Paul Ferguson's Jumpers To Follow 2023-2024 - Mid-Season Update

JUMPERS TO FOLLOW

Mid-Season Update

I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H

2023-2024

PAUL FERGUSON’S

Welcome Welcome to the mid-season update of

Jumpers To Follow 2023-2024 ALTHOUGH we are not quite at the midpoint of the season, we aren’t too far away from the busy Festive period and once that is out of the way, many a mind will start to wander towards the bigger races in the spring. There is still plenty of high-quality action to take place, either side of the Irish Sea, before we reach the climax of the season, however, and various races are nominated as possible targets for the horses who feature in this update.

Firstly, I would like to thank you all for purchasing Jumpers To Follow and sincerely hope that you have enjoyed reading this year’s publication and that it continues to prove to be a useful source of information throughout the remainder of the season.

Within the next 16 pages, I look back at what the 40 Leading Prospects have done so far and also what might await them in the months ahead, whilst the 20 horses who feature in the Across The Sea section of the publication also come under the microscope.

In addition, I highlight another 10 – from elsewhere in the book – who I have been impressed with during the early weeks of the season and conclude with 10 new names to note. This final group of horses did not feature in the original publication, but all have again impressed – either in winning or in defeat – already this season.

Leading Prospects BALLYBURN W P Mullins

CREST OF GLORY Anthony Honeyball

HE was ruled out for the season, in his trainer’s blog (29 th October).

MADE an encouraging start to his hurdling career DE LEGISLATOR recently, when runner-up to the exciting Fire- Lucinda Russell fox, who was race-fit and also had the advantage YET to reappear, but was due to run at Kelso (11th of having had a run over hurdles last season. A November) before being declared a non-runmistake two out probably ended any chance he ner due to being lame. Hopefully, we will see him had of winning, but he ran right through the line before too long, although he seems to be a horse and pulled 12 lengths clear of the third. He holds who a lot of people are talking about, so quite an entry in the Grade 1 Future Champions Novice whether he will represent any value on that first Hurdle at Leopardstown, but is surely more likely start remains to be seen. to run in another maiden over the Festive period, DIAMOND RI when he should be very tough to beat.

BO ZENITH Gary Moore

HE IS expected to miss the season through injury.

CAPTAIN TEAGUE Paul Nicholls

Joe Tizzard

DIDN’T jump particularly well when beaten on his first start over hurdles at Exeter, form which was subsequently given a boost when the winner ran well in Grade 2 company at Sandown. I would expect him to improve considerably for that initial experience and the hope is that he is found a nice opportunity in the coming weeks, before his connections think of anything else.

WINNER of the Grade 2 Persian War on his hurdling debut at Chepstow (2m3½f, good-to-soft), he stayed on strongly to win comfortably, despite not being foot-perfect throughout. Beaten under a penalty in the Hyde Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in November, he would likely have appreciated a more strongly-run race and was perhaps, beaten for pace. He again finished well, but could not claw back the deficit, whilst conceding 5lbs to the winner and 2lbs to the third, who has an official Irish handicap mark (I.H.R.B. Rating) of 135.

Reportedly still on target for the Grade 1 Challow Novices’ Hurdle (Saturday 30th December) – a race which Paul Nicholls is looking to win for a fourth successive year – it is likely that softer ground will help, as he looks a thorough stayer over an intermediate trip. Whatever he does during the second half of this season, he will likely develop into a highclass staying novice chaser this time next year.

WON what appeared to be just an ordinary maiden hurdle at Down Royal (2m1f, soft), but he did it very smoothly, despite not being overly fluent at the last. He had jumped well to that point and Gordon Elliott – who was winning the race for a fourth time in five years – introduced Envoi Allen and Mighty Potter in the same contest. Although he shapes as though he will cope with an extra half-mile, he doesn’t look devoid of pace and I would expect him to be seriously considered for the Grade 1 Future Champions Novice Hurdle, over the minimum trip, at Leopardstown (27th December). A half-brother to the 130-rated novice chaser Fringill Dike, he might not want really deep, winter ground.

CHASING FIRE Olly Murphy

DYSART ENOS Fergal O’Brien

DOWN MEMORY LANE Gordon Elliott

SUCCESSFUL at Uttoxeter (2m, good-to-soft) on JUSTIFIED very short odds when making a his first start over fences, he looked in need of a winning start over hurdles at Huntingdon (2m, longer trip when beaten in a novices’ handicap at good), where she pulled right away, despite not Ayr and has held entries over 2m4f, 2m5f and 3m jumping fluently. That form didn’t look particuin recent weeks. That suggests that he will indeed larly strong, but the third (beaten 12 lengths) then be stepping up in distance before too long and I finished closer when filling the same position in a would expect to see an improved performance as Listed contest at Newbury and has been handed a result. Flat tracks and relatively decent ground an opening mark of 113. She is due to have her see him in a good light and there is a novices’ hand- second start over hurdles at Cheltenham on Friday, icap chase at Aintree on Boxing Day, which could where she takes on geldings over an extended 2m. Really soft ground would be a concern and be a suitable target.

she will certainly need to hurdle more fluently in this stronger company, but it should tell us plenty more. Interestingly, the race takes place over the exact same course-and-distance as the Dawn Run.

