idea of what direction Sir Gino will take for the rest of the season after Saturday, admitting that if he were to emerge triumphant, he could end up having to clash with Constitution Hill, who he hopes will be back on track in time to contest the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day.
“You’re trying to avoid clashes until they’re absolutely necessary, let’s just see what happens on Saturday,” the trainer told Racing TV at Kempton on Monday.
“Mystical Power is a big protagonist in this category, so it’s going to be very interesting.
“Sir Gino is grand. He had a spin this morning, Nico came and rode him and that went well.
“We’ll school him over hurdles on Wednesday I would think. He’s just got to jump four hurdles and he’s an intelligent horse, so I’m sure he’ll get the hang of what we’re doing, even if we’re trying to confuse him!”
Mystical Power is one of two Irish contenders, with Lorna Fowler giving Colonel Mustard the option of turning out quickly after finishing third in the Ascot Hurdle.
Harry Derham has confirmed the Elite Hurdle runner-up Brentford Hope, while Welsh Champion Hurdle victor Lump Sum could represent the in-form Sam Thomas.
Salver would be an interesting contender for Gary and Josh Moore, but would need rain having missed the Ascot Hurdle on Saturday on account of unsuitable ground.
Benson (Sandy Thomson), Kihavah (Adrian Keatley), Nemean Lion (Kerry Lee), Tellherthename (Jonjo and AJ O’Neill) and Take No Chances (Dan Skelton) complete the 11 acceptors.
