Novice Hurdlers
De Soto
Showed top-class form behind Karanja at Newbury on first start, and probably bettered that when finishing a neck second to Missed That in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham second time up. He is sure to win races in the 2m novice hurdling division, though given he’s only a 4yo, it‘s not inconceivable that he will be kept to Bumpers for a while.
Paul Webber
Firth Of Forth
Impressive in two soft-ground Bumpers in Ireland last season, winning in good style despite running a little green both times. Not seen out after February, connections perhaps thinking that he wouldn‘t be seen to best effect on quicker ground. Type to do well in soft ground novice hurdles in Ireland. Will stay beyond 2m.
Joe Crowley (IRE)
Karanja
Classy performer who would have gone close in the Champion Bumper, had he not whipped round and unseated his jockey at the start of the race. He was undefeated in three other Bumpers, showing improvement with each outing. Might develop into more of a staying type over hurdles, not unlike stablemates Lord Sam and Mount Clerigo before him.
Vic Dartnell
Neptune Collonges
Very smart novice chaser in France, winning four times at Pau, before falling in his first race at Auteuil. Went on to win the main trial for the French 4yo chasing championship, before being acquired by John Hales, and moved to Paul Nicholls. He will not be qualified for novice chases in UK/Ireland, and again whilst it’s difficult to gauge how much he has achieved, he is an interesting prospect for novice hurdles.
Paul Nicholls
Rasharrow
Beaten only 1L in the Champion Bumper, and showed generally high-class Bumper form in three runs. Should be able to find plenty of novice hurdle opportunities in the North, before taking on the big-guns down South, as the season progresses. Will stay beyond 2m. Likeable attitude.
Len Lungo
Some Touch
Still a maiden in Bumpers, but big asks when trying to give weight away to Firth Of Forth (Feb) and The Cool Guy (April); showing improved form behind the latter at Aintree, on the quickest ground he has encountered so far. Purchased by the Wylie’s, he couldn’t have any different a profile to Arcalis (being an Irish store) but could nevertheless develop into a serious candidate for 2m novice hurdle honours this season.
Howard Johnson
Travino
Similar profile to Firth of Forth, in that he too missed the Spring festivals, having been impressive in three Bumpers earlier in the year. He is versatile in terms of trip (has won over 16f and 20f), and will take plenty of beating in soft-ground novice hurdles, especially over a trip (plenty stamina in the family).
Margaret Mullins (IRE)
Hurdlers
Asian Maze
Did nothing but improve when stepped up in trip over hurdles last year; an excellent effort to defeat Brewster in a Grade 1 at Aintree, followed by a facile win in a further Grade 1 at the Punchestown Festival to close the season. The pattern in Ireland caters well for 20f+ hurdlers, and a campaign taking in the likes of the Hattons Grace, Tara and Galmoy hurdles, would seem a logical route.
Thomas Mullins (IRE)
Ambobo
French-trained; won his only start in Britain, showing the best novice hurdle form recorded all season, when defeating Brewster and Mephisto with a bit to spare, at Cheltenham‘s Pillar meeting. Would have been a leading candidate for the Sun Alliance Hurdle, if he hadn’t picked up a slight injury. Sure to take a hand in all of the top staying hurdles, if he has fully recovered from his setback and his connections consent to race him in the UK.
Arnaud Chaille-Chaille (FRA)
Briareus
Sound-jumping novice hurdler in the spring, showing improved form for better ground at Newbury in April. Viewed as a potential chaser by connections and it’s not hard to see why, as he has been foot-perfect in his three hurdle runs to date. It’s unclear at this stage as to which route he takes, but he is sure to win more. Does not want extremes of ground, and probably best on good going. Likeable attitude.
Andrew Balding
Brave Inca:
Battled hardened, top-class hurdler, who gained overdue success in the latest season, when worrying Harchibald out of things at the Punchestown Festival. Soft ground, and better use being made of him, undoubtedly contributed to his success in April, but equally, the jockey change may also have helped (McCoy took the mount for the first time). With Harchibald looking increasingly vulnerable to a battler, and Hardy Eustace not re-appearing until the New Year, he looks primed to pick-up a couple of top-class races next season. Tough and genuine, and still possibly open to more improvement on soft ground.