EAST INDIA EXPRESS Nicky Henderson

GIVEN the pace which he showed when winning a Kempton bumper, I was slightly surprised that he was declared to run at the same track over 2m5f (good) on hurdles debut, but he had little trouble in seeing out the trip and Nicky Henderson stated afterwards that he hadn’t found schooling natural, so wanted to give him more time over further. There was little wrong with his jumping during the race itself and once taking over at the penultimate flight, the race was all over. Still only four, I would imagine that he will run in another small race under a penalty, before being asked to step up in class.

ductory hurdle at Wetherby (2m, heavy), where he coped with much deeper ground, but left the impression that he would prefer to revert to a sounder surface. A horse who looks to be blessed with plenty of natural speed, I would expect him to be considered for the Grade 1 Formby Novices’ Hurdle (formerly the ‘Tolworth’) at Aintree on Boxing Day, whilst an opening handicap mark of 126 could make some appeal later in the season, obviously depending on how he fares once upped in class. Whilst not the biggest, he is an athletic and nimble jumper.

FLORIDA DREAMS Nicky Richards

OFF the mark at the second attempt over hurdles earlier this week at Ayr (2m, soft), he travelled well just in behind the pace and having looked in trouble two out, finished really well to prevail by just a neck, with 13 lengths back to the third. He had been beaten over the same course-and-distance on his debut over hurdles and shapes like EL ELEFANTE a horse who might appreciate a little bit further.

Lucinda Russell WON what looked to be a weak mares’ novices’ That didn’t look the case during an unbeaten hurdle at Perth (2m4f, soft) in late-September and bumper campaign – when he looked full of pace was unable to back that up in a much stronger event – and perhaps, improvement will be forthcoming – against geldings – at Cheltenham in October. She once he meets better ground. He is another who travelled well to the final flight to be fair and the could be Aintree bound on Boxing Day. form has since been advertised, with both Push The Button (4th) and Isaac des Obeaux (6th) winning. The GIDLEIGH PARK runner-up has since finished second in a Grade 3 Harry Fry and she would likely be suited by returning to softer THE JUKEBOX MAN had franked his bumper ground. With that in mind, she will now likely be form by the time he himself made a winning aimed at a mares’ Listed novices’ hurdle at Haydock start over hurdles, at Exeter (2m½f, good-to(23rd December), a race which Lucinda Russell won soft). A big, powerful-looking son of Walk In The Park, he raced quite keenly in the hands of in 2021 with Haute Estime.

Jonathan Burke and was kept out wide throughout. Still looking quite green, there is room for ETALON improvement in the jumping department and Dan Skelton YET to reappear, he was due to run at Warwick on I would expect him to take a big step forward Thursday before that fixture was abandoned and he from what was a really pleasing start. Whilst he holds an entry at Wincanton on Tuesday, in a novices' shapes like he will have little trouble in staying handicap chase. It is worth noting that plenty of Dan further, I would expect him to run over a similar Skelton's runners this season have improved for their trip again – possibly in another ordinary novices’ first start of the campaign, although he has held hurdle, under a penalty – before he is considered entries for several weeks now, so it is hoped that he for some bigger targets. He remains one who I will be ready to do himself justice. He also ran well on am particularly excited about and looks to be a his first start over hurdles last November and remains lovely long-term prospect. a very promising sort for fences.

FAVOUR AND FORTUNE Alan King

UNBEATEN in two starts over hurdles. Having defied greenness when successful at Hereford (2m, good), he beat stronger opposition in an intro-

GIOVINCO Lucinda Russell

A RECORD of 1-3 over fences doesn’t really tell the story of his season to date, as he was running a big race when unseating Stephen Mulqueen at Carlisle on debut and he ran a fine race in defeat

at Sandown recently, where he probably did a little too much and was outstayed by Stay Away Fay in the closing stages. His narrow Aintree (3m1f, soft) victory came in a novices’ handicap, when almost half of the fences were omitted and his Sandown run is his strongest form to date. On that evidence, he would have little trouble in coming back in distance on testing ground and with that in mind, Wetherby’s Towton Novices’ Chase – which is now to be staged over 2m4f – could be an ideal target in the short-term (13th January), although Lucinda Russell did nominate the Kauto Star at Kempton as a likely target, provided the Boxing Day contest doesn’t come too quickly for him. Further down the line, the Mildmay Novices’ Chase would appeal as the perfect spring objective.

GLEN CANNEL L J Morgan

YET to reappear this season.

HERCULES MORSE Ben Pauling

YET to reappear this season.

HERMES ALLEN Paul Nicholls

DESPITE reportedly having been forced to miss around a month, he was able to make a winning debut over fences at Newbury (2m4f, good-tosoft) in the Grade 2 Berkshire Novices’ Chase.

Facing race-fit previous winners, he was kept handy throughout by Harry Cobden and his jumping was measured and assured. Off the bridle around the home bend, he was pushed up to challenge three out and was clear between the final two fences. Crossing the line with 6½ lengths to spare, he should improve plenty (fitness wise) and looks sure to make his presence felt at the top level as a novice chaser. Believed to have been struggling with his wind in the spring, corrective surgery appears to have worked in that regard and the Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown (3 rd February) would appeal as an ideal Grade 1 target after the turn of the year.

INDEEVAR BLEU Olly Murphy

FINISHED behind Florida Dreams when fourth on his hurdling debut at Ayr in early-November and was a non-runner at Wetherby recently, so should be out again before too long. Very green at Ayr, everything seemed to happen a little quickly for him (lost his prominent early position), before

keeping on really well up the home straight and given another half-furlong, he would likely have finished a good deal closer. Softer ground should help and I remain hopeful that he will leave his Ayr run behind in time.

