BEST of the BETS

Anthony Honeyball Stable Tour 2020/21



On the eve of Anthony Honeyball's first intended runners of the 2020/21 National Hunt season, I caught up with the progressive Dorset handler to discuss his team - sponsored by geegeez.co.uk - for the campaign ahead.

It's an exciting blend of unraced stores, novices and experienced handicappers which should pay to follow.

Here, Anthony discusses current plans.


ACEY MILAN (IRE) Goes novice chasing this season, wants ground on the easy side of good; 2m2f-3m nov hcap chase maybe Aintree early Nov. Feel his mark is workable in spite of performing well last season. Hoping he can progress into pattern chases.

AVOIR DE SOINS (IRE) He's had his problems but hopeful he can win a little handicap hurdle if his jumping holds up; if he can win one he might end up winning three! First things first, though.

BELLE DE MANECH (FR) Nice filly. Seems to handle any ground, will start in a mares' maiden hurdle; nearly ready to run. Home work is good, ignore final run last season where she was probably feeling the effects of a gruelling race at Ascot. Nice mare to follow.

BLEUE AWAY (IRE) Had an issue with cramping at the back end of her race; really pleased with her now and hopefully she'll go well in a mares' maiden hurdle early November. Really good jumper, probably start over two miles, ridden positively. Very hopeful.

BOB BACKUS (IRE) Taking his time to come to hand, and might need a bit of experience in novice hurdles; perhaps won't fully come to himself until novice handicap chases.

CAPTAIN CLAUDE Half brother (Flinck) placed in Silver Trophy so promising sign. Just getting going now so hope to run in a bumper in Spring.

COQUELICOT (FR) Very strong galloper. Was a star for the yard and her owners (a geegeez syndicate) last season, winning three (including Listed bumper). The further she goes the better she goes. She'll start off in a maiden hurdle and then go down the mares' novice route, hopefully ending up at Cheltenham in March.

DEJA VUE (IRE) Schooled really well over fences; appreciates heavy ground and front running. Small field mares' novice chase and proper winter ground will be ideal for her.

DON LAMI Trained really well so far, wants good to soft ground and should be competitive in three mile handicap chases, hopefully still progressive

DREAMING BLUE (GB) Has the stamina to make a juvenile; schooling has been fine, improving each time. Excited to see how he fares, probably starting next month. Also has the option to have a run or two on the flat.

FANFARON DINO (FR) Huge horse; showed well in bumper but no good twice in novice hurdles; bred to be very good (half brother to Champion Hurdler, Epatante). Might be seen to better effect in handicaps. Soft/heavy, 2m4f

FIRESTREAM (GB) Spring horse, strong pedigree. Could be very nice.

GABRIEL’S GETAWAY (GB) Staying pedigree, so likely to need more time. Might be ready for a spring bumper but more likely one for next season

GLORIOUS ISOLATION (IRE) Schooled eye-catchingly well, and has a fair engine. Might go straight to mares' maiden hurdles to make use of her athleticism.

GUSTAVIAN (IRE) Goes into handicaps off 120 which looks a decent starting perch. Dropped in usually because he's keen at home; but ended up having a bit too much to do more than once. There weren't many hurdles to jump the day he won, but he did it well. He's talented and will be well in if not pulling his chance away. Might progress to be a Pertemps type.

HIDEAWAY VIC (IRE) Going chasing. Schooled very well. Has had breathing issues, had a wind op. Handles deep ground, but 120 may not be a gimme in novices' handicap chases. That said, hoping he can win off that mark. Soft ground, 2m4f-3m

HOWLINGMAD MURDOCK (IRE) Apart from the name, he has a fair bit going for him! Brother to Easy As That, who is a very talented horse. Very straightforward so far. Looking towards spring bumpers with him.

JEPECK (IRE) Qualified already for the veterans' final, and that will be his primary target.

KAYF SERA SERA (GB) Another who if she wins one she might run up a sequence. Ran well on her debut at Ffos Las but not gone on over hurdles. Should improve with another summer on her back and may just need her first run back.

KHALINA STAR (GB) Geegeez syndicate mare. Still growing, good size; will come back in when the weather gets colder and be aimed at a spring bumper

KID COMMANDO (GB) Lovely horse, ran a cracker in the G2 Dovecote Hurdle. Always wants to please. Will ideally like 2m4f, softish ground, and could feasibly handicapped even off 136. Ready to go towards end of October, maybe at Aintree and then on to Haydock on Betfair Chase day.

KILCONNY BRIDGE (IRE) Mares' handicap hurdle at Wincanton next month is the initial target for her, then go from there. Tough ask off 126 but she's earned that after four wins last season. She'll jump a fence, maybe later in the season. Has schooled nicely, though may want to go right-handed

LE COEUR NET (FR) Quietly progressive from season to season, now rated 115, and will probably follow a similar path to last season (conditionals' race at Newbury, handicap chase at Wincanton)

LILITH (IRE) Think she wants soft ground - she has a very high knee action; looking forward to getting her over fences but will go novice hurdling this season. 2m4f mares maiden hurdle mid-Nov onwards in the mud

LILY THE PINK (GB) Has a bit of scope and may be interesting over a fence, but we may try to win one more handicap hurdle first.

MARCO ISLAND (IRE) Lovely big horse, aiming for a bumper in the spring but may not be quite ready until next autumn. Very much a chaser in the making

MARILYN MONROE (IRE) Runs off a lowly mark, and if she has any ability should be able to win races on decent ground. She is quirky but has schooled well and will be ready to go soon.

MIDNIGHT CALLISTO (GB) Lovely mare, schooling well; ready to go now in a mares' maiden hurdle. Has minor black type already, and looking forward to seeing how far she can go in that sphere.

MIDNIGHT TUNE (GB) Had a palate fire; pulled up in two of her last three, and this will probably be her final season before going to the paddocks. She'll be aimed at decent mares' chases and/or good class staying handicap chases. We love her to bits, and she owes the yard nothing.
MONT SEGUR (FR) Few little setbacks but has run very well in between. Quirky but really talented; schooled well over hurdles but won't go novice hurdling until after a bumper (or two) at Ascot end of the month.

MOONDANCER (GB) Well related to flat horses, smart flat pedigree but doesn't behave like a flat horse. Slowly getting the hang of things, and will be aimed at bumpers late this year.

NOCTURNAL MYTH (GB) Good work horse at home. Got a fair mark, had a wind op, should go very well in a handicap hurdle. Will then kick on over fences. Could be a lot of fun if he clicks this season.

PRECIOUS (IRE) Very (like, very!) big mare, and carries a lot of condition; but she always responds in her work. Hoping she'll be ready to go in November (both her sisters have won bumpers)

PURE VISION (IRE) Pretty good on his day but hasn't taken much racing in recent times; had a palate fire. Goes on any ground, probably better on softer side, 3m+. Everything seems right just now so hoping he'll be competitive again.

REGAL ENCORE (IRE) Superstar for the yard, likely to go back to Ascot before heading towards Aintree. Plan is well understood after a number of years the same: try to win a valuable handicap at Ascot before a tilt at the National. That said, might have a spin in the Becher this season.

REPRESENTED (IRE) Back cantering; wants quicker ground. Has had over a year out, but is looking really well now and hoping he's nicely handicapped off 107

ROCKET ROBBO (GB) Juvenile bumper horse. Quite pleased with him; he was bred by his owner who also bred Malinas Jack. Robbo was a little tentative at first but has been getting the hang of things. Hopefully be ready for a junior bumper in early December.

SAM BROWN (GB) Doing well. Planning to go to Haydock on Betfair Chase day where there's a valuable graduation chase, 2m5f. After that, not sure: maybe Welsh National, maybe the Grade 2 chase at Cheltenham on New Year's Day. But first things first!

SOJOURN (IRE) Could have a nice weight for something like Welsh National; would have to win another smaller race first and then aim for a nice pot. Maybe the Tommy Whittle or something of that ilk.

SOLDIER OF FORTUNE x QUIET THOUGHT Nice filly, will aim for spring bumper; if not, autumn.

SULLY D’OC AA(FR) Talented horse; had a palate fire just to give him every chance, feel like there's a very good handicap in him. Might want to run on good to soft ground, and definitely has a playable mark. Could drop back to two miles.

SWINCOMBE FLEAT (GB) Related to Firestream, be running in a bumper in November we hope. Good size, learning all the time, feels like a nice mare. Hopeful she'll go close on debut.

UCANAVER (GB) Really caught the eye when second to Coquelicot, with a winner in third and distance to the rest. Will run in a mares' bumper this week and looking forward to seeing how she goes.