Colm Murphy (IRE)
Demarco
Lightly raced novice hurdler last season, having showed fair form in three bumpers. Put up decent effort when beating Escompteur at Fontwell, despite some sketchy jumping and running green. Lightly raced, and evidently difficult to train, he may make up into a decent handicapper when he returns, and is upped in trip.
Nicky Henderson
Genghis
Decent novice hurdler last season. Effective up to 20f, with scope to get further. Won Scottish Champion Hurdle from fair yardstick Royal Shakespeare, and below par run in Swinton Hurdle is best ignored. May still be well treated off his current mark of 146, and although it’s possible that he will be sent novice chasing, something like the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham’s Paddy Power meeting, appeals as an early target.
Peter Bowen
Inglis Drever
Found his metier when upped in trip last season, having often looked like being run off his feet early-on over 2m. Staying is clearly his game, and with Baracouda not looking the force of old, he is likely to prove hard to beat in what is a well catered for division. He is effective at all distances from 2m to 3m, though it‘s unlikely we will see him run over the minimum trip again. The Long Walk, Long Distance, Rendelsham and National Spirit Hurdles could all be on the cards, before another run in the Stayers Hurdle at the Festival.
Howard Johnson
Manners
Classy bumper performer two years ago, and poised to win only start over hurdles, when almost falling three out at Newbury last November (not knocked about to complete), and wasn’t seen out again. Has a very progressive profile, and likely to prove hard to beat when he returns. Has only raced on quicker ground so far, and at around 2m, though good chance he will get further.
Jonjo O’Neill
Mephisto
Smart Flat handicapper, who looks even better over hurdles, putting up excellent introductory performance when third to Ambobo at Cheltenham. Went on to win over distances between 2m2f (giving 12lb and a beating to Faasel) and 3m (easily beat Moulin Riche, in receipt of 7lb). Only disappointed when he was found to have swallowed his tongue at Aintree, otherwise he was a most progressive performer. Game, consistent and versatile, he will have ample opportunities next season, though it‘s still unclear as to whether he stays over hurdles, or goes novice chasing. Regardless, one to follow whichever route he takes.
Howard Johnson
Penzance
Top-class juvenile, who has yet to put a foot wrong, winning easily twice, before defeating Faasel in the Triumph Hurdle. Four-year-old’s often struggle when they first go into open company, but he has more scope than the average Triumph winner, to hold his own against his elders. Goes on any ground, and likely to prove best at around the minimum trip. Still lightly raced over hurdles, and further improvement can be expected.
Alan King
Washington Lad
Fair form in Bumpers, but better over hurdles last season. Closely weighted with Asian Maze on a couple of runs. Although pulled-up and dismounted behind Moulin Riche in the Brit Insurance at the Festival, he had travelled well throughout the race, and something had clearly gone amiss between the last two (was later found to have mucus in his lungs). Will have to tidy up his jumping, but has an engine, and will be of interest in soft ground hurdles between 2m4f and 3m.
Pat Fahy
Novice Chasers
Accordion Etoile
Smart hurdler last season, progressing from handicaps, into open company, though not looking quite good enough to trouble the very best 2m hurdlers. With connections confirming that he will go over fences, there will be plenty of prizes to be won with him, in what can often be relatively uncompetitive races for 2m novice chasers in Ireland. Likely targets are the Durkan New Homes, Flyingbolt and Baileys Arkle chases, on the way to the Cheltenham Festival. May not be best suited by extremes of going.
Paul Nolan (IRE)
Brewster
Made up into classy novice hurdler last season, winning three times, and placed in each of his other four races. Although on the small side, his trainer has said that he has schooled well at home, and there are multiple chase winners in his pedigree. He is game, genuine and consistent, and there is every reason to believe that he will not be very far away from the top, should he be sent over fences. He will want 3m, and will be seen to best effect on soft ground.