INNESTON Gary Moore

YET to reappear this season and another who is believed to be side-lined through injury.

INTHEPOCKET Henry de Bromhead

BEATEN by Facile Vega at Navan on chase debut, he finished a similar distance behind the winner in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle before winning the Grade 1 Top Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree in the spring, form which was given a boost recently when Hansard (4 th) won the Gerry Feilden at Newbury. His jumping was safe at Navan and it appeared to be a satisfactory introduction, which ought to set up another fruitful campaign.

Whilst I remain convinced that he will improve once being stepped back up to an intermediate trip, it seems that he will remain over the minimum distance for the time being and the six-year-old should be very tough to beat on his next start, before he is stepped back up into Graded company.

INTHEWATERSIDE Paul Nicholls

DEFIED keenness to win at Aintree (2m4f, goodto-soft), where there were plenty of hurdles omitted due to low sun. Dropped in trip for an introductory hurdle at Ascot, he seemed to enjoy being allowed to stride on, but was unable to shake-off the opposition and was possibly outpaced up the home straight on good ground.

Handed an opening mark of 120, that could well underestimate him in time, but he still looks a big, raw individual who I would imagine will require more experience before being asked to run in handicap company. It will be interesting to see where the champion trainer opts to send him next.

IRANDANDO HAS Paul Nicholls

YET to reappear this season.

JOHNNYWHO Jonjo O’Neill

MIRAZUR WEST W P Mullins

CREATED a very good impression when successful at YET to reappear this season, but has held an entry Carlisle (2m4f, soft), where he beat a couple of previ- recently and has been handed an entry in the ous winners with consummate ease. The placed horses Grade 1 Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leophave official ratings of 120 and he was receiving weight ardstown. I would, however, expect him to run in a from both, but despite an error at the last, won with any maiden hurdle over the Festive period. amount in hand and he was ridden with utmost confidence. Clearly at home on soft (or worse) ground, the MOFASA Challow would be an option over Christmas, should Paul Nicholls Jonjo O’Neill opt to pitch him straight into the deep INITIALLY, I was slightly disappointed with his end, although I suspect that he might run somewhere effort on chase debut – on what was also his first under a penalty, before being considered for the Grade start for Paul Nicholls – but the winner was good 2 Classic Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham on trials day and has since given the form a boost by winning (27th January). Staying further shouldn’t be an issue, but again at Cheltenham. Off the mark at the second for now, I expect him to be kept to intermediate trips. attempt over fences, he jumped well at HuntingAgain, he would be one who I am particularly looking don (2m7½f, good-to-soft) and despite having won forward to seeing in action again in the near future. at Cheltenham over hurdles, flat tracks seem to suit. Up to a mark of 135, he has been declared to KATEIRA run in a novices’ handicap chase at Cheltenham Dan Skelton on Saturday, over 3m1½f. Genuinely soft ground LOOKED in need of the run and found the ground softer is a slight concern, so he might be a horse who than ideal when third at Wetherby, before looking a improves again later in the season, on a sounder non-stayer over 3m at Kempton. She is now expected to surface. With that in mind, he could be one for be given a lengthy break and will return in the spring.

Aintree in April.

JOHNNYWHO

NEMEAN LION Kerry Lee

STARTED the season with a fine display in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las (2m, goodto-soft), where he raced keenly early-on, but had enough in reserve to fend off Anyharminasking, with Gin Coco (won next time) back in fifth. Up 5lbs, he was forced to carry top-weight in the Greatwood Hurdle and being only a small, ex-Flat horse, I am not convinced that lumping 12-stone in soft ground is what he really wants. With that in mind and considering that he made a fairly serious error two out, he ran a sound race to finish fifth. He holds an entry in Ascot's Betfair Exchange Trophy (23rd December), where he would appreciate Sceau Royal running, to prevent the weights from rising too much (with Not So Sleepy and Goshen likely absentees).

QUALIMITA Gordon Elliott

Ip Up (3 rd) also won next time. Despite the fact that I would have preferred him to have been sent straight over fences, from a revised mark of 108 and with that run under his belt, he remains of huge interest in handicap hurdles, especially when getting some better ground. He has been declared to run at Doncaster on Friday, where conditions will, hopefully, be suitable.

SMART CASUAL Anthony Honeyball

PULLED-UP on his reappearance at Stratford, he dropped in trip slightly when running a much more encouraging race at Fontwell earlier in the week, when a tongue-tie was reapplied for the first time since his racecourse debut in a Ffos Las bumper (something highlighted in the book). The ground was desperate and having looked all over the winner at the final flight, he was collared in the dying strides. Still very green, there should be races to be won with him from his current mark (although he is likely to go up for this defeat) during the second half of the season.

