How and why he "got the job" as first call for Burke doesn't matter. He got it. Minimizing why and how just supports some hypothetical argument that he'd fall of the face of the earth without Burke. So you are now looking at him hypothetically without Burke. If you know what you are looking at, and it's obvious many here don't, try and look at the categories you would rate a driver in. Driver tools, skills, race-driving, strategy, racetrack IQ, etc. Personally, I don't think he rates top 5 in any categories except for making speed, getting a horse really on the bit, etc. He's an excellent gun and run driver. Everybody things that's easy, but it's not. Horses aren't push-button and they don't stop and start. So, all that said, do I think he's a great driver? I don't throw the word great around, so for me personally, all things considered, no, I don't think he's a great driver. Is he a great driver for a certain kind of horse? Absolutely.
Now, if he lost Burke, is he a top 10 driver at the Big M? Without question. Top 5? Initially, yes. Yes, in 2023 with Burke, he still won more races at the Meadowlands than any other driver. He was also # 1 in earnings. Yes, he did that with Burke. We all get that. But, he also won 20% of his races at the Meadowlands. 20%! You don't do that by accident. You aren't a bad driver and win at a 20% clip at throughout an entire Meadowlands meet, Burke or no Burke. You still have to take the lines and drive. Without Burke he is not waking up and becoming a moron who can't drive at all. His driving style will be attractive to plenty of trainers and owners, initially. People will see he's available, will want him, and he would get plenty of business that would put him in the top 5 initially. Now, does he last in the top 5? Long term? No, I don't think so, but it's close. He has longevity. He may grind it out. Hard to say. But, I think, over time, he loses most of the support, his business slows down, and he slowly drops down to mediocrity. Generically, kind of like what happened to Bill Fahy, although there were other factors there. You may be able to find 5 guys who you think are better drivers all-around but they have the longevity and track record Gingras has and that will factor in initially. He's got some excellent stats, achievements, track record, etc., but I do think his accomplishments have overshadowed his skills.