Ian Williams
Crossbow Creek
Showed plenty of improvement for the switch to a professional jockey last season, and developed into a decent handicap hurdler, also showing fair level of form in defeat in high-class events at the Spring Festivals. Not in the top-bracket over hurdles, but an old-fashioned chasing type, who is sure to do well when sent over fences. Will be seen to best effect over 2m on good ground, and possible early-season targets might include the Independent Newspapers and Henry VIII novice chases.
Mark Rimell
Knowhere
Smart novice hurdler last season, showing plenty of class when beating Brewster and Ladalko in the Persian War, before sustaining an injury. Off since then, but a novice chase campaign is being proposed, and the stable has had plenty of success with similar types before. Wants 2m4f+ and appears versatile in terms of ground conditions. Sure to do well, assuming he is fully over his setback.
Nigel Twiston-Davies
Marcel
Incredibly tough novice hurdler last season, winning nine times in twelve starts, though perhaps feeling the effects of a long season, by the time the spring festivals came round. Was entered for a novice chase at the start of last season, but was kept over the smaller obstacles - a decision which was vindicated. Likely to do well in novice chases next season, at around the minimum trip, though he is bred to get further. Seems to go on any ground.
Martin Pipe
Mighty Man
Unbeaten in a bumper and three novice hurdles, showing best form when winning the Top Novices Hurdle at the Grand National meeting at Aintree. Is with a trainer who doesn’t like to leave them too long over hurdles, and would be a most interesting recruit to chasing. Wants 2m, and seems to go on any ground.
Henry Daly
Mount Clerigo
Decent bumper horse, and novice hurdler, showing smart form when giving weight and a beating to Secret Ploy at Wetherby last season. Very much a chaser in the making, and type to make an impact as a novice, when stepped up in trip to 2m4f+. Will be particularly effective when the emphasis is on stamina, so something like the Worcester novice chase at the Hennessy meeting, might be on his agenda. Best suited by soft/heavy ground.
Vic Dartnell
My Way De Solzen
Raced mainly around the minimum trip over hurdles, showing good level of form behind Ambobo in the French provinces, before acquitting himself well in each of his races in the UK, winning three times from six starts. Found it all happening a bit too quickly in the Supreme Novices, and failed to give his running. Very much a staying chaser in the making. Effective on all types of ground, but may prove best on soft.
Alan King
Over The Creek
Showed progressive form as a novice hurdler last year, only disappointing when pitched into handicap company against Patriarch Express; the quicker ground and an inadequate trip being just as much reason for defeat, as the step-up in class. A big chasing type, he can take a similar route to the same connections Comply Or Die. Very much one to keep onside, when he is sent over fences. Wants 3m and ground on the easy side of good.
Martin Pipe
Publican
Smart novice hurdler last year, and may possibly have been seen to better effect if he had been upped in trip. There is plenty of stamina in his family, and his best efforts all came on soft or heavy ground, over 2m. Will be of plenty of interest when raced over 2m4f on soft, and appeals as a type to do well in events like the Drinmore and Moriarty novice chases.
Pat Fahy
Racing Demon
Very much viewed as a chaser by connections, but no slouch over hurdles either, showing progressive form throughout last season, culminating in a second place behind No Refuge in the Sun Alliance Hurdle. Relatively lightly raced, and seems sure to be in the top-rank of staying novice chasers next season, as he remains unexposed over a trip. Hasn’t raced on extremes of ground.
Henrietta Knight
Sea Captain
Fair novice hurdler last year, running Mighty Man close at Sandown in March, before disappointing behind the same horse at Aintree. A big, rangy sort, he is with a trainer who knows how to campaign a 2m novice chaser, and he should make his presence felt in such events, though every chance he will also get further than the minimum. Seems to be best suited when ground is on the soft side of good.
Nicky Henderson
Sher Beau
Won three out of four over hurdles last season, only defeat when behind Asian Maze at Punchestown in the Champion Novices Hurdle. Whilst probably outclassed in that race, it’s also likely that the ground was not soft enough for him. Seems likely to be best suited by 2m4f+ and bottomless ground, and will be interesting if sent novice chasing in the next season.