PITCHED straight into Listed company for her debut under Rules, she was weak in the market beforehand (suggesting that the run was possibly needed) but travelled well for John Gleeson and SOLE SOLUTION having initially challenged inside the final half- Venetia Williams mile, faded in the closing stages. The ground YET to reappear this season. looked to be extremely testing and the racefit winner clearly relishes such conditions, so it STAY AWAY FAY was a pleasing enough start from this impres- Paul Nicholls sive Point-to-Point winner. Still only four, I would UNBEATEN in two starts over fences, he showed a like to see her sights lowered and gain a confi- fine attitude to score at Exeter (3m, good-to-soft) dence-boosting win in the New Year, before her and defied a 3lbs penalty in the inaugural running of connections consider a tilt at something a bit the Grade 2 Esher Novices’ Chase at Sandown (3m, better once again. soft), where he appeared to outstay the strong-travelling Giovinco. A thorough stayer, he was installed as SAINT DAVY clear favourite for the Brown Advisory after Sandown Jonjo O’Neill and a truly-run race is sure to draw out his abundant YET to reappear this season and evidently difficult stamina, as it did in last year’s Albert Bartlett. The to train, having only had three spaced out runs last Reynoldstown at Ascot (17th February) is his most term. He is expected to be out during the second likely next target, although having initially mentioned half of the season, however. the possibility of entering him in the Cotswold Chase on trials day, Paul Nicholls suggested that he will also SIR GINO be considered for the Hampton Novices' Chase at Nicky Henderson Warwick (13th January).

YET to reappear this season, he could be one for the introductory juvenile hurdle at Kempton (27th THE KEMBLE BREWERY December) over Christmas.

Kim Bailey STARTED the season by making a winning return SLEEPING SATELLITE in a bumper at Cheltenham (2m½f, good-to-soft), Donald McCain where he defied racing keenly to finish strongly WEAK in the market, he shaped like the run was up the hill. Conceding 4lbs to the placed horses, it needed on his return at Ayr in early-November, was a pleasing reappearance and as a result, the form that has since been well advertised with the four-year-old was sent off odds-on to win a maiden winner Park Annonciade winning at Haydock and hurdle at the same track in November, but he made

a serious error at the very first flight. Given time to recover, he again reached for one down the far side and was again untidy at the flight at the top of the hill. Given the catalogue of errors, he probably did well to still be in contention off the home bend, after which he tired up the straight and was eased down once David Bass accepted the result.

He might need a bit of time to get over this defeat, but certainly shouldn’t be written off and remains of interest for the New Year.

TRELAWNE Kim Bailey

TULLYHILL W P Mullins

BEATEN at odds of 1-8 on his first start over hurdles, he did plenty wrong in what was a disappointing return. A little keen early on, he was a shade hesitant at several of his obstacles (also went left at times) and following a fairly serious mistake three out, could not get by the front-running winner. Tiring on the run to the last, he failed to stay the 2m6f trip and will likely drop in distance when next seen. Another who holds an entry in the Future Champions Novice Hurdle, I suspect that he will be aimed at a maiden over 2m4f.

JUMPED well en route to making a successful chasing debut at Carlisle (2m4f, soft) in early-No- WILLMOUNT vember, kicking on from four out and always looking Nicky Henderson in control. Upped 7lbs to a revised mark of 143, he A COMPREHENSIVE winner at Newbury (2m½f, enters open novice company at Cheltenham on good-to-soft) on his first start for Nicky HenderFriday and although he will appreciate stepping back son and his first start over hurdles, in what was no up to 3m in time, he should give a good account more than an average novices’ hurdle. Although of himself, provided that the ground remains in his his trainer all-but-ruled out a trip to Aintree on favour (softer the better). This will likely determine Boxing Day, it now seems likely that he will be where he goes during the second half of the season, aimed at the Formby Novices' Hurdle, having with Graded novice contests the likely option if he been forced to miss a recent Listed engagement were to win, or even go close, whilst he has the at Sandown. Henderson will, no doubt, be keen to option of reverting to handicaps if need be. keep him and Jeriko du Reponet apart.

LEADING PROSPECTS STAY AWAY FAY & GIOVINCO

Across The Sea

fences were omitted up the home straight (both circuits). Successful on his second chase start, his jumping again improved as the race unfolded A DREAM TO SHARE at Fairyhouse (2m5½f, soft), where he appeared to relish the longer trip. Only two fences were John E & Thomas Kiely DUE to make his debut over hurdles at Punches- omitted on this occasion and despite a slow jump town in mid-October, the Champion Bumper three out, he really found his stride up the home winner was declared a non-runner due to a stone straight and was well on top at the line, finishbruise and reportedly, won’t return to action until ing strongly and leaving the impression that he the New Year. Still favourite with most firms for the will relish going up in distance. With that in mind, Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, it is worth noting that the Neville Hotels at Leopardstown would appeal Ebaziyan is the only winner of that race this century as an obvious Christmas target (29 th December) to have made their hurdling debut in January, with and if he continues to progress, he could easily the last before him to do so being another ex-Flat develop into a leading contender for the Brown performer, Shadow Leader in 1997.

Advisory at Cheltenham.