WAGNER (IRE) Very nice horse; hard to know where to start: could go handicap hurdling but he has schooled well over fences, too, so a bit of a conundrum. Could be progressive, and seems nicely handicapped.

WINDANCE (IRE) May have another run in a bumper before going novice hurdling; schooling well though so could go straight down that route.

WINDSWEPT GIRL (IRE) Another geegeez mare, she keeps surprising us. We don't really know what her level is as she only ever does enough at home. She's very laid back, but won a minute at Taunton, albeit in a weak-looking race. Will either school more and go mares' maiden hurdling, or she'll run in another bumper; probably the latter.

WORLD OF DREAMS (IRE) Super pedigree, close up to Samcro on the page. Ready to run in a bumper in a fortnight or so.

YOU CAUGHT MY EYE (IRE) Stayed on really well in a weakish bumper; will stay in bumpers for now before going mares' maiden hurdling.

HENRY DE BROMHEAD Jumps Stable Tours

It's not all about Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott. Other powerhouses are emerging in Irish jump racing and the string in Henry de Bromhead's care look as strong as ever this season, with potential challengers at championship level in all divisions.

The stable star is undoubtedly unbeaten mare Honeysuckle, for whom the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham was preferred over a Champion Hurdle bid despite her victory in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown. A guessing game may well take place once again between February and March as to her Cheltenham target.

Nowhere is De Bromhead better represented than in the staying chase division. Monalee will be back for another crack at the Gold Cup after his unlucky fourth in last season's race. Chris's Dream could also be in contention again having run well for such a long way in March and they will be joined by last season's crack novice Minella Indo, who was cut down late in such extraordinary circumstances by Champ in last season's RSA Chase but started off his season with an impressive victory at Wexford on Monday.

We cannot forget the two-mile chase division either, in which last season's Arkle winner Put The Kettle On vividly demonstrated her love for Cheltenham. You can also add Notebook, who was the leading 2m novice chaser for almost all of last season before his defeat in the Arkle.

There are also plenty of young horses to get excited about for novice hurdle and novice chases, the principal among them being Bob Olinger, who created such an impression when winning a Gowran bumper in March.

This could well be the season when De Bromhead records his first domestic century of winners and there could be plenty more to celebrate besides that.

Race in focus

I'm really looking forward to getting Put The Kettle On back to Cheltenham next month for the Shloer Chase.
Stable profile

Yard Knockeen
Where Waterford
Started training 2000
Horses in yard 100
Members of staff 30
Managers David Roche, Emmet Raher, Cathal Connolly and Brian Scott
Travelling head lad Alan Coady
Secretaries Nicole Roche and Angelina Laiso
Jockeys Rachael Blackmore, Hugh Morgan, Daniel Holden, Dylan Robinson, Mike O'Connor, Emma Twomey
Amateur jockeys David Roche, Barry O'Neill
Website henrydebromheadracing.com
Twitter @henrydebromhead

Winners in Ireland

2019-20 79
2018-19 98
2017-18 60
2016-17 68
2015-16 48

Profit/loss to €1 stake

2019-20 -€55.96
2018-19 -€20.83
2017-18 -€86.10
2016-17 -€92.87
2015-16 -€49.27

Irish prize-money in 2019-20
€2,102,615

A Plus Tard
6yo gelding Kapgarde (sire) – Turboka (dam)
Owner: Cheveley Park Stud
Form figures: 21/3213-
Racing Post Rating: 171c Official Rating: 167c
He's in really good form and we'll aim him at the Fortria Chase at Navan and see how that goes. He's fairly versatile as to trip as he won his Grade 1 over 2m at Leopardstown and then his run in the Ryanair was probably his best of last season, but we'll start off at the shorter trip. He's still only six, just a baby, and we are really looking forward to getting him out.

Abbey Magic
9m Beneficial – Magical Theatre
Mrs D Halley
111/21
RPR 144c OR 134c
She was brilliant at Cork earlier this month and has some black type now, which is great. She's run five times for us and won four, and her only defeat was by her stablemate Visioman at Kilbeggan. She's a good-ground mare and we'll pick and choose our races on ground which suits her. She's a top mare and getting up to the sort of mark where we might consider the new mares' chase at Cheltenham.

Annexation
4g Wootton Bassett – Scarlet Sonnet
South Ros Racing Syndicate
1
RPR 119h OR -
He was really good at Navan in his maiden hurdle and we were aiming for the novice hurdle at Tipperary but he wasn't right. He seems in good form again and we might aim him at the For Auction Novice Hurdle at Navan. He handled soft ground on the Flat, although whether he'll be as effective on it over hurdles we'll see. We'll feel our way with him in the autumn and if he handles soft ground we can plot our way through the winter with him.

Arvico Bleu
8g Arvico – Sharifa
Gigginstown House Stud
223F/72-
RPR 138c OR 132c
He's a nice horse and in good form. He's run well in a couple of good handicap chases in his time and we'll aim him at some of the better 2m handicap chases the one at the Fairyhouse Winter Festival comes to mind. He's nearly ready to go and will be out in the next couple of weeks.

Aspire Tower
4g Born To Sea – Red Planet
Brendan McNeill & Jonathan Maloney
11F2-
RPR 145h OR 145h
He's in great form and working very well. We're aiming for the WKD Hurdle at Down Royal later this week and we'll see how that goes. He started last season brilliantly and I'm not convinced he was at his best after Christmas – he certainly didn't look himself at Cheltenham where he he jumped badly left. He's had a nice break and seems in great form now.

Atlantic Fairy
6m Jeremy – Tylensy
Mark E Phelan
2/3-
RPR 114h OR -
She's a really nice mare. She was injured after her one run at Clonmel last year, but she's back and working well. We'll be hoping to run her in the next month to six weeks when there's a good ease in the ground. I think she's a real stayer and we'll be looking for races over at least two-and-a-half miles.

Balko Des Flos
9g Balko – Royale Marie
Gigginstown House Stud
973/44-4
RPR 174c OR -
He got very sick last year and had pneumonia in January, but he came back to us in the summer and has been brilliant since. I was very happy with his run at Punchestown two weeks ago as he jumped brilliantly in third and had a really good blow afterwards. He's entered in the Champion Chase at Down Royal this week but there's also the Clonmel Oil Chase, so we'll see. I know he won the Ryanair in 2018 but I've always felt he was more of a three-miler.

Baptism of Fire
5g Jeremy – Julia Glynn
Gigginstown House Stud
1/55-1
RPR 123h OR -
I was very happy with his win at Punchestown two weeks ago. We went there thinking he would need the run and he did take a bit of a blow in fairness. He'll improve for that and he looks a really nice staying prospect.

Benruben
7g Beneficial – Didinas
Due East Gone West Syndicate
2F/8-411
RPR 144c OR 138c
I'm delighted with him. He's already had a terrific season and really battled at Roscommon, where he did well to win as he's a lovely big horse who probably wants a galloping track and bigger fences. We'll go for the Craddockstown Novice Chase at Punchestown and that will tell us where we stand with him. I hope he'll handle soft ground.

Dark horse

Bob Olinger
5g Sholokhov – Zenaide
Robcour
11-
RPR 135b OR -
We bought him off Pat Doyle after he won his point-to-point impressively and we like him. He works well and he won his bumper well. He'll go for a maiden hurdle in the next few weeks and we'll take it from there.

Brave way
5m Jeremy – Black Mariah
Kenneth Alexander
1-1
RPR 123h OR -
She's a nice mare. We were fortunate enough to get her at the Cheltenham November Sales and we were pretty much ready to go with her when the first lockdown came, so we left her off and it could have been the best thing to happen to her as she looked amazing when she came back to us. She's really strengthened up and we'll probably go to Punchestown in early December for a mares' novice hurdle.

Captain Guinness
5g Arakan – Presenting D'Azy
Declan Landy
12B-P
RPR 150h OR -
He was pulled up on his chasing debut at Tipperary last week and we discovered afterwards that he had an atrial fibrillation, meaning his heart was out of rhythm. It's basically the same thing that Sprinter Sacre and Denman had. He's with the vets at the moment and we can hopefully have him back out in the next five or six weeks. He had great novice hurdle form last year and before Tipperary he'd been working well and his jumping was good.

Cappucci Mix
7g Al Namix – Capuccina
Robcour
7/2U215-
RPR 142c OR 136c
He's a lovely horse who likes a bit of soft ground. He's a big horse and he's only really coming to himself now. We have a couple of options coming up for him. There's a new chase coming up which I had in mind for him, a second-season handicap chase at Fairyhouse in December that looks ideal.

