Jumpers To Follow - Mid-Season Update 2020-2021

JUMPERS TO FOLLOW

2020-2021

PAUL FERGUSON’S

MID-SEASON UPDATE Hello and welcome to the mid-season update of Jumpers To Follow 2020-2021, which I hope will have provided you with a few winners in the early months of the season. To begin, I will take a look at the 40 Leading Prospects and the horses who feature in the Across The Sea section of the book. Following that, I have selected another seven horses from elsewhere in the book, who have impressed me when winning in the first half of the season, before nominating another eight names for the notebook. The first four finished runner-up on their respective first starts of the season (three of them in bumpers) and another quartet of bumper winners, who look capable of competing at a higher level.

Leading Prospects AJERO (Kim Bailey)

Twice a winner from three starts over hurdles, he has shown plenty of pace to win at Ludlow and Kempton, and is likely to be kept to sharp right-handed tracks. With that in mind, he could be one for the novice hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day, although that is often well-contested, and from a mark of 129, it could be that he is considered for the handicap at the same two-day meeting. He wants decent ground and a strongly-run race might well suit.

APPRECIATE IT (W P Mullins)

Had little problem with the trip of 2m when winning a maiden hurdle at long odds-on at Cork, with the front two 28 lengths clear of the field. The runner-up gave the form a small boost by winning over course-and-distance recently, and although Appreciate It holds an entry in the Grade 1 Future Champions Novice Hurdle over the minimum trip at Leopardstown (27th), I would expect to see him over 2m4f before too long. With that in mind, he could be one for the Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle in early-January.

BALLYADAM (Gordon Elliott)

Two-from-two over hurdles, he is one who could well head to the Future Champions, which looks

Jumpers To Follow 2020-2021 - Mid-Season Update

the obvious race following his victory in the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse. Currently joint-favourite for the Supreme Novices’ at Cheltenham with the same owners’ Ferny Hollow, it is highly unlikely that they will be asked to clash at this stage, and he looks a two-miler who will appreciate getting a lead. He has jumped fluently on both starts to date and has done little wrong. Better ground might well bring about further improvement, and the third from his maiden hurdle at Down Royal (beaten 30 lengths) won at Punchestown last week.

BEAR GHYLLS (Nicky Martin)

Another who has won both starts over hurdles, he has raced keenly on both starts and just about coped with the drop back to 2m at Ffos Las last time. The second and fifth from his wide-margin bumper win at Warwick have also both twice won over hurdles, whilst the second and third from his hurdles debut have also won over hurdles (2nd successful at Cheltenham last week), so there is some substance to his form, and an opening mark of 129 looks quite appealing. Still rather immature, that might well prevent his shrewd connections from heading down that route, and Cheltenham in January has been mentioned; he would have options on both New Year’s Day and on trials day.

BOB OLINGER (Henry de Bromhead)

Another who holds an entry in the Future Champions, he came up against the aforementioned Champion Bumper winner Ferny Hollow on his debut over hurdles and he ran a sound race to finish

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runner-up, pulling a distance clear of the third. The pair really quickened up well from three out, and he should have little trouble in winning a maiden hurdle over 2m4f or thereabouts, before going up in grade. Given four weeks to recover from that debut run, he has been declared for a maiden hurdle at Navan on Friday, where he looks sure to relish the extra half-mile. If all goes well there, he could be another possible for the Grade 1 Lawlor's of Naas next month.

BOOTHILL (Harry Fry)

Made an impressive winning debut over hurdles at Taunton last week, despite racing keenly, as he had when winning his bumper at Kempton. He will need to learn to settle better as he goes up in grade, but it didn’t prevent him scooting clear in taking fashion, and I wonder if he will be aimed at the novice hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day (if he has come out of the race well). Harry Fry has won that race twice in recent years, and he looks to possess the requisite pace to remain over the minimum trip for now. If that race comes too soon for him, the Rossington Main at Haydock would be another option (Fry won that in 2017 with Neon Wolf) although heavy ground in mid-January would be a concern.

BRINKLEY (David Pipe)

Set to make his belated reappearance at Exeter on Thursday (2m2½f) and should cope with the slightly shorter trip, on what is sure to be testing ground.

The form of his Newbury win has worked out really well, with Do Your Job winning twice and finishing runner-up in Listed company, whilst the fourth, sixth and seventh have all won this season, too.

