Course-and-distance winner Ginny's Destiny looks 'the perfect type'

Saturday: 2.25 Warwick
Ballymore Leamington Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) | 2m5f | 5yo+ | ITV4/RTV

Novice hurdles are all about signposting future potential but the recent Leamington roll of honour primarily features horses who failed to progress in subsequent runs. The winners from 2018-2021; Adrimel, Mossy Fen, Beakstown and Mr Whipped justify that assertion, while 2022 scorer Stag Horn is also yet to kick on.

There have been exceptions as both The New One (2013) and Willoughby Court (2017) followed up in the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle, but the Leamington cannot be considered the Cheltenham Festival trial it once was.

It could be worth concentrating on 'here and now' horses and course-and-distance winner Ginny's Destiny appeals as the perfect Leamington type.

While the seven-year-old attempts buck a trend that goes back 17 years as 2006 scorer Be Be King is the sole winner from that age group since the race's inception in 2002, he was simply too impressive last time to dismiss when slamming the reopposing Mexico by eight and a half lengths.

That performance sets a clear standard on Racing Post Ratings and has proved his ability to handle the track, trip and soft ground. Lacey's two previous runners in this have yielded a victory and a third and this powerful traveller fully merits favouritism.

Ginny's Destiny's tactical versatility is another plus as virtually all of these have shown a preference for going forward, with the exception of Dan Skelton's progressive hold-up performer Grey Dawning.

Snake Roll's third to Tahmuras in Listed company at Haydock in November was franked by the winner in the Tolworth last weekend and it is a rarity for trainer Lucinda Russell to saddle a hurdler at Warwick (0-2).

This is a step up in class for every runner and Ginny's Destiny and Snake Roll are tasked with ending the unbeaten records of Knowsley Road, Givega and Moon Hunter in a potentially high-class running.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

'My horse has the best form' – Lacey

Tom Lacey, successful with Adrimel in this race two years ago, is adamant that Ginny's Destiny has "the best form in the race".

The seven-year-old disappointed on ground at Aintree in October which Lacey believed to be livelier than the official description of good to soft, but bounced back with an impressive eight-and-a-half-length defeat of Mexico over Saturday's course and distance in November.

"Ginny's Destiny is in very good order," Lacey said. "He's enjoyed a very good preparation, with no hold-ups. He's a course-and-distance winner, which I think is a huge advantage, and it's the best form in the race."

The trainer added: "He has a big engine, and I expected him to do at Aintree what he did at Warwick. He didn't like the ground that day."

What they say

Gary Moore, trainer of Givega
He's doing fine. It's a step up in class but this looks the obvious race for him. His last run at Fontwell was pleasing enough as he was stuck on the ground when it wasn't as testing as he'd like.

Tom Messenger, assistant trainer to Dan Skelton, trainer of Grey Dawning
We were really pleased with the way he won at Kempton last time. He's a lovely horse who we've always liked and is progressing nicely. This is a step up in class but he's got a good chance.

Charlie Davies, assistant to Paul Nicholls, trainer of Knowsley Road
He's done nothing wrong, and has won his two races over hurdles. It's a step up in class, but we like him and he should handle the ground.

Harriet Edmunds, assistant to Stuart Edmunds, trainer of Mexico
He goes there with every chance. The soft ground will suit him well. He has a bit to find with Ginny's Destiny on the Warwick form, but he did finish in front of him at Aintree.

Henry Daly, trainer of Moon Hunter
He has managed to win his two novice hurdles this winter over an 2m3½f on good ground. This longer trip on soft ground will play more to his strengths.

Lucinda Russell, trainer of Snake Roll
I really like the horse, he's a fabulous type. He's laid-back with a high cruising speed, and I feel he'll stay the longer trip. We'll see how good he is in this higher grade. The handicapper says he has to find 7lb, and I think he's capable of doing so.
Reporting by Richard Birch

Read Saturday's previews:

2.05 Kempton: 'He's got to be the one to beat - the betting has got it right'

2.12 Fairyhouse: 'I think he has a big chance in a competitive race' - quotes for the Dan Moore

2.40 Kempton: 'He's been aimed at this race all season' - Lanzarote Hurdle quotes and insight

3.00 Warwick: 'We're not sending him over for fresh air' - quotes for the Classic Chase

3.35 Warwick: who brings 'one of the more desirable profiles' to this Pertemps qualifier?

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