AFFORDALE FURY Noel Meade

FACILE VEGA W P Mullins

MADE a really pleasing start to the season, when DIDN’T totally convince with his style of jumpwinning a beginners chase at Galway (2m6½f, ing when defeating Inthepocket in a beginners heavy) before failing to perform in the Grade 2 chase at Navan (2m1f, soft-to-heavy), but only Florida Pearl Novice Chase, which was won by the had to be nudged out to win by the best part of Galway second, Favori de Champdou. Reported 4 lengths. A dual Grade 1 winner in both bumpto have hung to his right, he holds an entry in the ers and novice hurdles, he is now likely to head Grade 1 Neville Hotels Novice Chase at Leopard- straight into Grade 1 company over fences, with stown over Christmas (29 th December) and it will the Racing Post Novice Steeplechase the obvibe interesting to see if he can leave this bad run ous Festive target (26th December). Willie Mullins behind, wherever he turns up next. It should be is responsible for no fewer than seven of the 16 remembered that he disappointed in a similar entrants – and Gordon Elliott has five entered – manner when well-beaten in the Lawlor’s of Naas so the race is sure to cut-up and he is likely to Novice Hurdle in January, before returning to form take plenty of beating, provided that he jumps in the Albert Bartlett. efficiently. After that, a clash with his Supreme Novices’ Hurdle conqueror Marine Nationale – BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD who is set to reappear in a beginners chase over Gordon Elliott Christmas – in the Irish Arkle seems highly likely.

JUMPED out to her left when making a success- Personally, I would like to see improvement in his ful start over hurdles at Thurles (2m, soft), but left jumping technique. that form behind when winning the Grade 3 Feathard Lady Mares Novice Hurdle at Down Royal (2m1f, FACT TO FILE soft). A good-looking mare with a lovely pedigree, W P Mullins she was delivered to challenge two out and got SENT straight over fences from bumpers, he away with shifting to her left at the final flight, finished runner-up to American Mike over 2m4f at running out a convincing 4¾-length winner, from Navan, where he raced in second throughout but a couple of 130+ rated mares. Given that she is still could never quite get on terms with the front-runonly four, she has achieved an awful lot already and ning winner. He jumped soundly and the pair were 21 is a worthy market leader – at this early stage – for lengths clear of the third, so it was a hugely satisfacthe Dawn Run at Cheltenham. Whilst she looks as tory start. He holds Grade 1 entries over Christmas, though she could improve for going up in distance, but will surely be next seen in another beginners she isn’t short of speed. chase, although over what trip remains open to debate, with his connections offering differing opinCORBETTS CROSS ions in that regard.

Emmet Mullins

ONLY third on his first start over fences, his jump- FACTUAL FACT ing improved as the race went on and he wasn’t Henry de Bromhead beaten too far over 2m4f, in a race in which both YET to reappear this season.

GOOD LAND Barry Connell

too far from the pace, he was angled off the rail down the far side and having been briefly shakRULED out for the season through injury. en-up upon landing two out (wasn’t fluent), he picked up really well around the home bend and GRANGECLARE WEST quickly went from fourth to first before drawing away after the last. The runner-up was an impresW P Mullins JUMPED really well on the front-end, when winning a sive 18-length Point-to-Point winner and there beginners chase at Naas (2m4f, soft) and that form has was plenty to like about the manner of success, since been advertised by Corbetts Cross. The light- despite the fact that there looks to be plenty of ly-raced seven-year-old clearly goes well fresh and room for improvement in the jumping department. failed to back-up an impressive maiden hurdle win last Another who holds an entry in the Future Chamwinter in Grade 1 company, so I am keen to see if he can pions at Leopardstown, he looks well-suited to a follow-up that Naas success second time out. He holds longer trip and could be one for the Lawlor’s of entries at Limerick and Leopardstown over Christmas Naas (7th January). and stepping up to 3m – in the aforementioned Neville Hotels – could be the best option. He will have had SANDOR CLEGANE seven weeks to get over his debut success, so ought Paul Nolan to be fresh enough to do himself justice and there was ONLY fourth over an inadequate 2m½f on chase plenty to like about that performance at Naas. debut, he finished runner-up in the Florida Pearl next time, albeit 14 lengths behing Favori de JUNTA MARVEL Champdou, in a race which did appear to fall apart W P Mullins somewhat. It was reported shortly afterwards that YET to reappear this season. he was to undergo wind-surgery and as a result, is set for a short spell on the side-lines.

LANTRY LADY Henry de Bromhead

YET to reappear this season.

MONBEG PARK Sean Thomas Doyle

REAPPEARED in a very competitive beginners chase over 2m2½f at Thurles recently, in which he jumped well until three out, after which he appeared to be outpaced. A respectable fourth, he looks ready to step back up in trip now (despite holding a Grade 1 entry over 2m1f) and judged on this highly-promising start, he ought to have little trouble in winning races over fences this season.

MYSTICAL POWER W P Mullins

YET to reappear, having won over hurdles during the summer, but does hold an entry in the Grade 1 Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown (27th December).

SLADE STEEL Henry de Bromhead

FINISHED really strongly when beating King Of Kingsfield (subsequently runner-up in Grade 1 Royal Bond) in a maiden hurdle at Naas (2m, soft) and appreciated the step up in trip when winning a Grade 2 at Navan (2m4f, heavy). Shaken up between the final two flights, he jumped on at the last and having idled a little when clear, was probably value for more than the official winning margin.

The Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle might come too quickly for him (7th January), so his first Grade 1 assignment might come in the Nathaniel Lacy at the Dublin Racing Festival. He is progressing nicely and shouldn’t mind the longer trip, especially on better ground.