CAPTAIN GUINNESS (Henry de Bromhead)

Suffered an issue with his heart when pulled-up on his chase debut at Tipperary (never really looked comfortable), so it was great to see him make a winning return at Punchestown last week, when he looked much more enthusiastic throughout. He quickened up well to beat a useful sort in Midnight Run (himself a Leading Prospect in last year’s book) and with the Christmas fixture likely to come too soon, it could be that he is now aimed at the Irish Arkle at the Dublin Racing Festival, with a winnersof-one chase at Naas an option in early-January according to his trainer.

CHANTRY HOUSE (Nicky Henderson)

Made a satisfactory start over fences when winning at Ascot, but was well-beaten at Cheltenham last weekend, when the ground was blamed; given that he has plenty of form on soft ground, I found that

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rather surprising. He took a while to warm to the task at Ascot, and he never really looked comfortable at any stage of the Cheltenham race. It will, therefore, be interesting to see if anything else comes to light after this most recent performance, and he looked like he wanted further when winning at Ascot, so we might see him upped in trip in the New Year.

COCONUT SPLASH (Evan Williams)

Following a promising start over 2m at Chepstow, he appreciated the extra half-mile when runner-up at Wincanton earlier this week, where he was beaten by the 2016 Challow Hurdle winner Messire des Obeaux. As it was on debut, his jumping was a little sketchy at times (far from fluent at the cross-fence when he could have done with a good jump), and he might have given the winner something to think about, if jumping more slickly.

He will need to improve in that respect, but when he does there should races to be won with him over fences. It is hoped that the handicapper doesn’t react too harshly.

DO WANNA KNOW (Charlie Longsdon)

Has proven frustrating (and costly) to follow so far this season, failing to complete in all three starts.

Pulled-up when last seen on his recent chasing debut, he could be ready for a short break now (although he did hold an entry this week), and will hopefully improve on better ground later in the season. He made an untimely error at Sandown last time, which resulted in him losing plenty of ground.

EASY AS THAT (Venetia Williams)

Failed to jump with any fluency when runner-up on his debut over hurdles at Bangor, he will hopefully have undergone plenty of intensive schooling sessions at home before he returns to action. The winner went on to run a sound race at Cheltenham under a penalty, so there should be easier opportunities for him going forward.

ELVIS MAIL (Nick Alexander)

Despite an indifferent round of jumping, he made a winning debut over fences at Ayr, where he showed the superior turn of foot late on. Upped 7lbs by the handicapper for that success (now rated 144), he will need to jump more fluently to be competitive as he goes up in grade, and I would like to see him win another small novice in the north, before being pitched into something better. He missed a potential engagement at Newcastle last week, and will be partnered by a new jockey when he does next run, with regular rider Lucy Alexander sadly side-lined

Jumpers To Follow 2020-2021 - Mid-Season Update

with a serious injury. The stable of Nick Alexander are in fine form at the time of writing, and he holds an entry at Haydock on Saturday.

she scraped home at the same track in a novice hurdle in early-November. The runner-up was still travelling ok when falling three out in a Listed race next time, and in fairness to Gran Luna, she probably did well to win given the serious error she made down the far side (I actually thought she might be pulled-up immediately after that mistake). It will be interesting to see how she progresses.

HOI POLLOI (Emma Lavelle)

ELVIS MAIL

FIGAROC (W P Mullins)

Hasn’t been seen yet this season and was not included in any of the trainer’s pre-season stable tour features.

Given that his Kempton bumper win had worked out reasonably well in the early part of the season (three hurdles winners in behind), it was slightly disappointing that he couldn’t justify strong support at Hereford on his first start over hurdles.

Kept very wide throughout, he didn’t jump particularly fluently, and he also hung on the home bend.

Perhaps it was still signs of greenness, and we should learn more next time. He holds an entry at Huntingdon on Tuesday.