Philip Fenton (IRE)
Chasers
Andreas
Showed highly progressive form in the spring, and despite falling at Perth, generally jumped very well. That one mishap aside (where he was going to win anyway), he won his three other starts over fences with authority, showing his best form when bolting up from some fair handicappers at Cheltenham in April. Is likely to quickly make up into a smart 2m handicap chaser himself, and not inconceivable that he can go on to win in open company in the coming season. Thought to want the ground on the quick side.
Paul Nicholls
Another Rum
Out-and-out stayer, who won 4m National Hunt Chase at the Festival, before finishing third in the Scottish National from 17lb out of the handicap. Best performances have come when getting a combination of a marathon trip, and good ground, and might be seen to best effect in the spring. Remains relatively unexposed at 3m4f+, and a National run is the likely target next season, though he would want to tighten up his jumping, before tackling the Aintree fences.
I.A. Duncan (IRE)
Ashley Brook
Classy novice chaser last year, finishing season on winning note at Aintree in the Maghull (2m). Tough, and sound jumping, he looks certain to take the move into intermediate company in his stride, and will show further improvement when upped in trip, though connections are reportedly targeting the Haldon Gold Cup (stiff 2m1f) for his reintroduction. Has reportedly suffered from sore shins, and is therefore likely to want the ground on the soft side.
Kevin Bishop
Big Rob
Generally progressive form last season, and still going well when falling three out behind King Harald in the novices handicap at Cheltenham. Staying is likely to be his forte, and should improve further when upped in trip to around 3m. Possibly doesn’t want extremes of ground. Looks well handicapped.
Brendan Powell
Cloone River
Progressive novice chaser last season, until meeting with a setback. Has since returned to win a Flat handicap, and was still going well when falling three out in the Galway Hurdle. Type to do well in the series of top Irish 2m conditions chases that Moscow Flyer doesn't take part in. Would be an interesting entry in the Victor Chandler. Appears to go on any ground, but best form has come when going is on the quick side.
Paul Nolan (IRE)
Colonel Frank
Progressive handicap chaser last season, though disappointed when favourite for the Racing Post Chase, connections advising that the soft ground was against him. His current handicap mark (142) looks about right for what he has achieved so far, though there is likely still some improvement left in him, and something like the Hennessey Cognac Gold Cup could be within his compass. Wants 3m+ and good ground.
Brendan Powell
Cyrlight
France ’s champion 4yo chaser last season and unbeaten over fences, routing the opposition with ease each time. Whilst it’s hard to get a true line on what he has achieved, the manner of his victories suggest a horse who can go right to the very top. It is not certain whether he will get a UK/Irish campaign, but should connections choose such a route, he will be one to savour in all of the top races over 2m4f+. Having raced exclusively at Auteuil so far, the assumption is that the softer the ground, the better.
Arnaud Chaille-Chaille (FRA)
Forget The Past
One of last seasons best Irish novice chasers, winning at Leopardstown over Christmas, and at the Punchestown Festival. Effective at 2m4f+, he is likely to improve again when stepped further up in trip to around 3m, though his versatility will give him plenty of options. Marked preference for soft ground.
Michael O’Brien (IRE)
Jack High
Highly tried yet consistent chaser last season, who showed best of his form when asked to tackle extreme distances; finishing second in the Irish National, before going one better in the BetFred Gold Cup at Sandown. Increase in his handicap mark will make life more difficult, but he remains relatively unexposed over 3m4f+ and whilst he is on the small side for Aintree, there is every reason to believe that he can continue to be competitive in similar races next season.
Ted Walsh
Joacci
Very lightly raced so far, not being seen on track until the spring, but progressive novice chaser, with scope to improve further still. Best effort when beaten a head by My Will at Ayr, and subsequent poor effort in a handicap best ignored, as it came only two days after Ayr. Handicap mark has taken a hike to 143, but he is still conceivably well treated, and is another for whom the Hennessey seems a potential target. Wants 3m+.