Chris's Dream
8g Mahler – Janebailey
Robcour
15/P110-
RPR 167(c) OR 165(c)
He seems in great form. We're aiming him for the Champion Chase at Down Royal initially, but I'm not so sure whether we'll train him as a Gold Cup horse this year. I wouldn't like to discount it because he's always looked like a staying horse, but the first impression from last season's race was that he didn't stay and, as he seems to travel effortlessly up to three miles, we might end up dropping him back in trip. We'll pick our races for him after Down Royal.

Dark horse

Cobbler's Way
6g Oscar – Beeper's Leader
Gigginstown House Stud
2/1/212P-
RPR 147h OR 146h
He was wrong and got no run in the Albert Bartlett after a cracking run when he was second in the 2m6f Grade 1 at Leopardstown behind Latest Exhibition. He goes chasing now and will go for a beginners chase in the next few weeks. He's won his point-to-point and he jumps well, so it looks to be his game.

Commandingprescene
5g Kalanisi – Cooksgrove Lady
Mrs M J Wogan
2-1F
RPR 138h OR -
He's still a big baby but he won well at Punchestown last month and I'd say the penny was only starting to drop with him when he fell at Limerick last time. It was a nasty fall but he seems good now. There is a 3m novice hurdle at Cork next week but it might come a bit quick and there's another one at the same track in December. He's a lovely horse and stays well but we're in no real hurry with him.

Decimation
5g Milan – Babies Present
Gigginstown House Stud
2
RPR 121h OR -
He was just beaten by a good mare of Gordon Elliott's in a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse when two of ours dead-heated for second. He'll hopefully win his maiden hurdle and go on from there.

Eklat De Rire
6g Saddex – Rochdale
P Davies
121-
RPR 140h OR -
He's a lovely horse who won his maiden hurdle well and looks a real staying type. He'll go novice chasing when there is some real cut in the ground. He showed at Thurles in March that he's a real galloper and he's one to look forward to.

Eleazar Des Neiges
6g Buck's Boum – Ludiana Des Neiges
Gigginstown House Stud
49/6512-
RPR 132h OR 123h
He's another big chasing type and this could be his year. He won his maiden hurdle and was second in a Gowran novice hurdle last season. He jumps well and is a nice horse who likes to get his toe in.

Epson Du Houx
6g Diamond Boy – Pruneyle Do
Gigginstown House Stud
4/F771-F
RPR 119h OR -
We've always thought a lot of this horse. He eventually won his maiden hurdle last season but we always thought he was a chasing type, and he ran well for a long way on his chase debut at Wexford on Monday. He took a very tired fall at the last but if he's okay we'll look for another beginners' chase in a few weeks.

Fully Charged
6g Fair Mix – Alora Money
Three Swallows Partnership
21/2146-
RPR 133h OR 131h
He had a good year last season. We were going to go for a beginners' chase in the last couple of weeks but we just backed off him and he seems to be good again now. It made us change our plan slightly and we will go for the auction hurdle final at Punchestown this week before going chasing.

Gabbys Cross
5g Frammassone – Mille Et Une Nuits
R S Brookhouse
1050-1
RPR 114h OR -
He won well the other day when we put the hood on him. He's been very immature mentally and it's taken time for the penny to drop but he's getting there all the time. We'll look for a rated novice hurdle for him now and see how he progresses from there.

Gaspard Du Seuil
4g Fuisse – Voilette Du Seuil
Sean & Bernardine Mulryan
1-34
RPR 106h OR -
He won a bumper in France before coming to us. He ran well in a four-year-old maiden hurdle at Punchestown where they went no gallop, but I was very disappointed with his run at Wexford on Monday. We'll get him checked out but he might just need a longer trip and better ground.

Gua Du Large
4g Kapgarde - Kayagua
Robcour
2
RPR 120h OR -
He's a nice big horse and we were delighted with his first run at Fairyhouse when he dead-heated for second with one of our other horses, Decimation. We're just getting to know him and we'll find a maiden hurdle for him in the next few weeks.

Holymacapony
4g Libertarian – Heavenly Star
Barry Maloney
1 (point form)
RPR 91p
He won a point-to-point nicely in February and I think he's one to look forward to.

Star quality

Honeysuckle
6m Sulamani – First Royal
Kenneth Alexander
11-1111
RPR 160h OR 158h

She's still only six and it was fantastic to win the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham with her last season. It was a close call between that race and the Champion and it probably will be again, although there's a lot to get through before we arrive at that point. She's summered really well as she came back looking brilliant and is working well. We'll aim initially for the Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse and go from there. We'll look for a similar campaign as last year and go for the Irish Champion Hurdle, and from there we'll see how things are unfolding.

January Jets
6g Presenting – Poetics Girl
Robcour
1/283-15
RPR 129h OR 128h
He won his maiden hurdle well but everything was a bit quick for him next time at Tipperary, including the ground, and he just got lost that day. We'll aim for a beginners' chase now and he's a real chasing type.

Jason The Militant
6g Sans Frontieres – Rock Angel
Peter Michael
3/2151-
RPR 144h OR 143h
I think he's a very good horse who will do well this season. He won well on the Flat at Fairyhouse last time and is now likely to go for the Grade 2 WKD Hurdle at Down Royal this week. We'll see how he progresses from there, but if things go well we will take on some of the better horses. He needs soft ground.

Kapard
4f Kapgarde – Ardissone
Alan Halsall
11
RPR 112h OR -
She's a very nice filly. She won her maiden hurdle at Roscommon, which wasn't the strongest of races, and she was very green again at Wexford on Monday, but she battled well. She might go to Thurles before Christmas for a Listed mares' hurdle. She's a grand chasing type for the future but needs a bit of experience and loves an ease in the ground.

Le Musigny
6g Anzillero – Fee Magic
J.P. McManus
3/P/16-2
RPR 138c OR -
He was always going to be a chaser. He won his maiden hurdle at Punchestown and was well beaten at Naas after that but Barry Geraghty liked him that day. He ran nicely when beaten by Darver Star at Punchestown two weeks ago – he got a bit lost early on but stayed at it well. We'll find another beginners' chase for him.

Minella Escape
5g Beat Hollow – Be My Leader
Alan Halsall
41-F
RPR 129h OR -
He's a nice horse we bought out of a point-to-point which he won well. He'd been working nicely and was running a very nice race at Punchestown when he unfortunately fell at the last. We'll look for another maiden hurdle in a few weeks.

Star quality

Minella Indo
7g Beat Hollow - Carrigeen Lilly
Barry Maloney
1/1212-1
RPR 166c OR 160c
I think he's a very exciting horse and he lost very little in defeat in the RSA Chase. It was such an extraordinary race and Champ came to beat us sadly, but he ran really well. Last year we took the decision to focus strongly on Cheltenham, whereas this year we're going to focus up to Christmas and then see how we're going. We couldn't have asked for more than at Wexford on Monday – he was very impressive and performed above expectations. We'll probably go to Navan next month for a new Grade 2 second-season chase.

Minella Melody
6m Flemensfirth – Cottage Theatre
Kenneth Alexander
2/31110-2
RPR 139h OR 141h
She's good. I'm not sure what happened to her in the mares novice hurdle at Cheltenham, but she had a great season up until then and hopefully it was a matter of just doing too much in front that day. I was very pleased with her run at Galway on Sunday as she's a stuffy sort of mare and needs a run. She'll be aimed at the rescheduled Grade 1 mares' novice hurdle at Fairyhouse at the Winter Festival. Unfortunately it's a Grade 2 now, so she'll be carrying a penalty.

Minella Times
7g Oscar – Triptoshan
J P McManus
42120-1
RPR 140c OR 136c
He was really good when he won at Listowel and will be aimed now at the Troytown Chase. He's progressing and seems to stay very well. He looks like being a good hardy handicapper that we can aim at the good handicap chases at around 3m.

Star quality

Monalee
9g Milan – Tempest Belle
Barry Maloney
14/P324-
RPR 173c OR 171c
He obviously ran a blinder in the Gold Cup last season and we'll be plotting a similar campaign this year. He stayed really well, which was in some doubt, and it was unfortunate the way he was hampered and lost his place a little at the top of the hill – it possibly cost him a place. He's in really good form and we're thinking of starting him off in a Listed 2m6f chase at Thurles in mid-November. It looks an ideal race and I don't think he'll have a penalty. We'll see how things go from there and we might even have a crack at the King George at Christmas.

Moon over Germany
9g Germany – Elea Moon
Philip J Reynolds
286-U40
RPR 154c OR 149c
He ran very disappointingly at Listowel last time but we found a chip in his hind joint and he was a bit sore. All seems to be good now and we'll aim for something in the new year.