IMPERIAL ALCAZAR (Fergal O’Brien)

Appeared to need the run when finishing only ninth in the valuable staying handicap hurdle on Betfair FLIGHT DECK (Jonjo O’Neill) Chase day at Haydock (had led to three out) and A horse who I had high hopes for, so it was disap- was declared to make his chase debut at Uttoxeter pointing that he was a faller at Huntingdon on his last week. A non-runner on that occasion, he should chasing debut. He was well-held at the time, but be out soon over fences, and he remains a useful 2m4f on good ground around a tight track might be prospect for novice chases over 2m4f and beyond. exactly the opposite of what he actually requires, with his sole hurdles win coming on soft ground JETAWAY JOEY (Olly Murphy) at Newbury, where he looked to relish the gallop- Made a really promising debut over hurdles (winner ing track. Dropped 1lb to 120, I would certainly be won at Cheltenham next time and fifth bolted up prepared to give him another chance when he over fences next time) at a time when Olly Murphy’s returns, hopefully under more suitable conditions. horses were needing the run, he then jumped poorly when falling two out at Wetherby, although GARS DE SCEAUX (Gordon Elliott) he still held every chance at the time. The winner Runner-up at Fairyhouse in a maiden hurdle followed up at the same track recently, so his form recently, he shaped really well over an inade- is relatively strong, and he certainly has the abilquate trip and against a much speedier type. The ity to win a soft ground novice hurdle when he winner had run really well in a Grade 3 juvenile returns, provided he jumps better. He was actuhurdle over the same course-and-distance on her ally declared at Leicester last week, only for that debut for Willie Mullins in February and could easily meeting to be abandoned, and is now set to run in develop into a leading contender for the Dawn Run, a maiden hurdle at Uttoxeter on Friday. so there was no disgrace in finishing second to her, conceding 7lbs to her in the process. Gars de KALOOKI (Philip Hobbs) Sceaux already looks like a staying chaser in the Made a winning start over fences at Newbury in making, but should have little trouble in getting off early-November (second won next time), before the mark over hurdles, once going up in trip next finishing third in a Grade 2 at the same track. His time. That was a promising start. jumping has been a little in-and-out, and I think he would benefit from coming back in distance slightly GRAN LUNA (Nicky Henderson) (2m5f – 2m6f) on softer ground, under a positive Won what I thought was a strong mares’ bumper ride. When he gets it right, his jumping looks good, at Newbury in late-February, but the form of that so the ability is there, if he can gain some consistrace hasn’t really worked out as I expected, and ency at his obstacles.

Jumpers To Follow 2020-2021 - Mid-Season Update

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KESKONRISK (Joseph Patrick O’Brien) ite for the race we know as the RSA Chase (to be Showed a good turn of foot to make a winning renamed once a new sponsor is announced). He hurdling debut from a slightly unpromising posi- holds entries in Grade 1 company over Christmas, tion (second had looked useful when winning a and I would expect him to head to Leopardstown bumper in October, so held a fitness edge) and is for the 3m Neville Hotels Novice Chase, a race that another who holds an entry in the Grade 1 Future Willie Mullins won with Back In Focus and Don Poli, Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown over before they won at the Cheltenham Festival. InterChristmas. The five-year-old would need to take estingly, neither of that pair ran again before winning a big step forward to be competitive at that level, the National Hunt Chase and RSA, respectively. but he looks full of promise and remains unbeaten in two career starts to date. I would expect him to MUCKAMORE (Nigel Twiston-Davies) remain over the minimum trip for now, and the third Appeared to find everything happening a little too from his bumper win won easily at Naas recently. quickly for him on decent ground on chase debut at Market Rasen, but I would be happy to give him LARGY DEBUT (Henry de Bromhead) another chance when returning under more suitaYet to reappear for his new stable. ble conditions. I would prefer to see him on a more galloping track, and more importantly, on softer MAROWN (Nicky Richards) ground, and he was actually dropped 2lbs for that Appreciated the step up in distance when getting latest run to 123. off the mark over fences at Ayr on Monday, where he had won both starts over hurdles last season. He NADA TO PRADA (Michael Scudamore) travelled and jumped well, and still looked rather Built on her promising hurdles debut at Hexham immature once taking up the running on the run when winning with ease at Ffos Las, and she clearly to two out. At home on deep ground, he is one to relishes heavy ground. Handed an opening mark keep onside over the next couple of months, and he of 120, she was dropped 2lbs (collateral form) this has potential to improve yet further once stepped week, and the five-year-old would make plenty of up to 3m, although there is no need to go that far appeal from that rating, although I suspect that her just yet. He also jumped soundly when beaten on connections might pitch her into a decent event his first run of the season, which came over an inad- against her own sex, provided she gets her optiequate trip, and he remains a really nice prospect mum conditions. She holds entries at both Haydock for Trevor Hemmings.

(Listed) and Newcastle on Saturday.