SPILLANE’S TOWER James Joseph Mangan

ANOTHER who holds a Grade 1 entry over Christmas – in the Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick OLD GROUND – he has progressed in three starts over fences, W P Mullins winning at Punchestown (2m, heavy) earlier this YET to reappear this season. week. He had earlier finished fourth behind Facile Vega and Inthepocket at Navan and he remains a PREDATORS GOLD really nice prospect, especially once going up in W P Mullins trip by half-a-mile. The son of Walk In The Park RETURNED to Punchestown – where he had won jumped particularly well at Punchestown and beat the Goffs Defender Bumper in April – when making two 135-rated hurdlers, suggesting that he is still a winning debut over hurdles (2m3½f, soft). Never very much on an upward curve.

TIGER BAY QUEEN Peter Fahey

YET to reappear this season.

YOU OUGHTA KNOW W P Mullins

YET to reappear this season, although the form of his Kilbeggan bumper win has been boosted

by Croke Park (won twice over hurdles, including the Grade 3 Monksfield Novice Hurdle), whilst the horse who chased him home at Galway also won twice, before running in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham.

The following 10 horses featured in other areas of the publication and have impressed in the early part of the season: ALTOBELLI Harry Fry

Around The Yards A LEADING PROSPECT in last year’s publication, he had beaten Ginny’s Destiny (now rated 141 over fences, after winning at Cheltenham in November) in a bumper at Exeter and won his first two starts over hurdles last season, beating Uncle Bert (now rated 124) on debut at Ffos Las. Well-beaten in Grade 1 company at Aintree, he ran a hugely promising race at Ascot on his return, when he travelled very powerfully to the home turn.

Although he had no chance with the winner, he readily pulled clear of the remainder and Bad (3rd) ran well in the Gerry Feilden next time. Up just 1lb to 132, there looks to be a big race in this lightly-raced five-year-old, who holds an entry in the Betfair Exchange Trophy, back at Ascot (23rd December). He handles soft ground well.

CAPTAIN BELLAMY Paul Nicholls

Point-to-Point Graduates A HUGELY impressive, wide-margin winner of a fouryear-old maiden Point, he made all when successful in a bumper at Chepstow (2m, good-to-soft) in late-October and the form has already been boosted with the fourth winning over hurdles next time. Powering on as they passed through the wings of what would have been three out, he really found his stride inside the final quarter-mile and despite hanging through greenness (drifted left late-on), he ran out a convincing winner. He is reportedly being considered for the Listed bumper at Ascot (22nd December) and forms part of what would appear to be a hugely promising crop of bumper horses in the care of the champion trainer. Third home Kap Ouest (featured in the Around The Yards section) is another to note, as he took a keen grip and came from

off the pace to make an encouraging racecourse debut for Harry Fry. A four-year-old with a nice pedigree, he is one to note in another bumper, possibly later on in the season.

CERENDIPITY Sue Smith

Around The Yards THIRD on his reappearance and chasing debut at Sedgefield, he had undergone wind surgery since finishing 10th in the EBF Final at Sandown and duly stepped forward to win at Wetherby (1m7f, soft) in late-November. Down in trip, he was ridden more aggressively and as many do at this time of year from the Sue Smith stable, improved for that first start of the campaign. The lightly-raced six-year-old stayed-on strongly to score and having been put up just 3lbs, should be capable of further success this winter. Declared to run at Doncaster on Saturday, stepping back up in distance looks sure to suit.

CREBILLY Jonjo O’Neill

Around The Yards A FALLER on chase debut at Cheltenham, he had gone through the race really nicely and looked all set to throw down his challenge when knuckling on landing two out. Given how he travelled and jumped, there was still a lot to like about the performance to that point and although it isn’t the ideal start to the season, he very much remains of huge interest, despite being raised 5lbs by the handicapper.

Another who ran in the EBF Final in March, he has been declared to run at Cheltenham on Friday, in the same novices' chase as Trelawne, in what promises to be an informative contest (re-opposes the winner on 6lbs better terms). Again, his performance here will likely dictate which way he goes thereafter.

IL EST FRANCAIS Noel George & Amanda Zetterholm

News From France AN EASY winner on his first start over fences at Auteuil (2m1½f, very soft) in September, this Grade 1 winning hurdler made it 2-2 over the larger obstacles at the Parisian track (2m6f, heavy) in Listed company in mid-November. The son of Karaktar only lost once over hurdles – when running below par behind Theleme (recent Grade 1 winner and prominent in the betting for the Stayers’ Hurdle) – and looks to be a top-class prospect for chasing.

Clearly versatile in terms of distance, he is expected to head over to Britain to contest the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day and I will be surprised if he is beaten.

LITTLE MISS DANTE Olly Murphy

REGENT’S STROLL Paul Nicholls

Around The Yards Around The Yards THE winner of her second start in bumpers last ONE of several un-raced horses from the publication season, she is currently unbeaten in two starts who have made a successful racecourse debut, this over hurdles, successful at both Ayr (2m, good-to- son of Walk In The Park – who is a full-brother to Are soft) and Uttoxeter (2m, soft). Taking on the boys U Wise To That (winner over fences at Warwick in on debut, she was shaken-up off the home bend September) – made the best possible start, at Ascot and responded kindly, showing a fine attitude to in late-November. Never too far from the pace, the come clear from two out, despite looking around four-year-old was nudged along leaving the side of through greenness. Back against her own sex the course and he responded well once challenged, under a penalty, she duly justified strong market drawing away to record a pleasing debut victory. support in an uncomplicated manner. Again, As highlighted in the book itself, he holds an entry asked to pick up from three out, she joined issue in the valuable Goffs UK Spring Sales Bumper at at the penultimate flight and was well on top by Newbury (23rd March) and given the prize money on the time she jumped the last. Ears pricked, she offer there, it would seem highly-likely that he will again had a look around when in front, so there be aimed at it. Despite the small field, this is a race ought to be plenty more to come, as she goes up which could work out well and Wellington Arch (3rd) in grade. Clearly versatile in terms of ground (her is another to note going forward, as he was attemptfull-brother Go Dante handles deep ground), she ing to concede 4lbs to the front pairing and tried boasts a lovely pedigree and is developing into a to come from off the pace, so surrendered first run highly-promising young mare, who could easily to both. He had earlier impressed when winning at Worcester, form that also reads quite well. pick up some black type before too long.