Mormon
7g Stowaway – A Plus Ma Puce
Gigginstown House Stud
127/529-
RPR 137(c) OR 130(c)
He had a couple of nice runs last year. He'll go for a handicap chase in the next couple of weeks and we'll aim for the Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown at Christmas. He needs to come up a couple of pounds but we'll see how we go.

Mud Runner
6g Presenting – Victoria Theatre
Julian Taylor
3-
RPR 113h OR -
He got injured on his one run last year and will be back in the new year. He's a nice horse and a very nice chasing type.

Myth Buster
7g Shantou – Fairy Blaze
C Jones
7/4U352-
RPR 142c OR -
He had a couple of good runs last year and was just chinned in a beginners' chase at Thurles in March. He had a really good run at Leopardstown over Christmas and we threw him into a Grade 1 after that where he got a bit lost. He seems in great form and will start in a beginners' chase or a handicap chase. He's a real staying type.

Notebook
7g Samum – Nova
Gigginstown House Stud
211116-
RPR 162c OR 158c
He's working really well at the moment and I'm looking at the Grade 2 at Down Royal for him over 2m3f or the Poplar Square Chase at Naas over 2m. Obviously he excelled over the shorter trip last year and I'm not pushed about going up in trip with him, it's just that the Down Royal race is so suitable with it being for second-season novices. He didn't run his race at Cheltenham in the Arkle last season but a couple of his wins were very impressive and I'd certainly hope that he'll be able to mix it with the best of the two-mile chasers.

Paloma Blue
8g Stowaway – Court Leader
C Jones
320-313
RPR 156c OR 149c
He ran a nice race in the Grade 2 at Gowran over two and a half miles but he's probably more of a two-miler. We'll put him in the Fortria Chase and see how he goes from there.

Petibonome
4g Al Namix – Olafane
Robcour
F1D- (point form)
RPR 94p
He was unfortunate to be disqualified from a point-to-point after he went the wrong side of a bale. He works well and I think he's going to be a nice horse.

Plan Of Attack
7g Court Cave – Loadsofability
Alan Halsall
21134-P
RPR 144c OR 139c
He led over the last in the Paddy Power last year and I hope that he has one of those big staying handicap chases in him. He struck into himself badly in the Kerry National, but there are a couple of races coming up for him like the Troytown or one at the Cheltenham November meeting.

Punitive
6g Shantou – Rowlands Star
Gigginstown House Stud
541U11-
RPR 129h OR 123h
He'll go novice chasing this year. He was progressive in novice hurdles last season and has always looked like a chasing type. I hope he'll come into his own this season.

Put The Kettle On
6m Stowaway – Name For Fame
One For Luck Racing Syndicate
111211-
RPR 159c OR 154c
She thrived last season and is in mighty form again. She came out of the blue a little when winning at Cheltenham last November and was probably the forgotten horse in the Arkle. We had her in the Grade 2 at Gowran but the ground was a little better than I would ideally have wanted, so we have decided to go straight for the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham next month as she showed last season how much she loves the course. She's still a young mare and we are hoping she can hopefully progress into a mare for a championship race.

Raya Time
7g Al Namix – Ruthenoise
R S Brookhouse
22/815-F
RPR 132h 103c OR 127c
He was a bit of a tearaway last year, but we rode him that way and he seems a lot more settled now. He was an early faller the other day in a beginners' chase at Killarney, which was a bit disappointing. He's probably more effective on better ground so we'll try to find a race for him before the ground gets too soft.

Royal Thief
6g Fame And Glory – Lady Fancy
Gigginstown House Stud
13150-1
RPR 133c OR 130c
He won well the other day and is a real staying type who is taking to fences really well. We'll see how he progresses but he's such an out-and-out stayer that he could develop maybe into an Irish Grand National horse by the end of the season.

Spyglass Hill
7g Morozov – Missmartinslane
Niall O'Leary
62F1-PP
RPR 148c OR 146c
He's been a bit unlucky as nothing went right for him in either the Galway Plate or the Kerry National. He'll get an entry in the Troytown but we'lll see how he is closer to the time. The alternative is a second-season novice chase at Gowran the same weekend over two-and-a-half miles. He's an out-and-out staying handicap chaser.

Telmesomethinggirl
5m Stowaway – Wahiba Hall
Kenneth Alexander
50-1311
RPR 135h OR 126h
She's a nice mare and progressing all the time. She's on a little break now and we'll bring her back for the good mares' handicap hurdle at Leopardstown in February. Depending on how that goes we might well aim her at the mares' novice hurdle at Cheltenham.

Trainwreck
8g Stowaway – Trail Storm
Gigginstown House Stud
843020-
RPR 146c OR 139c
I'd been running him over two miles but then Rachael Blackmore said to step him up in trip and he almost went and won the Leopardstown Chase over 2m5f. Rachael was stood down for the rest of that day and we got Eoin Walsh to ride him, but unfortunately he'd eaten his dinner, thinking he had no rides left, put up 2lb overweight and was beaten a head! He's one to look forward to this season in staying handicap chases.

Visioman
7g Vision D'Etat – Loumie
Alan Halsall
50-4711
RPR 140c OR 139c
He's done really well this year and won well at Limerick last time. He will go for a 2m4f handicap chase at Punchestown on Morgiana Hurdle weekend. He handles an ease but I don't think he'll handle real winter ground.

Walk Away
7g Black Sam Bellamy – Pegus Love
Robcour
4/7253-F
RPR 140c OR 136c
He's a very nice horse and still a novice for this season so we have some options with him. He took an unfortunate fall in the Munster National. We'll look for something similar and he'll probably get an entry in the Troytown.

Zarkareva
4f Authorized – Zarkiyna
Robcour
67-0F11
RPR 125c OR -
She was disappointing early on but has done really well since she went over fences. She won impressively at Sligo and was given a super ride by Dylan Robinson to win a nice race at Punchestown. She's progressive and gets her four-year-old allowances. She might go to Cheltenham in November for the novice chase Put The Kettle On won last year or we might wait for Leopardstown at Christmas. I hope she'll keep progressing.

Expert analysis

Monalee ran a cracker when a close fourth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March, but perhaps Henry de Bromhead now has a better chance of winning jump racing's most prestigious prize.

Minella Indo was still an unfurnished individual when gunned down late by Champ at the Cheltenham Festival. That was only his third outing over fences and you wouldn't have to work too hard to come up with an argument suggesting odds of 14-1 are too big for the Gold Cup.

Honeysuckle remains unbeaten and, while some say otherwise, she beat Benie Des Dieux fair and square in the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham, which takes some doing. De Bromhead resisted the temptation of the Champion Hurdle last season but, if she wins the Hatton's Grace and Irish Champion Hurdle again, it will be harder to swerve this time around.

Baptism Of Fire could be underrated. He got up late to deny Wide Receiver in a Punchestown maiden hurdle and the runner-up is held in very high regard. There is a vast amount of improvement in his locker.

Myth Buster interests me greatly this season and could be an ideal candidate for the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas. He remains a novice, but his third to Easy Game and Allaho last Christmas looks cracking form now and he is in the best possible hands to continue his progress over fences. He should win a beginners' chase with his eyes shut in the coming weeks and I'll be keeping an eye out for a Paddy Power Chase quote once he does. Owner Chris Jones won the race in 2016 with Noble Endeavor and he looks to have another ideal type for the valuable prize.

Cobbler's Way is another promising staying novice chaser and he could develop into an RSA contender.

JOSEPH O'BRIEN Jumps Stable Tours


'He's working great again - we have high hopes for him this season'

Joseph O'Brien may be transitioning to the Flat – he is coming off his best year so far in that code – but he still has a team for the winter that most trainers would be envious of.

Arkle runner-up Fakir D'Oudairies spearheads O'Brien's team of jumpers and will be joined in top chases by fellow Grade 1-winning novice chaser Le Richebourg, who has been absent since blowing his Irish Arkle rivals away in February 2019 but is set to make his long-awaited return next month.

Cheltenham Festival winners Band Of Outlaws and Early Doors may be sidelined for the season but there are any number of potential stars of the future waiting in the wings at Owning Hill.

