Paul Ferguson's Jumpers To Follow - Mid Season Review

JUMPERS TO FOLLOW

2021-2022

PAUL FERGUSON’S

MID-SEASON UPDATE Welcome to the mid-season update of Jumpers To Follow 2021-2022. Firstly, I hope this year’s publication has helped you find a winner or two during the opening couple of months of the season and the aim here is to look back at the performances of those who feature prominently in the book, as well as what might lie ahead for them. I take a look at the 40 Leading Prospects and the 20 horses featured in the Across The Sea section, as well as highlighting another 10 horses from elsewhere in the book, who have impressed me – either in winning, or in defeat – so far this season. To conclude, I have selected a further six recent winners to note, with this half-dozen not included in the original publication.

Leading Prospects AHOY SENOR (Lucinda Russell)

A Grade 1 winner on his second start over hurdles in the spring, he won a Grade 2 on his second start over fences in late-November, beating three rivals by upwards of 31 lengths in the John Francome Novices’ Chase at Newbury. Pitched into the Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase on his debut over fences, where he shaped with considerable promise until unseating Derek Fox two out, he then relished the longer trip at the Berk-

shire venue. Despite a couple of untidy jumps, he put the opposition to the sword from the crossfence, drawing right away up the home straight to record an emphatic success. There is now talk of a potential clash with Bravemansgame at Kempton on Boxing Day, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he waited for the Grade 2 Hampton Novices’ Chase at Warwick in mid-January, a race which was won

by Next Destination (who had also won the John Francome) last season. After just five starts under Rules, he remains open to considerable improvement and is unbeaten in two starts at around 3m.

His performance at Newbury was one of the highlights of the season thus far and he has already obtained an official rating of 157 over fences.

ASHROE DIAMOND (W P Mullins)

Yet to reappear this season.

BLACK POPPY (Kerry Lee)

AHOY SENOR

Jumpers To Follow 2021-2022 - Mid-Season Update

Disappointingly 0-3 over hurdles so far this season, although all three runs were not without promise and he has been handed a workable-looking opening handicap mark of 112. A faller two out at Bangor (hadn’t jumped particularly fluently throughout) when appearing to be losing the battle with Go Dante, he then travelled with purpose at both Worcester and Huntingdon, but perhaps did a shade too much in the early part of both races.

Getting him to relax could be the key to him fulfilling the potential he displayed when winning a Warwick bumper back in the spring. Given that he has had three fairly quick runs, I would expect him

1

to be given a short break, but he should be capable of winning a novices’ handicap hurdle from that opening mark and he might well be suited by a bigger field in a more truly-run race.

BOB OLINGER (Henry de Bromhead)

Made a satisfactory start over fences a month ago, when winning what appeared to be a strong beginners chase at Gowran Park with ease. He wasn’t foot-perfect at his fences, particularly three out (pecked) and when jumping to his left at the final fence, but he beat a good field comfortably and it was a good platform from which to build. He has held entries in England recently (Cheltenham and Ascot) and although he hasn’t taken up either engagement, it does suggest that his connections are considering looking elsewhere, rather than Limerick (Faugheen Novice Chase) for his second start. The ground can often get quite testing at that fixture and his other Grade 1 options over the Festive period are the 2m1f Racing Post Novice Chase or the Neville Hotels (3m) at Leopardstown. I would be amazed if he ran in the latter and surprised if he ran in the former, where he would (possibly) take on the likes of Ferny Hollow and Blue Lord, so the Killiney Novice Chase (16 January) could be another option. That Grade 3 contest was won by Envoi Allen last year and it would give him a three-week turnaround ahead of the Flogas at the Dublin Racing Festival. He is currently priced between 6-4 and 2-1 for the Turners Novices’ Chase (formerly the Marsh) and I expect that we will see him twice more between now and then.

of 133, I expect that he will be seen over the minimum trip next time and I’m fairly confident that he remains well-handicapped. He is a horse who looks to have plenty of natural ability and hopefully, he can bounce back in the New Year.

BRAVEMANSGAME (Paul Nicholls)

Placed at both Cheltenham and Aintree as a novice hurdler, he has barely made a semblance of a mistake in two chase starts to date and will bid to complete the hat-trick in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. The winner of an intermediate chase on debut at Newton Abbot, he won a similar contest at Haydock on Betfair Chase day, where he readily brushed aside Itchy Feet and Pay The Piper (won again since) following another faultless round of jumping. Yet to race beyond 2m5½f over fences, he should have little trouble in staying the trip around Kempton and his rhythm of racing should be well-suited to the Sunbury venue. If Ahoy Senor – who, of course, beat him at Aintree – were to take him on, it would be a fascinating clash and one which would tell us more about both horses, with the pair both liking to race up with the pace. Already rated 154 over fences, he remains hugely exciting and his jumping ought to hold him in good stead, whoever he comes up against later in the campaign.