LITTLE MISS DANTE

The following 10 horses did not feature in the publication, but Around The Yards DESPITE racing quite keenly, he made a pleasing have caught the eye – either start to his hurdling career, successful at Kemp- by winning, or in defeat – in ton (2m, good-to-soft). Kept wide – but quite handy – by David Bass, the easily-recognisa- the early part of the season: SECRET SQUIRREL Hughie Morrison

ble four-year-old moved well and eased to the front two out. Allowed to stride on, he quick- BROADWAY BOY ened right away in taking fashion and looks to Nigel Twiston-Davies be full of pace. He beat two-time hurdles winner A PROGRESSIVE staying hurdler in the spring, he has Act Of Authority in a Taunton bumper on debut carried that momentum into this season as a novice and perhaps, the Grade 2 Dovecote Novices’ chaser, winning impressively on debut at WorcesHurdle – back at Kempton – would be a suitable ter (2m7f, good-to-soft), form that was subsequently target (24 th February), before which Newbury’s franked by Mofasa. Runner-up to Flooring Porter introductory hurdle could be an option over the – when attempting to concede 5lbs to the dual Stayers’ Hurdle winner – at Cheltenham, he returned to Festive period (30 th December). the same track to win a Listed novices’ chase (3m½f, soft) at the November meeting. A relentless galloper, SOUTHERN BABYLON he shapes as though a marathon trip could suit and Ruth Jefferson whilst I originally had him earmarked for a big handPoint-to-Point Graduates RUNNER-UP in an Irish Point, she filled the same icap in the spring (Ultima or Scottish Grand National, spot on her first start for Ruth Jefferson, in a 2m1f possibly), it could be that he is campaigned in Graded maiden hurdle at Sedgefield. Finishing strongly, novice chase company. Now rated 146, the National she made up lots of ground after the final flight, Hunt Chase could end up being an ideal end-of-sealeaving the impression that she would appreci- son target and he is set to return to Cheltenham on ate a longer trip. Duly stepped up distance, she Saturday, to contest a handicap over 3m2f. took on her own sex at Market Rasen (2m4½f, good-to-soft), where she raced more profession- FIRE FLYER ally, making all under Richie McLernon. Wound-up Paul Nicholls from the top of the home straight, she saw the A WINNER at Ascot in October 2022, he disappointed trip out well to score and has been handed an on quick ground at Newbury in February, but returned appealing opening mark of 108. Provided that to action with a sound run in the Listed bumper at she continues to mature with racing, it will be a Cheltenham’s November meeting, where he split the surprise if she doesn’t end the campaign rated exciting Brechin Castle and two-time winner Moon Chime. The race looked a good contest on paper and considerably higher. the right horses come the fore, plus this imposing son of Shantou was the pick of the paddock beforehand, THE JUKEBOX MAN as he has the size and scope to do very well now he Ben Pauling goes jumping. A full-brother to Sevarano (rated 148 Around The Yards RUNNER-UP to Gidleigh Park in a Chepstow as a novice chaser), he raced enthusiastically on the bumper, he won on soft ground at Ffos Las before front-end and kept-on well once headed. He enjoys the season was out and has now won twice at the soft ground and won’t mind going up in distance, same venue over hurdles (2m4f, heavy on both especially once he learns to relax a little more. occasion). He is clearly well-suited by plenty of give in the ground and whilst he jumps like he FIREFOX should come into his own over fences in time, Gordon Elliott there could be a nice race in him during the AS ALREADY mentioned, he mastered Ballyburn in a second half of this season. Likely to be tested maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse and it was a hugely likeain better company next time, it could be that he ble performance from a horse who appeared to dwarf ends up contesting something like the EBF Final the runner-up in stature. He had run once in a maiden at Sandown, should Graded races prove beyond hurdle in November 2022, before running in three him at this stage. Therefore, I will be keen to see bumpers, of which he won two and include a defeat of what opening mark he is given by the hanidcapper Ile Atlantique (wide-margin maiden hurdle winner). He won a third bumper on reappearance at Down Royal next Tuesday.

(2m1f, soft) – in what was little more than an exercise canter – before making all of the running at Fairyhouse (2m, soft). The five-year-old did hold a fitness and an experience edge over the runner-up, so there might not be too much between them going forward, but there was a lot to like about the way he got the job done and he is another who has the option of heading to Leopardstown for the Future Champions Novice Hurdle. An extra half-mile will not pose any problems to him later in the campaign and he could develop into a high-class novice.

Mark Walsh and having warmed to the task in the jumping department, breezed clear on the run to the final fence. Those in behind looked tired, but it was hard not to be impressed with the way he turned away some useful performers and he looks to be yet another very bright prospect for the Willie Mullins stable. He doesn’t hold any fancy engagements at this stage, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if he were contesting Graded races before too long and the Ladbrokes Novice Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival would appeal as a likely target.