Eric Bloodaxe is a horse O'Brien has always spoken highly of and is one such youngster the trainer is looking forward to sending over hurdles, while Forged In Fire and Fire Attack are other smart bumper horses ready to embark on novice hurdle campaigns.
Stable profile

Yard Owning Hill
Where Piltown, County Kilkenny
Started training 2016
Horses in yard 60 (National Hunt)
Members of staff 40
Head lad Faisal Hayat
Assistant trainers Mark Power and Brendan Powell
Secretaries Mark Hackett, Emma Dunning and Tara Armstrong
Travelling Head Girls/Lads Jim O'Brien, Tina Evans and Paddy Doody
Jockeys Mark Walsh, JJ Slevin, Ryan Treacy, Jody McGarvey and Eamonn Corbett
Amateurs Tom Hamilton and Neil Bashford
Conditionals Oakley Brown and Daire Davis
Stable sponsor Betfair
Website/email josephatcarriganogracingdotcom
Twitter @josephobrien2

Winners in Ireland

2019-20 68
2018-19 88
2017-18 67
2016-17 38

Profit/loss to €1 stake

2019-20 -151.36
2018-19 -128.5
2017-18 -48.46
2016-17 -109.02

Anything Will Do
Five-year-old gelding
Westerner (sire) - Aylesbury Park (dam)
Owner: Annus Mirabilis Syndicate
Form figures: 330-123
Racing Post Rating: 142 (chase); Official rating: None
He's taken to chasing well. He won his beginners' chase very well down in Killarney but maybe we shouldn't have run him when the ground was a bit quick at Listowel. He ran better when third at Fairyhouse but I was actually a bit disappointed with him. A step up in trip could suit him well. We'll look for a handicap and I think there could be a decent pot in him.

Dark horse
Assemble
6g Getaway - Annaghbrack
Gigginstown House Stud
44/1163-
RPR 144h OR 141h
He goes novice chasing. He wasn't a bad novice hurdler but I'd be hoping that he'll be better over a fence. Hopefully he can make up into a graded performer.

A Wave Of The Sea
4g Born To Sea - Je T'Adore
JP McManus
17-0413
RPR 130c OR -
A good juvenile hurdler for us last year, he won his beginners' chase well at Kilbeggan and has since run well in a novice chase at Punchestown. He jumped a bit to his left at the last that day but galloped home well. I'd say we'll step him up in trip now.

Busselton
3g Mastercraftsman - Blessed Luck
Chanelle Pharma Ltd
1-
RPR 119h OR -
He won in France and he looks a nice horse to go three-year-old hurdling with.

Castra Vetera
5m Jeremy - Mystic Cherry
Gigginstown House Stud
181-
RPR 114b
We really like her. She showed good form in bumpers last season and we're hoping that she can make a Graded novice hurdler. She should be ready to start soon enough and long-term you'd be hoping that she would develop into a mare who would have a chance in the mares' novice at Cheltenham.

Cerberus
4g Iffraaj - Miss You Too
JP McManus
11236-4
RPR 140h OR 138h
He's been a small bit disappointing. He has the option of stepping into handicap hurdles and we might go up in trip with him.

Choungaya
7g Walk In The Park - Autorite
Gigginstown House Stud
7/244U6-
RPR 140c OR 137c
He's still a novice over fences but he should be well up to winning his beginners' chase and then hopefully go on to all of those staying handicaps. He ended up being a little bit disappointing last season but hopefully with another year under his belt he'll be okay.

Collins
4g Martaline - Fantastic Cuix
Martin O'Sullivan
He's a nice horse who goes well and will be ready to start soon.

Darasso
7g Konig Turf - Nassora
JP McManus
511/420-
RPR 161c OR 155c
He could start off in the Clonmel Oil Chase. He's a very versatile horse who will be campaigned in all of those Graded races and he loves heavy ground. There should be lots of fun to be had with him.

Deilginis
6m Flemensfirth - Square Sphere
Martin O'Sullivan
4/10511-
RPR 122c OR 122c
She's a nice staying chaser who won her last two over fences last season. She's not a bad mare at all and I think she's one to follow as there are plenty more races to be won with her.

Dlauro
7g Lauro - Gergovie De Bussy
JP McManus
1/10-
RPR 126b
He goes novice chasing and starts off next month. He's been a very difficult horse to train, very frustrating, but he's training well at the moment. He burst blood vessels when last seen at Punchestown but, touch wood, everything seems to be good with him now.

Druid's Altar
3g Mastercraftsman - Shell Garland
Annus Mirabilis Syndicate
35621 (Flat)
RPR 79 (Flat)
He won his maiden over a mile and a half at Listowel and looks a nice type to go juvenile hurdling with.

Embittered
6g Fame And Glory - Kilbarry Classic
Gigginstown House Stud
415363-
RPR 152h OR 148h
He's an exciting horse to go novice chasing with. He did well as a novice hurdler and had a good end to his campaign. He'll run in a beginners' chase in the next few weeks. His schooling has gone well and we hope he is a Graded horse at least over fences.

Entoucas
6g Network - Mousse Des Bois
JP McManus
32213-2
RPR 134c OR -
He ran a lovely race first time up over fences at Tipperary and the plan will be to try to win a beginners' chase and go from there.

Eric Bloodaxe
5g Saint Des Saints - Diorissima
Gigginstown House Stud
117-
RPR 131b OR -
A very good bumper horse, he missed a little bit of time last season but he's back looking and working great again. He'll start off in a maiden hurdle next month and we'll take things from there. His bumper form is working out well and he had a genuine excuse for when he was beaten in Leopardstown as he pulled muscles that day. We have high hopes for him this season.

Fakir
5g Day Flight - Lazary
Gigginstown House Stud
5761U1-
RPR 144h OR 131h
He'll go novice chasing. He could make up into a decent handicapper and might even be a Graded horse. He'll go down the staying route.

Star quality
Fakir D'Oudairies
5g Kapgarde - Niagaria Du Bois
JP McManus
2/21122-
RPR 165c OR 159c
He'll probably go to Naas for the Grade 2 Poplar Square Chase next month and then we'll look at stepping him up in trip as the season progresses. I think he'd have won the Arkle had he not galloped through the second-last and he did well to get back as close as he did to Put The Kettle On at the line. He could be a Ryanair horse but he's still only a five-year-old so he's very young. Hopefully there will be a lot more to come.

Fils D'Oudairies
5g Saint Des Saint - Pythie D'Oudairies
C.M Grech
481-
RPR 121h
He's a nice horse who came to us from France after winning over hurdles at Auteuil. He'll go novice chasing.

Flying Scotsman
3g Galileo - Iveagh Gardens
JP McManus, Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor
099-011 (Flat)
RPR 86 OR 87 (Flat)
He won twice in as many days on the Flat at Galway. We've gelded him and are looking forward to sending him over hurdles, when I hope there will be some fun to be had with him.

Fire Attack
5g Westerner - Seesea
Gigginstown House Stud
12-
RPR 126b
A good bumper horse who likes soft ground, he'll go for a maiden hurdle in the coming weeks and we'll go from there. We have Graded aspirations for him.

Forged In Fire
5g Presenting - Green Star
Gigginstown House Stud
1-
RPR 129b
He was a nice bumper horse and he's probably going to be more of a staying novice. He's almost ready to start and we think he's very nice, one of our better novice hurdlers.

Front View
5g Konig Turf - Tumavue
JP McManus
B/12120-
RPR 139h OR 135h
He was progressing nicely last season until the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham, when he didn't like the very slow pace and didn't jump great. The plan at the moment is to go chasing, although I wouldn't rule out coming back for a handicap hurdle.

Global Equity
5g Shirocco - Geek Chic
Annus Mirabilis Syndicate
3133P-
RPR 130h
She has black type over hurdles but is still a novice, which is good. We'll go down the staying route.

High Sparrow
7g Shantou - Belladventure
Best Of The Rest Syndicate
556-120
RPR 133c OR 130c
He's done well since switching back to fences this summer and he might sneak a staying handicap chase off a light weight. He's entered in the Cork National this Sunday and the Troytown the following Sunday.

Home By The Lee
5g Fame And Glory - Going For Home
Sean O'Driscoll
1218U-1
RPR 148c OR -
He looked beaten first time out at Limerick this season but stayed on well to the line to win. That was his first start over fences so you'd have to be delighted. He'll have a staying novice chase campaign now. He's done very little wrong and is still a very young horse.

Keskonrisk
5g No Risk At All - La Courtille
C.M.Grech
1-
RPR 119
He made quite a lot of money after winning a Fairyhouse bumper for Timmy Hyde and the plan is to go novice hurdling. He shows a fair bit of speed.

King's Vow
4g Frankel - Seven Magicians
Blackrock Racing Syndicate/Rugby And Racing Syndicate
070645 (Flat)
RPR 99 OR 91 (Flat)
He has a high mark on the Flat and now goes novice hurdling. He jumps well.

Le Richeburgh
7g Network - Fee Magic
JP McManus
511211/
RPR 165c OR 160c
He missed last season through injury but is in great shape now. It won't be long until he's back out again and the Fortria Chase at Navan is a possible starting point. It's probably not going to be easy for him this season but hopefully we can get a clear run with him.