BOOTHILL (Harry Fry)

Despite his limited experience under Rules, he was sent off favourite for the Listed handicap hurdle at Ascot in late-October, although he reportedly only took his chance in that event as he wasn’t eligible to run in a novices’ handicap chase at Uttoxeter the previous day. Nevertheless, he made a pleasing return, as he travelled strongly and only tired on the run to the last, eventually beaten 2½ lengths

by Soaring Glory. Being his first start in 324 days, BRAVEMANSGAME he might well have needed that return and having missed an intended engagement at Newbury, made his chasing debut at Exeter earlier this month. DOYEN DU BAR (Pauline Robson) He failed to travel with the same verve that we have Yet to reappear this season. seen in his three previous starts under Rules and his jumping was far from fluent. It could be that DUSART (Nicky Henderson) he found the extended 2m3f stretching his stam- Yet to reappear this season, but has held a number ina, but he faded out of contention before stamina or entries, most recently in a novices’ chase at could be given as the sole reason for his defeat and Kempton, which Nicky Henderson won with both his trainer reported afterwards (in his blog) that he Altior and Shishkin in recent seasons. Having initially would be fully checked over. Dropped to a mark been entered in a couple of hurdle races, the inten-

2

Jumpers To Follow 2021-2022 - Mid-Season Update

tion would now appear to be chasing and it would be nice to see him out over the Festive period.

DYSART DYNAMO (W P Mullins)

Made a winning debut over hurdles at Cork recently, where he won a weak-looking maiden by upwards of 19 lengths. He made all and jumped well in the main, and once Flame Bearer faded, never really looked like being in any sort of danger. Much tougher tasks lie ahead, although it is interesting that Willie Mullins didn’t enter him in the Grade 1 Future Champions Novice Hurdle over Christmas. He does hold an entry in the Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle (2m4f) on 2 January, whilst the Moscow Flyer would be another option for him in the New Year, as I don’t think that he necessarily needs to go up in distance straight away. Quite a keen-going sort, he made a most promising start at Cork and remains full of potential.

Incredible from four out, he ought to have learnt plenty for the experience and should be more than capable of winning races this season. Three times a winner over hurdles last term, his Kelso victory has been advertised by Torn And Frayed (2nd) and War Lord (4th) this season and he appeals as the type who could develop into a smart staying handicapper in time. I would expect him to be dropped in Grade next time and dropping back in distance slightly wouldn’t inconvenience him either.

GALOPIN DES CHAMPS (W P Mullins)

Yet to reappear this season, but has held entries of late, suggesting that he is ready to run. Whilst he holds entries in two Grade 1s over Christmas, the 2m5f beginners chase at Leopardstown is surely a more realistic starting point. Willie Mullins has won the past two renewals of that race and it is worth noting that the only two six-year-old winners of the ELLE EST BELLE (Dan Skelton) Broadway Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham (official A winner at the second attempt over hurdles, she name of the Brown Advisory) in the past 27 renewstepped forward from her debut to reverse earlier als – Florida Pearl and Don Poli – were both trained form in Listed company at Newbury, before finish- by Mullins and both only had two starts prior to ing fourth of five behind Jonbon in the Kennel Gate. the festival. I don’t think this is coincidental, so I Being held-up, she would have preferred a stronger wouldn’t be overly concerned that his season has gallop at Ascot and given how she travels, ought yet to get underway. Florida Pearl won his beginto improve considerably under such circumstances. ners chase at Leopardstown over Christmas, before Rated 132 before that most recent run, the Betfair returning to the Dublin track to win what is now Hurdle could be an option for last year’s Cham- the Flogas Novice Chase and I suspect that is the pion Bumper third, whilst reverting to mares’ only route that will be taken with Galopin des Champs, events is another possibility. provided all goes well on debut.

FAROUK D’ALENE (Gordon Elliott)

GERRI COLOMBE (Gordon Elliott)

Returned from an absence of 341 days when Yet to reappear this season. making a successful chasing debut at Navan earlier this month, where he stayed on strongly over 2m4f. GO DANTE (Olly Murphy) A Grade 2 winner over hurdles on his previous start Looked to be getting the better of Black Poppy (beat subsequent Albert Bartlett winner Vanillier (already covered) at Bangor-on-Dee in late-Octoover 2m7f at Limerick last Christmas), he looks a ber, where he eventually crossed the line with 18 thorough stayer and going back up in trip is sure to lengths to spare over the runner-up. That looked suit in time. However, if the ground is deep, return- to be a fairly ordinary event, although Ted’s Friend ing to Limerick for the Faugheen Novice Chase (5th) did win next time, and he was sent off the would seem a logical option, as I still believe that 2-7 favourite to maintain his unbeaten record in an he will appreciate racing on a right-handed track, introductory hurdle at Ascot the following month. despite jumping fairly straight at Navan. He jumped Aidan Coleman never really appeared to be happy markedly to his right at that same course when throughout and the writing looked on the wall beaten in last season’s Monksfield Novice Hurdle, from some way out, as he didn’t jump particularly whilst even softer ground should also bring about fluently and never looked like getting on terms with further improvement. the much slicker Tweed Skirt, who made all and jumped well, in receipt of 12lbs. Still rather green, FLASH COLLONGES (Paul Nicholls) the hope is that he continues to mature with racing Beaten 45 lengths by Ahoy Senor at Newbury, and he ought to appreciate a step up in trip before where his jumping was measured and assured, too long. I would be hopeful that his Ascot perforuntil he made an error at the final fence down the mance wasn’t his true running and there should back straight. Unable to go with the winner and Mr be more to come in the second half of the season.