NICKOLSON (Olly Murphy)

Put in his place by the smart Ribble Valley on reappearance, he failed to shine in a Listed handicap hurdle at Sandown recently, but I’m not sure that the heavy ground was ideal. Down to a mark of 133, he will hopefully be given a short break and return on better ground later in the campaign. He hasn’t really shown what I had hoped to date this season.

PAROS (Nicky Henderson)

MAROWN

MONKFISH (W P Mullins)

The form of his Albert Bartlett win worked out very well in the early part of the season and he made the perfect start to life over fences, scoring by a comfortable four lengths at Fairyhouse (2m5f, soft) where he showed more pace than had been the case over hurdles. He appears to be maturing all of the time, and deserves his position as favour-

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He was actually beaten on the same Sandown card as Nickolson, when sent off a warm order to win the opening juvenile hurdle. He was far too free in the early part of the race, and will need to settle better if he is to build on the promise of his win in France. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see him wear headgear of some sort (likely to be a hood) when we see him next, and I also think that he will appreciate better ground.

PETIBONOME (Henry de Bromhead)

I was slightly disappointed with his debut under Rules at Clonmel last month, but he appreciated

Jumpers To Follow 2020-2021 - Mid-Season Update

the longer trip at Punchestown recently when shaping much better, and chasing home a potentially smart novice, in the shape of Irish Cesarewitch winner Cape Gentleman, who had the superior turn of foot. Rather like Gars de Sceaux, he looks like his future lies over fences, but should be capable of winning over hurdles before long, especially when encountering a more galloping track.

QUEENS BROOK (Gordon Elliott)

at Kempton. Successful in the same race which was won by Altior on debut, he jumped soundly throughout, with one minor error, when reaching for one down the far side. Set to return to Kempton on 27th for the Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase (a race which Nicky Henderson has won nine times, including with four of his Arkle winners, Remittance Man, Sprinter Sacre, Simonsig and Altior), it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if he then headed straight to the festival, although the Game Spirit Chase might be considered if all goes well at Kempton.

Made a winning reappearance, where she jumped well but was all out near the line, she was then perhaps a shade unlucky in a Grade 3 at Down SILVER FOREVER (Paul Nicholls) Royal – when the leaders started racing quite early Yet to reappear this season.

– but she was firmly put in her place when stepping out of novice company last time, when the soft SIZABLE SAM (Jeremy Scott) ground and longer trip should have helped her. I Built on his debut second when winning at Wincanwould expect her to drop back into novice company, ton on Tuesday, where he successfully dropped in but at this stage she doesn’t look like developing trip (2m3½f). The ground was probably a shade into a Grade 1 mare that I hoped she might. slower than ideal, and I get the suspicion that he will be better once taking a lead, having been ROSE OF ARCADIA (Colin Tizzard) forced to make the running. This sort of intermediHaving created a really good impression in both ate trip seems to be about right for now, and given her Irish Point and her bumper at Taunton, it was his physique, I would expect to see him improve bitterly disappointing that she was well-beaten on again from this. The form of his bumper win over her debut over hurdles at Ffos Las in mid-October. Cadzand (impressive winner during November) She stopped rather quickly having raced keenly now reads well, with the fourth having also won throughout, but the Colin Tizzard stable were slow to over hurdles, and it will be interesting to see how get started this season, and the fact that we haven’t far he can progress this season. Still rather keen, seen her since suggests that maybe all was not right he will improve with racing, as he learns to relax. afterwards. Hopefully she can leave this form a long way behind (she will need to) when she returns, as SOARING GLORY (Jonjo O’Neill) she really filled the eye when I saw her during the Looked an exciting recruit when beating Bravesummer; a well-built mare with bags of scope. She mansgame (won twice since) on hurdling debut held entries at Ludlow and Exeter this week (neither at Chepstow, and bumped into an exciting prostaken up) so should be ready to return shortly. pect at Newbury in the shape of Dusart (fifth home won recently) before falling at Wetherby.

SAINT ROI (W P Mullins) He was cruising at the time and would have justiMade a smooth winning return in the Horse & Jockey fied long odds-on that day, and if he can sharpen Hurdle at Tipperary in October, before finishing a up his jumping, he could still be in for a big season. rather unlucky second in the Morgiana, beaten just Currently rated 133, I’d like to see him contest a a neck after meeting trouble in running. He did valuable handicap, but he runs in Friday’s Grade race far too freely early on, but was still travelling 2 Kennel Gate Novices’ Hurdle at Ascot, a track strongly in behind when making an untimely error at which he acted so well in bumpers. A speedy two out, and was short of room on the run to the last. sort, he could be an Aintree horse come the spring.