HALKA DU TABERT Gordon Elliott

JERIKO DU REPONET Nicky Henderson

JUST below the top-level as a novice hurdler last season (finished 3rd in the Dawn Run at Cheltenham), she made a sparkling debut over fences at Cork (2m5f, soft) recently, making all and jumping very economically to score by 20 lengths. She lengthened right away up the home straight and marked herself down as an exciting recruit to fences. The six-year-old also jumped well when winning a maiden Point by a wide-margin and looks more than capable of holding her own as she goes up in class and it wouldn’t be a shock if she ended up as a leading candidate for the Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham, a race which has been won by a novice in two of the three renewals to date. The Grade 2 novice chase for mares at Limerick would be an option over Christmas, although if being hyper-critical, she did shift marginally to her left at times on debut.

HECOULDBETHEONE Chris Gordon

TWICE a winner as a novice hurdler when trained by Gary Moore, he returned from 577 days off when looking in need of the run at Plumpton in early-November and ran well on his second start for Chris Gordon, on what was his chasing debut at Newbury recently.

Although he was eventually beaten 12 lengths by the progressive Djelo, he ran well for a long way and jumped soundly out in front, until making a mistake at the last when he seemed to be tiring. Dropped 2lbs to 116, there are certainly races to be won with him over fences and his new trainer will find much easier opportunities than Newbury for the son of Shirocco.

INDIANA DREAM W P Mullins

AN inexperienced five-year-old, he had won a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse (2m4f, soft) on New Year’s Day – where he beat the 131-rated An Mhi by 15 lengths – and made winning start over fences at Navan (2m4½, heavy) last weekend, on the back of a 342-day break.

Not totally fluent (made a bad error at the fourth fence), he was ridden with plenty of confidence by

A HORSE with a reputation that preceded him, he came from a long way off the pace to win a maiden Point in remarkable fashion at Kirkistown, after which he was bought privately by JP McManus. Prominent in the betting for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle even before he made his debut under Rules at Newbury (2m½f, good-to-soft), he won a moderate maiden hurdle – a race in which Nicky Henderson boasts a fantastic recent record – in the manner of a highclass prospect. Ridden with patience/confidence, he jumped upsides at the final flight and didn’t come off the bridle to win with any amount in hand. The runner-up had earlier been beaten 36 lengths by the winner’s stable-mate Willmount and was handed a rating of 108 after this third run, which gives you an indication of the level of form achieved. We will learn a whole lot more about him once he is upped in class, but I suspect that he will return to Newbury for an introductory hurdle (30th December) before he is pitched into a Graded race. The Rossington Main at Haydock (20th January) would be an option three weeks later and at present, it is a case of style over substance.

MAKING HEADWAY Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

BOUGHT for just £50,000 on the back of a 3-length maiden Point success in Ireland (had Supremely West back in 4th), he justified strong market support when making a winning start under Rules, in a novices’ hurdle at Carlisle (2m1f, heavy) in October. Always well-positioned under Henry Brooke, he took up the running on the run to the final flight and pulled clear to record a comfortable success. He then took a huge step forward, when third on much quicker ground in Haydock’s Grade 2 Newton Novices’ Hurdle, where he came from off the pace in a strongly-run race. Despite the much sharper test, he ran with huge credit and pulled 13 lengths clear of the runner-up, earning himself an official BHA Rating of 131. His upwardly mobile trainers will likely consider having another crack at the winner in the Grade 1 Formby Novices’ Hurdle at

Aintree (26th December), although he looks sure to appreciate a stiffer test of stamina and the Premier Novices’ Hurdle at Kelso could be an ideal target later on in the season. He is also one to look forward to as a novice chaser next autumn.

UKANTANGO Olly Murphy

A HORSE who relishes a sound surface, he has yet to get his desired ground in two starts over fences, but ran a much more encouraging race last time, when runner-up over the minimum trip at Wetherby. A mistake down the far side meant he was still last of MISTER MEGGIT five as the field turned for home, but he kept-on really Jonjo O’Neill FOLLOWING on from the impressive success of well to take second and he certainly looks capable of Johnnywho in the opening novices’ hurdle, Jonjo winning races during the second half of the season, O’Neill book-ended Carlisle’s card on 5th November once he gets his optimum conditions. Now rated 121, with victory in the bumper (2m1f, soft), as this five- he looks extremely well-handicapped based on his year-old strode out to win impressively by 12 lengths. second in last year’s Sharp Novices’ Hurdle – where He moved comfortably under Jonjo Jnr and could he split the ill-fated Fennors Cross (won an Aintree be spotted travelling ominously well with a couple of handicap off 133) and the 143-rated Springwell Bay furlongs to run. Once hitting the front and grabbing – and he went on to finish third behind Rubaud (now the nearside rail, he easily shot clear, looking a cut rated 149) in the Dovecote at Kempton. If we enjoy a above the opposition. It didn’t appear to be an overly dry spring, he could well flourish. strong race on paper, but the fourth ran reasonably well over hurdles next time and this son of Shantou could hardly have done it any easier. I suspect that we might see him in another bumper under a penalty, before any future (loftier) plans are made.

MISTER MEGGIT

CHELTENHAM

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