Jumpers To Follow 2021-2022 - Mid-Season Update

3

HUBRISKO (W P Mullins)

Yet to reappear this season, but he does hold an entry in the Grade 1 Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown. That suggests that he is fit and well, and I would expect to see him in a maiden hurdle over Christmas.

val, he thoroughly deserves his position at the head of the market for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at this stage.

HUNTERS YARN (W P Mullins)

Finished only fourth on his hurdling debut at Punchestown last month, where he failed to see out the extended 2m5f trip, having made smooth headway to challenge with a couple of furlongs to run. At that point, it seemed most unlikely that he would fail to finish in the first three, so dropping in trip would seem the obvious thing to do. It is worth remembering that he is a full-brother to Do Your Job (also at his best at 2m) and the four-yearold maiden hurdle that kicks off Leopardstown’s Christmas fixture (26th) could be a suitable target.

I AM MAXMUS (Nicky Henderson)

JONBON

Successful in a Newbury maiden hurdle recently, having looked rather green when beaten by JPR JOURNEY WITH ME (Henry de Bromhead) One at Exeter the previous month. Having shifted Yet to reappear this season, but was a late non-runto his left at times at Exeter, he seemed much more ner at Navan at the weekend, when the ground at home at Newbury, where he was ridden prom- was deemed to be too quick. Clearly ready to run, inently and jumped much better. He still had a expect to see him make his debut over hurdles in look at two out and briefly looked in trouble after the coming weeks, over an intermediate trip. the last, but to his credit, he picked up well in the closing stages and was doing his best work late KILCRUIT (W P Mullins) on, suggesting that going up in trip would be a Was surprisingly beaten at odds of 1-14 on his positive. With that in mind, the Challow – back at recent hurdling debut at Cork, where he couldn’t Newbury (29th) – will likely be considered, although cope with Largy Debut up the home straight. It that could come too soon, so the Classic Novices' should be remembered that the winner was himself Hurdle at Cheltenham on trials day or the Leam- a Leading Prospect in last year’s publication and ington at Warwick might be suitable options next clearly retained all of his ability, following a 631-day month. He looks like he will continue to progress break. An easy winner of a Point (beat the 131-rated Onagatheringstorm by 13 lengths), he then caught with experience. the eye when third in a bumper at Navan in March 2020, and although he made a fairly serious JONBON (Nicky Henderson) Made a winning start over hurdles in a slowly-run mistake two out, ran right away from the Chamcontest at Newbury, where Aidan Coleman elected pion Bumper second, to score by 10 lengths. As to take up the running down the back straight, for Kilcruit, his jumping was sound in the main (did and the jockey took control of the Grade 2 Kennel make an error three out, but the winner made a Gate at Ascot from an even earlier stage, when more significant mistake at the next) so it could it became apparent that nobody else was willing just be that he was beaten by a better horse on to set the pace. He strode out well and hurdled the day. Perhaps he will strip fitter for the outing fluently throughout, and despite dictating matters and there is the option of going up in trip, and we at a relatively moderate pace, looked to have the should learn more next time. Despite holding Grade opposition beaten on the turn for home. The form 1 entries over the Festive period, I would expect to could be questioned given how the race was run, see him in another maiden hurdle next time. but he left two high-class bumper performers and the unbeaten I Like To Move It in his wake, and KILLER KANE (Colin Tizzard) threatens to be even better given a stronger gallop. Following an encouraging return to action at CarlExpected to run just once more before the festi- isle, where he jumped well and faded from two

4

Jumpers To Follow 2021-2022 - Mid-Season Update

out, I expected him to take plenty of beating on his second chase at Exeter last month, where he finished a disappointing third of five. Dropping back to an extended 2m1f seemed to be a good move, but he again failed to finish his race off properly and he has subsequently been dropped a further 2lbs by the handicapper (124). It will be disappointing if he can’t win a race or two from that mark, but he has questions to answer now.

KNAPPERS HILL (Paul Nicholls)

Another who ran in the Kennel Gate last week, he finished third behind Jonbon, having jumped better in the main (than his previous two starts), before a mistake two out contributed to him fading into third spot behind Colonel Mustard. He was rated just 130 prior to that race and is another who could be considered for the Betfair Hurdle, as the way that race is usually run would surely bring about improvement in the three-time bumper winner. Prior to Ascot, he justified very short odds in a couple of novice hurdles – at Chepstow and Wincanton – and he promises to be much better suited by a proper gallop. There should be more to come and he probably learnt more from that most recent defeat, than he did in either of the races that he won earlier in the campaign.