He finished strongly once finally getting the split, and he could well renew rivalry with Abacadabras in THE BIG BREAKAWAY (Colin Tizzard) the Matheson Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christ- Jumped well when making a successful chasing mas (29 th). It looks as though a more truly-run race debut at Cheltenham in November, before being will play to his strengths, and he is likely to take in beaten for speed over a shorter trip at Exeter the Irish Champion Hurdle en route to Cheltenham. recently. He didn’t jump anywhere near as fluently (spent plenty of time in the air) and on both occaSHISHKIN (Nicky Henderson) sions he has needed to be ridden away from the Already a best-priced 6-4 to win the Arkle in March, stands with a circuit to run. He clearly has plenty following an impressive winning debut over fences of talent, but he is either still showing signs of

Jumpers To Follow 2020-2021 - Mid-Season Update

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greenness or isn’t applying himself fully at present. Going back up to 3m will help, but at this stage a lot more is required if he is going to develop into a contender for major spring honours.

have lost the novices’ handicap chase from this season’s festival, so I would expect more novices to be aimed at the Plate. He ran well in the Coral Cup off a mark of 142 last season.

THE BIG GETAWAY (W P Mullins)

ASTERION FORLONGE (W P Mullins)

Another who jumped rather big and deliberate (was safe in the main and good over a couple) when beaten on his chase debut at Navan recently.

Having taken up the running at the cross-fence, he was readily outpointed up the home straight, and finished a very tired third. Hopefully, this was down to fitness (he is a huge horse and Grand National hopeful Burrows Saint ran a similar race on his reappearance for the stable a few days earlier) but he will need to find plenty of improvement next time.

THIRD TIME LUCKI (Dan Skelton)

Made a smooth start to life over hurdles, winning very impressively at Uttoxeter (2nd and 3 rd have both won twice since) before following up under a penalty at Wetherby (3rd won since) after which he was handed an appealing looking handicap mark of 129. Connections resisted the temptation of protecting that mark by pitching him into the Grade 2 Sharp Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, where he finished runner-up in a race in which the front-running winner was handed a very soft lead.

He pulled clear of the remainder and is now rated 140 (went up 2lbs for collateral form and then 9lbs for his Cheltenham run). He holds an entry in the valuable handicap hurdle at Ascot on Saturday, a race which could well be run to suit. If he were to win that, connections would likely start to think about the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham, although the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury in February could be another option.

Across The Sea ALFA MIX (Gavin Cromwell)

Has twice finished fourth over an inadequate trip over fences to date, most recently when staying on behind Captain Guinness at Punchestown, he is likely to come into his own once stepping up in distance, and he might well be of interest in something like the Plate at Cheltenham, should he get off the mark over an intermediate trip in the early part of 2021. It is worth remembering that we

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Still showed that tendency to shift to his right on chase debut at Punchestown, but it didn’t prevent him from running out an easy winner of what looked a strong event. He jumped well on the whole (reached at the second last and pecked a little) and the runner-up advertised the form when beating the aforementioned The Big Getaway at Navan recently. As I stated in the book, I would be inclined to keep him to right-handed tracks for now, so the Grade 1 Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick looks the ideal Christmas target, after which the Ryanair Novice Chase at Fairyhouse could be the race for him come the spring.

CEDARWOOD ROAD (Gearoid O’Loughlin)

Lacked fluency on his first start over fences at Naas in November, in a race which was won in good fashion by Janidil. He never really got into the contest as a result, and it is hoped that he can improve on this on his second start, as he did over hurdles last year.

He will, of course, need to jump more fluently, but his defeat of Beacon Edge from the spring now looks like really solid form, and he remains a bright prospect.

DELVINO (Dermot A McLoughlin)

Made a really pleasing winning debut over hurdles at Naas on Monday. Despite being very weak in the market, she travelled like the winner throughout and always looked like picking up the front-running market leader. Although several hurdles were omitted, the form of that race looks pretty strong, and she certainly has the potential to be a Graded class mare. She could be one for the Dawn Run at Cheltenham, although (to date) that event hasn’t been a good hunting ground for those with a proper National Hunt (bumpers or Point-to-Points) background. However, she rates an exciting prospect judged on both this success and her bumper form.