Midnight Run
6g Well Chosen - Knockamullen Girl
Gigginstown House Stud
121/196-
RPR 146h OR 142h
He goes novice chasing and has taken to fences well at home. He could be a decent novice chaser.

Mortal
8g King's Theatre - Pomme Tiepy
Gigginstown House Stud
43-U18F
RPR 155c OR 153c
He'll be aimed at all of those good staying handicap chases, but he probably doesn't jump as well out of deep winter ground.

New Ross
4g Doyen - Hayley Cometh
P McGee
4-
RPR 104h OR -
He could go for a bumper or a maiden hurdle. There should be plenty of races to be won with him.

San Salvador
El Salvador - Angel Chorus
Sarah O'Brien
6-
RPR 96b
He ran well at Naas in a very slowly run race and we gave him a break after that. He's working well and will go for a bumper soon.

Scarlet And Dove
6m Jeremy - Dark Mimosa
Gigginstown House Stud
1/514-
RPR 124h
The plan will be to try to get black type over hurdles and she'll probably jump a fence too.

Sempo
6g Oscar - Miss Cozzene
Martin O'Sullivan
16/3216-
RPR 145h OR 142h
A nice horse who was a good staying novice hurdler last season, he'll probably go chasing. He's had a little hold-up and won't be back as early as some of the others but he's nice.

Slige Dala
5g Sholokhov - Lady's Gesture
Rectory Road Holdings Limited
23-1114
RPR 122h
We probably backed up too soon after Listowel when he got beaten at Limerick. We'll freshen him up and aim him at Leopardstown over Christmas. He doesn't want heavy ground.

Speak Easy
7g Beneficial - For Bill
JP McManus
32/3F3-4
RPR 148c OR 142c
He's a second-season novice over fences and should come on from his return at Galway last weekend. Hopefully there will be a nice pot in him somewhere.

The Moyglass Flyer
6g Galileo - Luas Line
JP McManus
1/31-
RPR 133h OR 129h
He's done very little wrong and won for the second time in three runs over hurdles at Leopardstown last Christmas. He'll be aimed at all of those good handicap hurdles.

Uhtred
5g Fame And Glory - Ingred Hans
Gigginstown House Stud
1/21-
RPR 131h
He was a good bumper horse and has already had a run over hurdles, when he was second to another one of ours [Front View]. The plan is to go novice hurdling and we'll take it step by step.

Two for the tracker

Forged In Fire is a nice horse and looks as though he could be one of the better horses we have in the novice hurdling division. Deilginis is a nice staying mare and I think there will be lots of races won with her this season.


Expert view

Joseph O'Brien won the Galway Plate with a horse who had never won over fences before and he might be able to do likewise with Speak Easy in the Troytown Chase at Navan on Sunday week.

Early Doors defied a mark of 139 to break his duck over fences at Galway and Speak Easy has a similar sort of profile. He won his maiden hurdle at Navan and a mark of 141 does not look insurmountable, especially since he shaped with such promise in a beginners chase at Galway on Sunday.

O'Brien is a dab hand at picking the right handicaps for his horses who are just below Grade 1 level, and expect him to do likewise with Entoucas.

He didn't hit the heights expected of him over hurdles, but jumped beautifully on his chasing debut at Tipperary and could win a big handicap chase next spring. The Grand Annual or Brown Advisory Plate could be on his radar.

The real quality on Owning Hill lies in the youth division. O'Brien has a whole host of novice hurdlers who have the potential to make it to the very top of the game.

Some say Ferny Hollow was not at his best when Forged In Fire beat him at Leopardstown over Christmas, but the pair stepped on the gas on the home turn and pulled 17 lengths clear of everything else. He could end up being a Ballymore contender.

Eric Bloodaxe also beat Ferny Hollow in a bumper and looks to have more pace than Forged In Fire. He could end up in the Supreme, as could Uhtred who showed a good turn of foot at Navan in December.

Castra Vetera is an imposing mare, who is only going to get stronger and better with time. She is seriously smart so put her in your tracker in case you miss her turning up in a maiden hurdle somewhere soon. You will not regret it.

More to follow

PLEASE DO NOT POST ON THIS THREAD, LETS LEAVE IT ONLY FOR STABLE TOURS.

Thanks

Philip Hobbs part two

Masters Legacy
5g Getaway - Gently Go
Mrs Pam Bosley
211-
RPR 137 OR 136
He's not very experienced and is still a bit green, although he's won two of his three career starts. He showed some good form in his runs at Taunton last year and he'll continue to run in 2m4f handicap hurdles but he won't be out for a bit.

Melekhov
6g Sholokhov - Yorkshire Girl
Owners For Owners: Melekhov
1/421/25-
RPR 128h OR 126h
He showed good ability but has had a few health problems. He seems back on track now and he'll probably run soon. He'll be aimed at handicap hurdles over two and a half miles on better ground.

Musical Slave
7g Getaway - Inghwung
JP McManus
158132-
RPR 144c OR 137c
He progressed with each run over fences last season and was last seen running a good race at Uttoxeter. That was his first start over three miles and he stayed on well. He's a likely improver. He'll run in handicap chases this season and we hope there's more to come.

No Comment
9g Kayf Tara - Dizzy Frizzy
JP McManus
55/35FF-
RPR 144c OR 137c
He had two nasty falls in his last two chases so we might just give him a run over hurdles to get him back under way. He's still not won a chase yet even if his form over fences is decent. Prior to his falls his jumping had been quite good and he has plenty of ability. I'm not sure where we'll start yet.

Oakley
7g Oscar - Tirolean Dance
Tim Syder
33270-3
RPR 141h OR 137h
He placed three times over hurdles last season and ran creditably in the Betfair Hurdle and County Hurdle. Two miles is his trip as he shows plenty of speed. We might just keep him in competitive handicap hurdles at the moment but he'll probably be going chasing later in the year.

Off The Planet
5g Presenting - Kings Diva
The Brushmakers
5-7
RPR 101b
Having run in a bumper at Ascot last Saturday, we'll look at a novice hurdle for him next.

Orbys Legend
4g Milan - Morning Legend
Highclere Racing
2- (point-to-point)
RPR 88p
He was second in his only point-to-point in Ireland and he's a horse with a very good temperament. He works well and his schooling has been good. We'll look to have him out in the next week or two, probably in a bumper.

Potters Venture
6g Arcadio - Starventure
Alan Peterson
F/43/31-
RPR 128 OR 125
He's potentially a nice horse for us and he won very easily in a competitive maiden hurdle at Chepstow last November. However, he had a little issue with his tendon afterwards and that's why he hasn't run since. He won't be out until December, but his mark of 125 looks fair and we hope there should be more to come from him.

Dark horse

Pileon
6g Yeats - Heath Heaven
Tim Syder & Martin St Quinton
1/4112-4
RPR 92c OR 142c
He was fine after his run at Cheltenham. He slipped pretty badly going to the first fence, then he got left by himself which was a long way off ideal. He's relatively inexperienced and was gawking around at the back so Richard Johnson decided to hunt him around. He'll benefit a fair bit for that experience. He had a great campaign last season, although it was unfortunate he was beaten a short head in the Martin Pipe at the Cheltenham Festival as his part-owner is Martin St Quinton, who is chairman. He's a nice horse to go novice chasing.

Ronde De Nuit
3f Doctor Dino - Nuit De Guerre
JP McManus
4- (Flat)
She's a nice filly and one we're looking forward to in juvenile hurdles. She finished fourth on her only run in a maiden over a mile and three-quarters on the Flat at Angers. She should be out in a month or so all being well.

Smarty Wild
6g Fair Mix - Blaeberry
Michael And Mrs Norma Tuckey
01446-3
RPR 135h OR 132h
He's a four-time winner over hurdles and is a big, strong horse who should improve this season. He's schooled very well and we'll look to start out in novice handicap chases. He finished third at Ascot on Saturday and we thought he ran well. Two and a half miles is his trip and he should make a nice chaser.

Star quality

Sporting John
5g Getaway - Wild Spell
JP McManus
1/1117-
RPR 150h OR 149h
He's a really exciting horse to go novice chasing with this season – quite possibly we could run at Exeter next Wednesday as he's won most of his races there. He's been going well. He looked extremely promising when winning his first three starts over hurdles last season but could only finish seventh in the Ballymore. He was slightly lame on one of his hind legs after the race but within a few hours he was all fine again. We're really looking forward to seeing what he can do this season.