KYNTARA (Kim Bailey)

Jumped poorly when beaten on his hurdling debut at Lingfield and although he was a little more fluent (overall) at Warwick last time, a mistake at the final flight appeared most costly. He faded late on at Lingfield, which also suggested that he might come forward from a fitness perspective, and he seemed to appreciate the softer surface at Warwick, where he was beaten by ¾-of-a-length in the end. Handed an opening mark of 129, his jumping needs to improve if he is to fulfil the potential of his wide-margin bumper success, and perhaps qualifying for the EBF Final at Sandown in March would be an option worth considering.

MATTERHORN (Paul Nicholls)

Yet to reappear this season.

MIGHTY POTTER (Gordon Elliott)

Another who holds entries in both the Future Champions (2m) and Lawlor’s of Naas (2m4f) in the coming weeks, having made a bright start to the season. A wide-margin winner at Down Royal on his hurdling debut, he was beaten just over a length in the Grade 1 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle last month, from which he emerged with plenty of credit. They went no sort of pace and having

Jumpers To Follow 2021-2022 - Mid-Season Update

looked to be outpaced when the tempo increased, he stayed on really well to grab third. An imposing individual, who looks to have bags of scope, he was the least-experienced runner in that field and being only four, should improve considerably for it. Whilst he left the impression that stepping up in trip would help, a strongly-run race over the minimum trip should be equally suitable, given the pace he showed in both his bumper and at Down Royal. He is another who remains full of potential.

MONMIRAL (Paul Nicholls)

Fifth of sixth in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle on his reappearance last month, he appeared to struggle to go the pace on what was his first start out of juvenile company. A notoriously difficult season for such horses, it later transpired that he had suffered an injury during the race, so I would expect that he will be given plenty of time to recover and he might be in for a relatively light campaign. An extra halfmile might help when he does return in the New Year and I remain excited about the prospect of him going chasing next autumn.

MR INCREDIBLE (Henry de Bromhead)

Hampered early, he came from an unpromising position to make a successful chasing debut at Naas in early-November, only to be well-beaten behind Ahoy Senor three weeks later. He stayed on strongly to win under an inspired ride from Rachael Blackmore at Naas (2m3f), looking as though he would relish the longer trip at the Berkshire track.

He had no chance with the winner from halfway up the straight, but there will be easier opportunities for him than that throughout the season and given how he travels, he should cope with coming back in trip if necessary. He has always looked to be a staying chaser, however, and there should be more to come, as he remains lightly-raced. He holds entries in Grade 1s over Christmas, but would need to improve significantly to play a leading role in either race.

MY DROGO (Dan Skelton)

A faller two out on debut at Cheltenham, he got off the mark over fences at the same track recently, where he readily disposed of inferior opposition.

He won as he was entitled to and although he again failed to put in an error-free round, won with plenty in hand. Enthusiastic throughout the race, he has dragged his back legs through a couple of fences on each start now and that is something which I’m sure will be worked upon by Dan and Harry Skelton in the coming weeks. When he meets a fence right, he is very good and the engine is clearly there.

5

There doesn’t appear to be any reason to change the distance at this point – he is a horse who is blessed with a nice blend of speed and stamina – and he is likely to return to Cheltenham for the Dipper Novices’ Chase on New Year’s Day.

Dropped in distance for his second start over hurdles, he was well-beaten by Constitution Hill and Might I in what appeared to be a good race at Sandown, and he might need to revert to one of the smaller tracks in order to shed his maiden tag.

He was handed an opening mark of 117 after those two starts and he again shaped like he needed further last time.

PERCEVAL LEGALLOIS (Gavin Cromwell)

Yet to reappear this season.

SHALLWEHAVEONEMORE (Gary Moore)

MY DROGO

MY MATE MOZZIE (Gavin Cromwell)

Raced far too freely when runner-up on his hurdling debut at Ascot in late-October, although it was a performance that offered plenty of encouragement for the future. He settled better once allowed to stride on and if he can learn to relax a little more, he should be tough to beat in something similar next time. He held an entry in the aforementioned Sandown race which was won by Constitution Hill, and reverting to a sharper track might actually suit.

SKYTASTIC (Sam Thomas)

Yet to reappear this season.

Hurdled particularly fluently when making a winning debut at Punchestown, where he quickened away SOFT RISK (Nicky Richards) from a smart Flat horse in the closing stages. He Travelled really well en route to making a winning built on that to win the Grade 3 For Auction Novice reappearance, in a novice hurdle at Ayr last month.

Hurdle at Navan, where he appeared to shift to Brian Hughes kept things simple, sitting just off his right at times. Reverting to the right-handed the pace throughout and he ran out a convincing Fairyhouse was, therefore, expected to suit in winner of what was no more than an ordinary race. the Royal Bond, and he was a shade unlucky to Declared at Newcastle at the weekend, he was a lose out by a short-head, having dictated matters late non-runner due to the ground, but should be from the front. Given that his hurdling had been so out again soon, and if all goes well there, could fluent, it was rather ironic that a final flight mistake proved costly to him in this Grade 1, and he is yet another who holds an entry in the Future Champions Novice Hurdle (27th). It will be interesting to see how he copes going back to a left-handed track and his connections wouldn’t want too much rain, as he seems right at home on a sound surface. He could well be given a mid-season break after that race and return for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, although it could be that Fairyhouse or Punchestown offers him the best chance of spring glory.