DIOL KER (Noel Meade)

Hasn’t taken to fences like I expected him to, falling on debut and making mistakes in a couple of starts since. His fourth behind Monkfish (who he beat over hurdles) suggests that he can certainly win races over fences, if those jumping errors can be ironed out, otherwise there is the option of switching back to hurdles in the second half of the season, perhaps with something like the Pertemps in mind.

Jumpers To Follow 2020-2021 - Mid-Season Update

EKLAT DE RIRE (Henry de Bromhead)

In stark contrast, he jumped beautifully on his first start over fences at Punchestown recently, winning over 3m1½f. After just one Point-to-Point success (also jumped very well) and two runs over hurdles, the six-year-old remains completely unexposed, and his jumping is sure to stand him in good stead as he climbs the ranks. The runner-up had finished fourth behind Asterion Forlonge and second to Latest Exhibition on his previous two starts, so the form looks reasonable, and he is one to keep onside in deep ground. He holds an entry in the Grade 1 Neville Hotels over Christmas, but that might come a bit soon, and perhaps the Grade 3 at Naas would be a more realistic option next month.

ENVOI ALLEN (Gordon Elliott)

Needs little introduction and is two-from-two over fences, winning at Down Royal and the Drinmore at Fairyhouse. His jumping has been exemplary and he remains just about the most exciting young prospect in the game. Given the pace he showed from two out last time, I would be shocked if he ran over 3m this season, and he will have his prep for the Marsh in the Killiney Novice Chase at Punchestown next month.

FAROUK D’ALENE (Gordon Elliott)

Looked good when making a winning start over hurdles at Down Royal, he then finished only fourth when sent off favourite for the Monksfield Novice Hurdle. He continually jumped out to his right, so it will be interesting if something comes to light.

FERNY HOLLOW (W P Mullins)

stepping back up in distance looks sure to suit. He could easily develop into a leading contender for the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, with the Galmoy Hurdle another option in the new year.

GYPSY ISLAND (Peter Fahey)

Missed the whole of last season, and not sighted yet this season either.

LATEST EXHIBITION (Paul Nolan)

Made a winning chasing debut, when he took a bit of time to warm to the task, before finishing runner-up in the Grade 2 Florida Pearl, where he was no match for Pencilfulloflead. There is no denying that the winner was impressive and jumped more fluently, but I have a suspicion that the race might have come soon enough for Latest Exhibition, with just over a fortnight between both contests. The fourth advertised that form by winning a valuable handicap at Fairyhouse, and I would expect to see an improved performance if heading to Leopardstown over Christmas for the Neville Hotels, where he could re-oppose the winner and also lock horns with Monkfish.

POLITESSE (Mrs Lorna Fowler)

She shaped much better than the finishing position suggests on her reappearance at Down Royal, after which she finished a disappointing fifth in Listed company at Newbury. 2m on good ground wouldn’t be her optimum, but she dropped away rather tamely. Her maiden hurdle win now reads well (runner-up has won twice since, latterly in Grade 3 company) and back on a softer surface, it is hoped that she can bounce back. She will make a nice chaser next season.

Showed the superior turn of foot to beat Bob Olinger on hurdling debut at Gowran last month, with the pair pulling a long way clear and marking themselves down as two potentially high-class UHTRED (Joseph Patrick O’Brien) novices. Another who holds an entry in the Future Has yet to race this season.

Champions, it is highly unlikely that he will be asked to take on the same owners’ Ballyadam at THE NEXT SEVEN HORSES FEATURED IN OTHER this stage, so he could be one for the Moscow Flyer SECTIONS OF THIS YEAR’S BOOK, AND HAVE at Punchestown next month, a race which Willie IMPRESSED IN WINNING ALREADY THIS SEASON: Mullins won six times in the space of eight years between 2009 and 2016.