Springtown Lake
8g Gamut - Sprightly Gal
Tim Syder
P/7P219-
RPR 152c OR 142c
He looked really good when he won at Warwick by 20 lengths in February and then finished ninth in the Plate at the Cheltenham Festival. Ideally, he's better fresh on softer ground and going left-handed. We'll run him before if there's a suitable race but we may wait until the Grand Sefton over the National fences in December.

Dark horse

St Barts
6g High Chaparral - Lindeman
Mr & Mrs R Kelvin-Hughes
14/6131-
RPR 127 OR 125
He appreciated the step up to three miles when he won at Ascot last time, which I thought was a good performance. I hope he could be a big improver this year from a rating of 125. He'll go straight over fences and will probably run within a week or two, starting over a trip between two and a half and three miles. He looks a nice one to stay further in the future and handles testing ground well. He could be a very decent horse in the making.

Steely Addition
8g Craigsteel - Blond's Addition
Step By Step
141/4P-P
RPR 153c OR 140c
He had a pretty moderate run the other day at Chepstow but we hope to get him to the Welsh National. He has form on testing ground but I'm not sure he wants it too deep. He stays well and will be aimed at handicaps over three miles.

Stellar Magic
5g Arctic Cosmos - Inter Alia
Allan Stennett
1- (point-to-point)
RPR 88p
He won his only point-to-point in Ireland in February. He's at least a month off a run but it's all going well with him at this stage and he looks a nice young prospect.

Sternrubin
9g Authorized - Sworn Mum
Terry Warner
3264/2-F
RPR 148h OR 140h
He was very unlucky last time at Cheltenham as he was running really well before he fell. Hopefully he's back on track even at his age.

Surtitle
4g Presenting - Anabaloo
Dominic & Valda Burke
Unraced
He's a very nice horse who has worked well at home and has a good pedigree, being from the family of Oscar Whisky. He's not run for us yet so time will tell how good he is.

Strong Pursuit
10g Flemensfirth - Loughaderra
Tim Syder
P2/1/3P/6-
RPR 145c OR 132c
He'll probably start off in the veterans' race at Sandown on Sunday. Three miles and soft ground would be ideal for him.

Star quality
Thyme Hill
6g Kayf Tara - Rosita Bay
The Englands And Heywoods
23/1114
RPR 152h OR 151h
We decided not to run at Wetherby so we'll look at starting him in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury, and then we could go to the Long Walk at Ascot next. The plan with him is to stay over hurdles and we'll aim him at all the top races over three miles. Paisley Park is the main name, but apart from him it doesn't look a very strong division and that's why we're keeping him over hurdles. He had a great campaign last year although he was unlucky in the Albert Bartlett – but we were happy because he'd run very well. He's schooled very well over fences so we can do that when we want to, but not this season.

Tidal Flow
7g Black Sam Bellamy - Mrs Philip
Brocade Racing
2/3121-3
RPR 152c OR 146c
He's doing well and he got dropped 2lb for his third at Newton Abbot the other day. I think he'll probably want further than 2m5f and he'd like soft ground too. I also think he's better suited to running against smaller fields. We hope there's further improvement to come from him over fences this season. He'll have an entry in the Future Stars' at Sandown on Sunday.

Truckers Pass
6g Kalanisi - Lady Knightess
Brocade Racing
2/22-2
RPR 125h
He's been a very unlucky horse as he's finished second three times for us, and the form of his races has worked out particularly well too. He probably wants to be going left-handed and we'll be running again before too long. Hopefully he can lose his maiden tag soon – he certainly deserves it. He'll probably run at Fontwell on Friday or Chepstow next Monday.

Westend Story
9g Westerner - Sarahall
Mick Fitzgerald Racing Club
1/04/4FU-
RPR 138c OR 134c
He's been unlucky not to get round on his last two runs at Newbury and Exeter. The last day was the race that caused Richard Johnson to break his arm in an accident. I think he has a decent rating and things just haven't gone his way over fences yet. Hopefully he can win a chase before too long.

Wildfire Warrior
5g Flemensfirth - Lady Of Fortune
Mrs Diana L Whateley
24-
RPR 106b
He ran very well in two bumpers at Warwick, finishing second and then fourth. He's schooled well over hurdles and we'll look to start him off in a novice hurdle over two and a half miles before too long. He'll run at Exeter on Tuesday.

Young William
4g Yeats - Full Of Fruit
Tim & Charlotte Syder
Unraced
He's related to Pileon and will be out in a bumper in a few weeks. He seems to be going well at this stage and is one to look forward to.

Zafar
5g Kamsin - Zambuka
Govier & Brown
2239/
RPR 117h OR 125h
He missed last season but has a decent level of ability and we hope should win soon. He'll probably be running over hurdles in about a month and all is going well with him at this stage.

Zanza
6g Arcadio - What A Bleu
Louisville Syndicate Elite
16F60-4
RPR 133c OR 138c
I thought he ran fine at Newton Abbot the other day but was just rather outpaced. We'll stay chasing with him and he probably would like to go slightly further in trip, run on a bit softer and on more of a galloping track. All of those factors would help him.

Zoffee
4g Zoffany - Mount Crystal
Alan Peterson
221P-21
RPR 128c OR 132c
We were very pleased with his win at Exeter the other day. He'll be having a break soon because he's not a soft-ground horse. He's still young so hopefully he can continue improving.

Unnamed
4f Black Sam Bellamy - Miss Chinchilla
The Philip Hobbs Racing Partnership II
Unraced
She's not named yet but we like her and as she's a four-year-old it won't be long until she makes her debut. We did a fair bit of work with her last season and she goes well. She's a half-sister to six winners and will be a nice one for the future. She'll start in a mares' bumper.

Two for the tracker

Pileon as we think he's a nice novice chaser for the season and St Barts as we hope he can improve up the ranks.

Expert view
Not a lot went right for the Hobbs team at the Cheltenham Festival and it must have been particularly frustrating to see many people's banker of the meeting, Defi Du Seuil, run so poorly in the Champion Chase.

Politologue might have emerged victorious in that contest, but there's little doubt about who was the best two-mile chaser in Britain last season. Defi Du Seuil had thrashed all comers, including Politologue, when winning the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham, Sandown's Tingle Creek, and the Clarence House at Ascot, and the fact he failed to fire in the big one shouldn't take away his previous dominance of the division.

He will stay further, but this year's two-mile chasers don't look an outstanding bunch and there didn't appear to be a superstar among last year's novices either. Defi Du Seuil will be the one to beat again.

Sporting John was another who ran below form at the festival when beaten 30 lengths behind Envoi Allen in the Ballymore – he was reportedly slightly lame after the race but fine by the evening.

Chasing will be on the agenda for Sporting John this season and it will be interesting to see how he takes to it. Hobbs-trained runners usually improve significantly as they gain experience over fences, so he may not be one to back on his chasing debut. But it will be a surprise if he isn't back at Cheltenham in March with a big chance.

The one thing that connected Defi Du Seuil and Sporting John going into last year's festival was that both had their prep runs on testing ground. Maybe they had harder races than appeared on the eye and that may have taken the edge off their Cheltenham performances.

Thyme Hill was one Hobbs runner who did run well at the festival when fourth in the Albert Bartlett, and he might have finished closer had he not found trouble on the run to the final flight.

He had been kept fresh since winning the Challow Hurdle at Newbury over Christmas and maybe that explains why he was able to reproduce his best form on the big day at Cheltenham.

Philip Hobbs part one

There's a real sense of unfinished business echoing around Sandhill Stables as Philip Hobbs goes into his 35th year of training.

Hobbs went into the Cheltenham Festival with an enviable squadron but, as all racing's greats experience, suffered a week of misfortune. Sporting John never fired in the Ballymore, Thyme Hill experienced Friday traffic problems more at home on the M25 than the final furlongs of the Albert Bartlett, and Martin Pipe fancy Pileon was denied by the slimmest of margins.

Even more frustrating was the season's star Defi Du Seuil. He looked destined to be crowned two-mile champion with powerhouse rivals Altior and Chacun Pour Soi ruled out at the last minute – but the dual festival winner had a rare off day behind Politologue.

Much of the world may have changed since then but the Hobbs yard is still brimming with talent sure to scoop plenty top-notch prizes.

Thyme Hill looks a hot second-season hurdler entering the staying division, while the inevitable Defi Du Seuil versus Altior clash is a mouthwatering prospect.

Elsewhere, in Sporting John, St Barts and Pileon, the Hobbs team have plenty to look forward to in novice chases and the amount of quality new young recruits is also worth noting.

Traditionally the Hobbs runners tend to thrive in November with a sparkling 79 winners in the month in the past five seasons, so be sure to get his leading young prospects in your tracker immediately.