OUTLAW PETER (Paul Nicholls)

Showed a fine attitude to win a Worcester bumper on his first start for current connections, after which he failed to get home over an extended 2m5f in a novices’ hurdle at Exeter. Caught wide that day, he wasn’t ideally positioned, but the form has worked out well, with the winner following up and Picanha (3rd) beating Kyntara at Warwick recently.

6

SOFT RISK

Jumpers To Follow 2021-2022 - Mid-Season Update

be upped in class in the New Year. If he were to win again under a penalty, perhaps something like the Rossington Main at Haydock will come under consideration.

Across The Sea ADAMANTLY CHOSEN (W P Mullins)

The form of his Goffs Land Rover Bumper win has SPRINGWELL BAY (Jonjo O’Neill) worked out very well and he finished a narrow Showed a fine turn of foot to win a Market Rasen second on his debut over hurdles at Fairyhouse bumper by 14 lengths on his first start for current last month. The winner was race-fit and boasted connections, having had his Punchestown second much more racecourse experience, so he lost little well-advertised in the early part of the season (3rd in defeat and is likely to prove difficult to beat in won easily and the 5th won a bumper, too). He trav- something similar next time. Still quite green on elled well and scampered clear on good ground to debut, he might well take a big step forward and score with plenty in hand, and although it didn’t is another for whom the four-year-old maiden at look a particularly strong event, it was easy on the Leopardstown is sure to be considered. eye. Being only four, I would expect that he will remain in bumpers now for the rest of this season APPRECIATE IT (W P Mullins) and the Listed contest at Newbury in February Yet to reappear this season and although holding might be a suitable target.

Grade 1 entries, is expected to make his debut in a beginners chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.

STAR GATE (Evan Williams)

It was sadly confirmed recently that Star Gate has died.

STATE MAN (W P Mullins)

Yet to reappear this season, but has held maiden hurdle entries of late and his entries in the Grade 1s (Future Champions and Lawlor’s of Naas) suggests that he is fit and well, and shouldn’t too far away from making his Irish debut.

THE EDGAR WALLACE (Kim Bailey)

Showed a fine attitude when making virtually all to make a successful chasing debut at Market Rasen last month. He jumped well in the main and stayed on strongly over the extended 2m5f trip, whilst leaving the impression that there was plenty more to come. Upped just 3lbs for that success, the form was franked recently when Hardy du Seuil (unseated two out) won at Hereford and he seems versatile in terms of ground. Staying 3m shouldn’t prove a problem later in the season, so there ought to be plenty of opportunities for him to add to his tally in the coming months.

TIMEFORATUNE (Paul Nicholls)

Another who showed a fine attitude to win a bumper under a penalty on his first start for Paul Nicholls, he then stayed on strongly to win a Listed contest at Cheltenham last month. On both occasions he has finished very well, suggesting that he will relish a longer trip once sent hurdling and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him switched to that division over Christmas. Returning to Chepstow for the 2m3½f maiden hurdle at the Welsh Grand National fixture would be one option.

Jumpers To Follow 2021-2022 - Mid-Season Update

BRANDY LOVE (W P Mullins)

Made a winning debut over hurdles at Naas last week, where she warmed to the task (in terms of jumping) and eventually won by a comfortable 10 lengths. A classy bumper performer last term, she jumped very well when winning her Point and her hurdling really improved down the back straight at Naas. Challenged on the run to two-out, she lengthened away well – despite getting in tight at the last – and didn’t come off the bridle. The Grade 3 2m2f Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle could be the ideal target for her at Fairyhouse, in late-January.

CLASSIC GETAWAY (W P Mullins)

Yet to reappear this season.

DARK RAVEN (W P Mullins)

Yet to reappear this season.

FLAME BEARER (P M J Doyle)

Eventually finished fifth behind Dysart Dynamo (beaten 29 lengths) on hurdling debut, but shaped better than the bare result and only faded from three out. He looked more of a staying type when winning two deep-ground bumpers last season and might leave this form behind, when facing a stiffer test of stamina.

FRENCH ASEEL (W P Mullins)

Reportedly met with a setback and could miss the whole season.

GARS DE SCEAUX (Gordon Elliott)

Made his chasing debut recently, when finishing only ninth behind Stattler (beaten 73 lengths). He

7

shaped much better than the bare result, however, only weakening after an error at the third last fence.

He improved plenty with each run last season and that could be the case again this time around, with more testing conditions also likely to benefit him in the coming weeks. He had jumped well until three out and is worth noting in a 3m beginners chase next time.

SIR GERHARD (W P Mullins)

Yet to reappear this season.

THREE STRIPE LIFE (Gordon Elliott)

Yet to reappear this season, but interestingly holds an entry in the Grade 1 Leopardstown Christmas Hurdle, which suggests that a novice chase campaign has been shelved.