BRANDY LOVE (W P Mullins) Point-to-Point Graduates FURY ROAD (Gordon Elliott) Only made her Rules debut last weekend, when The decision was made to keep him over hurdles winning as she liked in a fillies’ bumper at Fairyhouse. and he made a winning return, albeit in a relatively As she had in her Point, she travelled comfortaweak Grade 2 at Punchestown last month. He was bly throughout, and barely needed to be nudged conceding 9lbs to the runner-up, who went on along to ease right away from the opposition, to to finish fourth in the Royal Bond, whilst he was win in effortless fashion. It might not have been forced to miss the Hatton’s Grace on the same the strongest of races, but visually it could hardly card (reportedly off his feed). He holds an entry in have been any easier on the eye, and I would expect the Christmas Hurdle (3m) at Leopardstown, and her to head to Leopardstown in early-February

Jumpers To Follow 2020-2021 - Mid-Season Update

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LORD OF KERAK (Olly Murphy) Around The Yards One of the un-raced horses to feature in this year’s book, Lord Of Kerak ran two really encouraging races when runner-up at both Uttoxeter and SandHITMAN (Paul Nicholls) own (winner of each race won again next time), Around The Yards before returning to the Midlands venue to win by Despite being beaten in the Henry VIII recently, the best part of five lengths. An imposing son of Hitman remains a very bright prospect, and had I Martaline, who still has plenty of plenty of scope known that he was going chasing this season, he for physical development (needs time to fill his probably would have been a Leading Prospect. I huge frame), he appreciated the extra half-mile was quite taken with him over hurdles in France last time, and he is very much one to look forward before he joined Paul Nicholls, and he looked an to over fences in the autumn. More than capable exciting recruit to fences when winning in emphatic of winning again under a penalty, he qualified for fashion at Ffos Las. He made a serious error two the EBF Final when runner-up on debut, and that out that day, but jumped well at Sandown, and Sandown contest could well be a suitable spring appeals as the type who will improve as goes up target, although the handicapper put him up 9lbs in trip. Still only four, the Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase – (131) this week. back at Sandown in early-February – would appeal as the obvious target in the early part of the New MONMIRAL (Paul Nicholls) Year. It will be more difficult for him in the spring, News From France without the age allowance, but in the long-term, he Represents some of the same connections as remains a serious prospect.

Hitman, Monmiral won the Grade 2 Summit Juvenile Hurdle on his second start in Britain recently, JAY BEE WHY (Alan King) despite making a fairly serious error at the penulAround The Yards timate flight. I was lucky enough to see him during Travelled with purpose when winning his Point in the summer when visiting Paul Nicholls’ yard, and Ireland, and it was a similar story when he made a he has the physique to develop into a very smart winning debut over hurdles at Warwick recently. He chaser. The form of his Doncaster success might run out a thoroughly convincing winner, and although not be the strongest for the grade, and despite the market leader was quite keen before finishing the fact that he finds himself quite prominent in runner-up (and there didn’t appear to be too much the betting for the Triumph Hurdle, it is all about depth to the race), it was hard not to be taken with his future over fences. Like Hitman, he is a smart the style of the performance. The son of Yeats will long-term prospect. likely run in another novice under a penalty before going up in class, and he should handle better ground. for the Grade 2 mares bumper. Bred to appreciate a sounder surface, she could then be one for the Nickel Coin at Aintree, although connections might even be tempted to take on the boys at some stage.

HITMAN

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Jumpers To Follow 2020-2021 - Mid-Season Update

SIR GERHARD (Gordon Elliott) Point-to-Point Graduates He made the perfect start in the silks of Cheveley Park Stud, when running out an impressive 14-length bumper winner at Down Royal, and the second and third have both won since. He is set to run in a Listed event at Navan on Friday – in a race which Gordon Elliott has won on five occasions since 2011 (including with Envoi Allen in 2018) – after which he is sure to be considered for the Grade 2 at the Dublin Racing Festival, and the Weatherbys Champion Bumper. Cheveley Park will be bidding for a remarkable third straight win in that event.

STAR GATE (Evan Williams)

Point-to-Point Graduates An impressive maiden hurdle winner at Chepstow on his debut under Rules, Star Gate recently made it two-from-two over hurdles in the Grade 2 Winter Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown. The youngest of the three runners, he again travelled like a really good prospect, and drew right away from the back of the last. Sometimes form on heavy ground on the hurdles course at Sandown needs to be treated with a degree of caution, but equally, it isn’t often that you see a horse pick up in such ground the way that Star Gate did. The Challow Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury could be next, and he has already been handed an official mark of 147 after those two runs.

He handled slightly better ground when winning his Point-to-Point, which bodes well for later in the campaign.