Martin Pipe
Kauto Star
Was in the process of stamping his authority on the 2m novice chasing division last season, winning both starts over fences before injury intervened,. Assuming he returns sound, then he will surely pick-up some races, given that the established two-milers - Well Chief apart - are on the downgrade, and there was no obvious superstar amongst the best of the remainder of last seasons novices. Will stay 2m4f which will open up other options for him, possibly starting in handicaps. Will be seen to best effect on soft ground, assuming no hangover from his setback
Paul Nicholls
Kicking King
Top-class staying chaser, and impossible to leave out, given his versatility in terms of trip and ground conditions. Difficult to see any of the established opposition giving him any trouble, and last years staying novices would, for the most part, have to show abnormal improvement, to get him into a race. Every chance he will mop-up again next season, where a moderately similar campaign is being mooted.
Tom Taafe (IRE)
Locksmith
Progressive novice chaser for the Pipe/Johnson combination, showing smart form to beat My Will at the back-end of last season. It would be no surprise to see him laid out for the Paddy Power Gold Cup, and for him to take in the series of valuable handicaps at around two-and-a-half miles (Tripleprint etc). It’s not entirely inconceivable either, that he can make sufficient improvement to step-up into Graded company, and something like the Ascot Chase might be a logical target later in the season.
Martin Pipe
Lord Of Illusion
Bold jumping, front running chaser, who showed progressive form as a novice last season. Best effort when routing a good field in Cheltenham handicap at the New Year meeting, though not seen out again. Was short in the betting for the Sun Alliance Chase, however, failed to please in a gallop and missed the Festival, and met with a further setback and didn’t take-up his entry at the Cheltenham April meeting. Potentially very nicely treated off a mark of 138, if recovered from his problems, and the Hennessey would seem an ideal early-season target, given he wants a stamina test to be seen to best effect.
Tom George
Moscow Flyer
Officially still the best steeplechaser in Europe, and even a mild decline in his best form (which we may not even have seen yet), would still result in him winning plenty of races. His age is a slight concern, and he has hardly been lightly campaigned over the years, but his exuberance for the game seemed completely intact last season, despite going down to the admirable Rathgar Beau at the Punchestown Festival. If he retains his enthusiasm, he will continue to be nigh-on impossible to defeat on home turf, and probably equally so when he races in the UK.
Jessica Harrington (IRE)
No Half Session
Took a while to get the hang of things over fences last season, but showed generally progressive form when upped in trip to 3m, though is versatile (has also won over 2m4f). Likely to continue improvement, and could be handicapped to win a decent race, when getting his favoured soft ground. The Paddy Power and Thyestes Chases appeal as likely targets.
Noel Meade (IRE)
Patches
Very lightly raced over fences, showing the more experienced Lacdoudal and Kadount a clean pair of heels on his first attempt, before finding things tougher in the Feltham Chase behind Ollie Magern and Trabolgan. That was still a decent effort however, and he can be expected to do well in handicap company at 2m4f+, given there is probably more improvement to come. Unraced on extremes of going.
Paul Nicholls
Well Chief
Showed a bundle of improvement last season, to take rank with Moscow Flyer and Azertyuiop as one of the best 2m chasers for a generation. With age on his side, there is every chance he can show sufficient improvement to go one better in next years Champion Chase, and it’s hard to see any horse in the UK (last years 2m novices were a moderate bunch for the most part) being able to get him into a race. Raced mainly at the minimum trip on good going, but seems reasonably versatile as regards ground conditions, and every chance he will stay 2m4f.
Martin Pipe
Watson Lake
High-class novice chaser last season, winning the Drinmore and Flyingbolt novice chases, before finishing fourth in the Arkle at Cheltenham, where he was probably not suited by the quick ground. Appeared not to quite get home in the Powers Gold Cup (though was possibly still feeling the effects of Cheltenham), but bounced back to look all over the winner in the Swordlestown, before blundering badly two out - ultimately going down by 1L to War Of Attrition. Seems likely to be best at 2m, on soft/heavy ground, and can make the transition into open company in the coming season.
Noel Meade
BBC