Easily won a weak maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse on his return, he still looked quite green, but showed a good turn of foot to pull clear before the final flight, at which he made a slight error. A late non-runner in the Royal Bond (unsuitable ground) in late-November, he is another who holds entries in the Future Champions (2m) and the Lawlor’s of Naas (2m4f) in the coming weeks. Whilst he shapes like he will stay further, I would expect the former to be considered as his Christmas target.

GRANGECLARE WEST (W P Mullins)

VANILLIER (Gavin Cromwell)

GENTLEMANSGAME (M F Morris)

Third on his first start over fences at Down Royal, he stayed on strongly to win the Grade 2 Florida Pearl Novice Chase last time and is now likely to HOLLOW GAMES (Gordon Elliott) Justified short odds when winning on hurdling step up to 3m for the Neville Hotels at Leopardsdebut at Down Royal (2m6f) and followed-up in the town over Christmas. Although he also holds an Grade 3 Monksfield Novice Hurdle over a couple entry in the Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick, of furlongs shorter at Navan last month. A work- I would prefer to see him stepped up in distance manlike – rather than a flashy – individual, he looks (rather than back down), as he looks an out-andsure to appreciate a more truly-run race and going out stayer. He had the race in safe-keeping when back up in distance ought to help at some stage. He left clear at the final fence last time and appeals holds an entry in the Lawlor’s of Naas next month as the type to improve with experience. It could and is currently second-favourite, behind Blazing be that he ends up contesting the National Hunt Khal, for the Albert Bartlett in March. He should Chase come March. relish the step up to 3m come the spring.

Yet to reappear this season.

IMPERIAL RULER (Dermot A McLoughlin)

Yet to reappear this season.

JAMES DU BERLAIS (W P Mullins)

Reportedly injured and misses the season.

JUMPING JET (Gordon Elliott)

Beaten at short odds on her debut for current connections, where an error two out didn’t help matters. Looking to hold every chance at the last, she finished only third, with the second beaten off a mark of 107 in a handicap last month (to give the form some context). A wide-margin bumper winner, 2m around Galway looked plenty sharp enough for her and I would expect her to improve considerably when facing a much stiffer test of stamina.

LETSBECLEARABOUTIT (Gavin Cromwell)

Yet to reappear this season.

O’TOOLE (S R B Crawford)

Yet to reappear this season, but held entries at Ayr on Tuesday, so is clearly ready to return in a maiden hurdle very soon.

8

VINA ARDANZA (Gordon Elliott)

Travelled well en route to making a successful debut over hurdles, on his first start for Gordon Elliott, at Thurles last month. Having cruised to the lead two out, he had to be hard ridden between the final two flights, and only just prevailed. The runner-up was fit from the Flat and in receipt of plenty of weight, so it was a promising start, for all that is wasn’t the strongest of maidens. His trainer stated after the race that he could be a horse for the spring and summer – given his liking for good ground – so he is expected to have a break for the next couple of months at least.

THE NEXT 10 HORSES FEATURED IN OTHER SECTIONS OF THE BOOK AND HAVE IMPRESSED IN THE EARLY PART OF THE SEASON, EITHER WHEN WINNING OR IN DEFEAT.

AMERICAN MIKE (Gordon Elliott)

Point-to-Point Graduates Ran out a comfortable winner at Down Royal on his first start for Gordon Elliott and like last year’s winner of that race Sir Gerhard, then headed to

Jumpers To Follow 2021-2022 - Mid-Season Update

Navan for the Listed Future Champions Bumper, a race that his trainer has dominated in recent years.

Favourite for the Champion Bumper on the back of that Down Royal success (form since boosted by the runner-up), he won as he liked at Navan, readily drawing clear in the closing stages. The Grade 2 at the Dublin Racing Festival is likely to come under consideration, although his main target is sure to be the Weatherbys-sposnored contest at Cheltenham in March. He seems to be a relaxed and mature individual, so it is unlikely that the occasion will get the better of him there.

CHIANTI CLASSICO (Kim Bailey)

the race itself. Having looked all over the winner on the run to the final flight, he was beaten a neck in the end by Jamie Snowden’s Datsalrightgino, but it was a most creditable performance and one that augurs well for the future. Given his physique, I am already looking forward to him going chasing in the autumn, but he could well land a nice prize over hurdles beforehand and he should have learnt plenty for this experience. The Tizzard stable won the Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle three times in four years between 2017 and 2020, so it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if he was given an entry in the Grade 1 at Sandown (8 January).

Point-to-Point Graduates The winner of a four-year-old maiden when trained

by Colin Bowe, he appealed as a horse who would be capable of winning a bumper and he did just that, on his second start for Kim Bailey. Runner-up at Ascot, he went one place better at Market Rasen in early-December, when staying-on strongly in the closing stages to win by 11 lengths. Despite handling the soft ground on that occasion, he won his Point-to-Point on a sounder surface, so better ground in the spring shouldn’t be an issue.

He looks capable of defying a penalty, although there is probably a chance that he will be saved for one of the better bumpers later in the season.