Winners In Waiting DOCTOR KEN (Olly Murphy)

runner-up in a maiden hurdle at Aintree, having stood out in the paddock beforehand, and having moved liked the winner for most of the race. Run out of it late on, he looks a sure-fire future winner over hurdles, despite the fact that the form of the race has taken several knocks since. An expensive purchase on the back of his Point-to-Point success, I wasn’t surprised to see him given an entry over 2m subsequently (entered for the 2m novices’ hurdle on Tingle Creek day, a race the stable won with Fiddlerontheroof 12 months earlier) and would expect to see him over the minimum trip when he reappears.

KILLER KANE

SHEARER (Paul Nicholls)

Runner-up at Hereford on debut, Shearer shaped with considerable promise, and looks more than capable of getting off the mark in a bumper before long. Having hit the front on the home-bend, he couldn’t quite match the initial turn of foot shown by the winner, but he kept to the task really well, and might well have prevailed but for jumping the path inside the final furlong. He looked quite green, too, so there should be plenty of improvement forthcoming, and he is one to look forward to over further, once sent hurdling next season.

Plenty of Olly Murphy’s youngsters have improved SHERBORNE (Colin Tizzard) for their first start this season, and Doctor Ken ran Another to note from the Colin Tizzard stable in a sound race when runner-up in a bumper at Market the New Year is the good-looking Getaway gelding, Rasen. The son of Doctor Dino is a half-brother to Sherborne. He is another who made his racecourse the smart Salsaretta, and he travelled well through- debut in a soft-ground bumper at Hereford, where out. Given how the stable’s runners have benefited he travelled best under Robbie Power. Ridden for the run/experience, he will likely be difficult to patiently, he probably allowed the front-running beat when returning in the New Year, provided that Libberty Hunter first run, and although he reduced he isn’t pitched in too deep, and he looks to have the deficit on the run-in, could never claw back the a bright future. winner, who had shown promise when third over course-and-distance on debut. Sherborne looks KILLER KANE (Colin Tizzard) a really nice type for the future, and he should be Another stable who was having a relatively quiet more than capable of winning a bumper in the time when he made his debut, Killer Kane finished second half of the season.

Jumpers To Follow 2020-2021 - Mid-Season Update

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Bumper Division

LETSBECLEARABOUTIT (Gavin Cromwell)

An easy winner on debut at Tipperary in October, he then beat the same rival much more impressively when following up at Punchestown last month, despite being 7lbs worse off at the weights. He made all on that occasion, and sauntered clear to I AM MAXIMUS (Nicky Henderson) win with any amount in hand. It is difficult to know Made a winning racecourse debut in a Cheltenham what he has achieved thus far, but the runner-up bumper at the October meeting, beating My Drogo runs on Thursday, so could give his form a timely by 1ž lengths, having looked quite green through- boost ahead of Navan on Friday, where he is set out. Pushed along coming down the hill, he really to lock horns with Sir Gerhard. Testing ground is found his stride on the home bend, and grabbed reportedly important to this son of Flemensifrth. the stand side rail. He kept on really well to fend off another highly promising youngster in second (won QUID PRO QUO (Dan Skelton) a Newbury maiden hurdle since) with the pair nicely A half-brother to the very smart bumper mare clear. The fourth has also since won over hurdles, Gypsy Island, he made a winning racecourse debut whilst the third and ninth have run well in defeat, at Hereford in early-November, beating Shearer so the form looks strong, and I Am Maximum can who you will have already read about. The son be expected to improve for the experience. He is of Beat Hollow showed plenty of pace to shoot expected to remain in bumpers this season, and clear on the home bend, and could be held on to looks worthy of a rise in class in the New Year. for even longer next time. The form of that race has worked out well, with the third winning at the KILCRUIT (W P Mullins) same track (beat Sherborne who you will also Runner-up on his sole start last season (when have just read about) whilst the sixth and seventh trained by Tony Mullins), he created a good impres- have also won since. He would be difficult to beat sion on his first start for Willie Mullins at Navan under a penalty if kept low-key, whilst the Listed recently. Ridden patiently, he could be called the bumper at Newbury in February would be another winner from some way out, and was still on the option. Further down the line, he could be one for bridle when joining issue inside the final quar- the Grade 2 at Aintree, given that he is clearly not ter-mile. Pushed out, he readily lengthened away devoid of pace. to score in impressive fashion, and he is now likely to be aimed at the Grade 2 at the Dublin Racing Festival. He could well form part of Mullins’ Champion Bumper squad.

STAR GATE

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Jumpers To Follow 2020-2021 - Mid-Season Update