Sir Gino Tops Unibet Champion Hurdle Entries

Current ante-post favourite Sir Gino is among 16 entries for the Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. He shot to the front of the market after returning from a year off and winning the Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle at Kempton following a spell over novice fences.

Stablemate Constitution Hill is also entered, though Nicky Henderson may opt for his Flat debut at Southwell next month.

Willie Mullins leads the Irish challenge with Lossiemouth, joined by Anzadam, Ballyburn, El Fabiolo and Poniros, while Gordon Elliott has entered Brighterdaysahead and Casheldale Lad, and Henry De Bromhead sends Workahead.

Home hopes include defending champion Golden Ace, The New Lion, Alexei, Lucky Place, Nemean Lion and Wilful.

Several, including Lossiemouth, Brighterdaysahead and Golden Ace, also hold entries in the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, a 25-strong field featuring Elliott’s Wodhooh.

Champion Hurdle – Paddy Power & Sky Bet prices: 5/4 Sir Gino, 7/2 The New Lion, 6 Lossiemouth, 12 Constitution Hill, 14 Brighterdaysahead, 16 Golden Ace, 20 Anzadam, Ballyburn, 25 El Fabiolo, 33 Wilful, 40 Casheldale Lad, 50 bar