FERN HILL (Ben Case)

JPR ONE

LADY ADARE (Harry Fry)

Around The Yards Around The Yards Twice a winner from four starts over hurdles last The winner of a bumper at Newcastle when trained term, Fern Hill is a strapping son of Dylan Thomas, by Micky Hammond, Lady Adare made a winning who I expected to make up into a useful novice start for her new connections when successful in handicap chaser. He made his debut over fences what has turned out to be a very strong mares’ at Uttoxeter recently, when asked to race from 7lbs maiden hurdle at Uttoxeter. The daughter of out of the handicap and he was only beaten a neck, Sholokhov was never too far from the pace and jumping well in the main and seeing out the 2m4f having jumped big and well throughout, she moved trip well. With that run under his belt (first start in up stylishly two out, after which she stayed on 311 days), I would expect him to strip fitter and he strongly to win by 7 lengths. Get A Tonic (2nd) has should certainly stay 3m in time. At home on soft won twice since, Tweed Skirt (4th) beat Go Dante at ground, the handicapper put him up 6lbs for that Ascot next time and Holly (5th) was an impressive recent second and he should be more than capa- winner at Wincanton recently. Bred to be useful, the winner has the physique to develop into a ble of going one better in the near future. chaser next season, but looks more than capable of winning again over hurdles. Her trainer stated JPR ONE (Colin Tizzard) recently that, since her win at Uttoxeter, she has Around The Yards An un-raced four-year-old at the beginning of the had her palate cauterised, so won’t reappear until season, the son of Court Cave made an impres- the New Year. sive start to his career when winning a decent novices’ hurdle at Exeter, and he bettered that with MARBLE SANDS (Fergal O’Brien) his recent second at Cheltenham. The least-expe- Around The Yards rienced runner in the field (and one of only two Listed as being trained by Graeme McPherson in four-year-olds in the line-up), he stood out in the this year’s book (page 60), the McPherson stable paddock beforehand and travelled best throughout merged with Fergal O’Brien shortly after publi-

Jumpers To Follow 2021-2022 - Mid-Season Update

9

cation. A consistent performer in bumpers, the grey has now had two runs over hurdles without winning, but he should rectify that before too long.

A final flight mistake cost him victory at Lingfield, after which he again shaped with plenty of encouragement behind the highly-promising Mr Glass in The French Furze Novices’ Hurdle at Newcastle. A stayer in the making, softer ground would probably help this son of Martaline, who should be capable of winning a maiden hurdle in the coming weeks.

Handed an opening mark of 119, handicaps are now also an option.

Red Rookie was sent off favourite to make amends at Ascot recently, but came down at the eighth fence, having earlier shifted slightly to his left at a number of his obstacles. Still travelling well at the time, Brave Seasca went on to beat Amarillo Sky to further advertise that Chepstow form, and he is surely capable of winning races in the second half of the season. He will be of even more interest in testing conditions, given that he is unbeaten in three starts in heavy ground.

SAINT FELICIEN (Gordon Elliott)

News From France NURSE SUSAN (Dan Skelton) A horse who created a deep impression when A View From The Saddle (Harry Skelton) winning his sole start in France for David Cottin, he Credit for the inclusion of this four-year-old filly made an equally striking Irish debut, when winning goes to Harry Skelton, who selected her as one a four-year-old novice hurdle at Gowran Park last of two un-raced horses to follow. The daugh- month. Given that he was only eligible for novice ter of Doctor Dino made her racecourse debut at events until the end of November, that was good Carlisle in early-November, where she travelled placement and gave him a little extra experience, well and scampered clear in taking fashion. The before he is now forced into open company. He is placed horses haven’t done much for that form likely to be in action over the Festive period, after since, but she went to Leicester and followed-up which something like the Red Mills Trial Hurdle – in comfortable fashion, a month later. She trav- back at Gowran – could be an option in February. elled well and despite an error two out, quickly He remains open to any amount of improvement went clear of the useful ex-Flat performer Zabeel and is another who could make up into a smart Champion. Another mare with a bright long-term chaser next season. future, she looks capable of stepping up in grade now, whilst an opening mark of 123 offers connec- SHERBORNE (Colin Tizzard) tions yet more options.

Around The Yards A horse who actually featured in this Mid-Season Update last year (Winners In Waiting section) following an encouraging run on debut in a bumper at Hereford. He ran once more in a bumper without success, but got off the mark over hurdles at the second attempt recently, in a novices’ hurdle at Lingfield. Fourth on debut at Exeter, he travelled well last time and hit the front on the run to the final flight. The fast-finishing runner-up (Duke Of Rockingham) didn’t enjoy the clearest of runs, but this son of Getaway had already flown and prevailed by a neck. He is bred to appreciate a stiffer test, so going up in distance could well unlock further improvement, and whilst he would probably be NURSE SUSAN capable of defying a penalty, an opening mark of 115 looks quite appealing.

RED ROOKIE (Emma Lavelle)

Around The Yards Yet to win in two starts over fences, but probably ought to have been successful on debut at Chepstow, where he came from off the pace and went down by just a neck at the line. That form worked out extremely well subsequently, with Not Available (3rd), Amarillo Sky (4th) and Brave Seasca (5th) winning next time. Despite being 6lbs higher,

10

THE FOLLOWING SIX HORSES DIDN’T FEATURE IN THIS YEAR’S BOOK, BUT HAVE IMPRESSED IN WINNING RACES IN RECENT WEEKS.

CONSTITUTION HILL (Nicky Henderson)

Perhaps the most obvious selection among the half-dozen, he created a huge impression on his first start for Nicky Henderson, when quickening

Jumpers To Follow 2021-2022 - Mid-Season Update

right away from Might I and Outlaw Peter to win a Sandown novices’ hurdle in some style. Runner-up to Anyharminasking (now in training with Jonjo O’Neill) in his Point, he made a serious error at the final fence on that occasion, after which he was purchased by Michael Buckley, who has owned some top-class horses over the years, Finian’s Rainbow being one. Nico de Boinville was happy to take a lead until after two out, and once eased out on the run to the last, he quickly put the race to bed, although the most impressive part of the performance was the way he sprinted up the hill and was full of running as he crossed the line. The son of Blue Bresil has a couple of options in the coming weeks, with the introductory hurdle at Newbury on Challow Hurdle day (29 December) being one, whilst he could return to Sandown for the Grade 1 Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle (8 January). He looked a top-class prospect last time.

(won next time at Ascot). Off the mark himself at Chepstow earlier this month, he stayed on well once challenged and looks to be a young stayer of some potential. Currently rated 128, he probably won’t fulfil his potential until he goes chasing, but he remains a horse of considerable interest for this season. I would also keep tabs on the third from Chepstow, Last Royal (full-brother to Honeysuckle), who made an encouraging return from a lengthy-break and should be capable of winning over hurdles, perhaps over a shorter trip.

HULLNBACK (Fergal O’Brien)

A four-year-old by Schiaparelli, he came from last REE OKKA (CENTRE) to first to win a bumper at Chepstow on debut, in early-November. Ridden with utmost confidence and kept wide throughout, he picked up stylishly STATTLER (W P Mullins) inside the final quarter-mile and was stretch- Placed in Grade 1s over hurdles at the Dublin ing a right away in the closing stages. That form Racing Festival and the Punchestown Festival has offered up mixed messages since – with the (also finished fourth in the Albert Bartlett), he fourth well-beaten at Warwick, whilst the fifth won made a really pleasing start to his chasing career a novices’ hurdle at Market Rasen – but the manner at Fairyhouse recently, when successful over 2m5f. of success was quite taking and it will be interest- The imposing son of Stowaway jumped soundly ing to see where he goes next. The Listed bumper throughout and showed a fine turn of foot on the at Newbury in February (12th) could be one option. run to the final fence, quickly putting the race to bed. He eventually won by 6 lengths and the 3m Neville Hotels Novice Chase at Leopardstown over ITSWHATUNITESUS (Gordon Elliott) The 4th December was a red-letter day for trainer Christmas – a meeting at which he won his maiden Gordon Elliott, who saddled seven of the eight hurdle last year – would seem the obvious place winners at Navan. The last of those was this four- to go next, provided it doesn’t come too soon for year-old by Walk In The Park, who created a really him. He is already second-favourite for the National good impression, when taking the bumper under Hunt Chase at Cheltenham.

Jamie Codd. Having loomed up two furlongs from home (still on the bridle when taking up THE BIG DOYEN (Peter Fahey) the running), he easily pulled clear of the oppo- A winner on good ground at Roscommon in sition, despite looking a shade green. His trainer September, he again travelled really well when stated that he would be given a break now, with beating Cool Survivor by 15 lengths on similar Fairyhouse his likely spring target, and his form ground at Punchestown in mid-November. An was advertised last week when Killer Mode won a imposing individual, he is another who has been given a mid-season break and he will presumably bumper at Naas. return with the spring festivals in mind. The Grade 2 at the Dublin Racing Festival would be another REE OKKA (Harry Fry) The winner of a Point-to-Point for Stuart Crawford possible option, but given his ability to handle in May, he made a hugely encouraging Rules debut decent ground, it could be that he heads straight to in a maiden hurdle at Aintree in October, where Cheltenham for the Champion Bumper. He looks to he split Gelino Bello (since finished runner-up in have a very bright future and shouldn’t be underestwo Grade 2s at Cheltenham) and Doctor Ken timated once pitched into Graded company.

Jumpers To Follow 2021-2022 - Mid-Season Update

11

CHELTENHAM

FESTIVAL

N

A VA

IL

A

B

LE

T

O O PR E W -O

R

D

ER

Betting Guide

• Extensive trends analysis of all 28 races • Positive and negative trends boxes for quick and easy referencing • Spring Horses To Follow • Feature articles from the other Guest Authors • FREE 1st class p&p • Includes FREE Aintree Guide & Grand National preview

HOW TO ORDER online weatherbysshop.co.uk | by phone +44(0)1933 304776 12

(Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm ) To Follow 2021-2022 - Mid-Season Update Jumpers