But the winter months are just the start as you can expect the boss and his quality team in Somerset to have another fantastic fleet heading to Cheltenham next March.

Rival to watch It'd have to be Paisley Park as he's looked the best in the three-mile hurdling division which we're going into with Thyme Hill.

Race in focus We'll hopefully have Deise Aba going to the Welsh National which looks like it would suit him well. Steely Addition may go but he'll need to improve first.

Stable profile
Yard Sandhill Racing Stables
Where Bilbrook, near Minehead, Somerset
Assistant trainers Johnson White, Ben Robarts
Travelling head lad Sean Mulcaire
Travelling head lasses Laura Parker, Zoe Moore-Williams, Julia Batho
Head girls Carol Burnett, Lisa Jackson
Jockeys Richard Johnson, Tom O’Brien, Micheal Nolan, James Best
Conditionals Sean Houlihan, Ben Jones
Amateurs David Maxwell, Jack Martin, Isaac Buncle, Tom Dixon
Secretary Jo Cody-Boutcher
Assistant secretary Diana Hobbs
Started training 1985
Horses in yard 111
Members of staff 37
Stable sponsor Philip Hobbs Racing
Website pjhobbs.com

Winners in Britain
2019-20 75
2018-19 106
2017-18 63
2016-17 111

Profit/loss to £1 stake
2019-20 -136.50
2018-19 +£5.63
2017-18 -£161.95
2016-17 -£92.03

Prize-money 2019-20
£1,139,200

Allenby
Five-year-old gelding
Presenting (sire) - Raya Light (dam)
Owner: Mrs Diana L Whateley
Form figures: 8-4
Racing Post Rating: 101 (hurdles)
He ran a nice first race over hurdles for us when he was fourth at Chepstow last month and hopefully he'll improve for the experience. He runs at Exeter on Tuesday.

Beau Du Brizais
8g Kapgarde - Belle Du Brizais
Mrs R J Skan
257-4F2
RPR 140c OR 132c
He ran very well at Wincanton the other day and is a reliable horse who has been a bit of a star really. He might well go back to Wincanton for the Badger Beers on Saturday.

Camprond
4g Lope De Vega - Bernieres
JP McManus
81621- (Flat)
RPR 97f
He's a very nice horse and he's schooled really well. He won two races on the Flat at Saint-Cloud before he joined us. He'll probably run quite soon and is going nicely so we're looking forward to him.

Canastero
4g Getaway - Lucky Pigeon
Mrs R J Skan
4-3300
RPR 59h
He had some good form in bumpers, although he was disappointing over hurdles at Uttoxeter and at Hereford on Monday. There's no real reason for that but hopefully the experience will benefit him for next time.

Cape Milano
5g Milan - Shatani
Mrs Judith Luff
3-
RPR 104b
He ran well in a bumper on his only start and will be running in his first hurdle race before too long.

Dan's Chosen
5g Well Chosen - Miss Audacious
The Philip Hobbs Racing Partnership II
3- (point-to-point)
RPR 84p
He was third in his only point-to-point in Ireland last December where he was beaten just shy of four lengths. He's a strong chaser for the future but will start off straight over hurdles this season.

Star quality
Defi Du Seuil
7g Voix Du Nord - Quarvine Du Seuil
JP McManus
1-21114
RPR 171c OR 169c
He's in good form and we're very happy with everything he's done so far since he's come back. He disappointed in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham but there was no obvious reason for it – nothing showed up after the race. I suppose he was a bit flat on the way to the start and during the race itself. He'd been very good before then and looks to be doing really well now. He'll probably start off in the Shloer Chase [November 15] at Cheltenham and then we'll decide what to do after then. He'll stay further – as we know he can – but his future targets will depend on what happens on that first start back.

Deise Aba
7g Mahler - Kit Massini
Trevor Hemmings
4/P4115-
RPR 146c OR 141h
He was progressive last season with two wins and he looked really good at Sandown before running well when fifth in the Kim Muir. His target this year is the Welsh National and he'll have a run before that, but where that is I'm not sure. Chepstow's very much the big target for him.

Dolphin Square
6g Shantou - Carrig Eden Lass
David Maxwell Racing
121412-
RPR 140h OR 137h
He's a lovely horse who looks to be going in the right direction. He had another good campaign last season, winning three times, and we still think he's improving. We'll start him off in a handicap hurdle but he could go novice chasing later in the season. He has the speed for two and a half miles although he's most effective at three miles.

Dostal Phil
7g Coastal Path - Quiphile
JP McManus
2021/1P
RPR 134h OR 130h
He had some solid form over hurdles last season and won impressively at Fontwell on Boxing Day. It's very likely he'll start in novice handicap chases and we'll go from there. He's a big, strong horse and certainly could go quite a bit further than two miles, but we'll start him off between two and two and a half miles.

Earth Moor
6g Ask - Merrylas
Mrs Catherine Penny
1/1201-5
RPR 137h OR 135h
He had his first run of the season at Stratford last week and jumped well but I thought he might've finished a bit closer. Hopefully he'll benefit for the run. He copes with soft ground and is suited by two and a half miles. He's rated 135 which I think is fair for him and he'll go novice chasing.

Ecu De La Noverie
6g Linda’s Lad - Quat’Sous D’Or
David Maxwell Racing
23153-4
RPR 147c OR 139c
Another for David Maxwell who has some nice form and ran well the other day at Wetherby. I think he'll probably go hunter chasing now so won't run again until January.

Espion
6g Coastal Path - Toutamie
Michael And Norma Tuckey
5/531-0
RPR 127h OR 128h
He was much too keen when he ran at Uttoxeter, which he hadn't been before. He pulled too hard and it was probably a mistake going nearly three miles in soft ground first time back, particularly as he pulled hard. He's entered at Sandown on Sunday. We think he's on a good mark and he's a chaser for the future.

Dark horse

Everglow
5g Presenting - Cent Prime
Phil Munnelly
23-52
RPR 119h
I thought he ran very well at Chepstow last time. He was still rather green and ended up making a lot of the running which possibly wasn't ideal, but we hope he'll improve as he gets more experience. He's got some good bumper form and is a nice horse who jumps well at home. He's an exciting prospect this season and I hope he can go on to better things. He's run well over two and a half miles but I'm sure he'll stay further in time too.

Flinck
6g Fame And Glory - Princesse Supreme
Ronnie Bartlett
3115-37
RPR 130h OR 130h
He's run twice over hurdles already this season. I thought it was a good run the other day at Cheltenham but possibly the trip was far enough for him. He's been schooling well over fences so that'll be his job now.

Forever Des Long
5g Blue Bresil - Fetuque Du Moulin
Noel Fehily Racing Syndicates
0032-8
RPR 117h OR 122h
After his trip to Hexham he had heat-stress and as a result was quite distressed too. But he's perfectly all right now and hopefully we can put that behind us next time.

Gala Ball
10g Flemensfirth - Nuit Des Chartreux
Robert & Janet Gibbs
2/21/014-
RPR 153c OR 147c
I think he's rated very high in the handicap for an older horse. He'll probably run at the Ladbrokes Trophy meeting next as he always seems to run well at Newbury.

Golden Sovereign
6g Gold Well - Fugal Maid
Liam Quinn
4/2711-P
RPR 127 OR 129
He jumped well the last day but was a bit disappointing up at Aintree. He wants soft ground and three miles.

Gosheven
7g Presenting - Fair Choice
The Grocer Syndicate
535/3/43-
RPR 128h OR 122h
He's been a very unlucky horse. He's had lots of minor things go against him – he hurt his knee and then had a year off with his tendon. But he's a horse with a fair amount of ability and some of his form is quite good. I imagine we'll have one more run over hurdles with him before we decide whether to go chasing.

Gumball
6g No Risk At All - Good Time Girl
Terry Warner
2600-31
RPR 154c OR 150c
We were really happy with his win at Uttoxeter last time. He jumped extremely well and learned a lot from his first run to win easily. We'll look at the two-mile novice chase at the Cheltenham November meeting next.

Hope You Do
3g Boris De Deauville - Une Tournee
JP McManus
1-
He's schooling well and his work has been good too. We're really happy with him at this stage. Hopefully he could be a nice type for the season.

Imperial Presence
9g Presenting - Penneyrose Bay
Sir Christopher & Lady Wates
5F-7119
RPR 154c OR 149c
He'd had two good wins this summer but we thought the ground was plenty soft enough for him in the Old Roan last time. He'll now go on a winter break.

Jatiluwih
6g Linda’s Lad - Jaune De Beaufai
David Maxwell Racing
1/11128-
RPR 152h OR 148h
He had a good season for us over hurdles last season and his big target is the Foxhunter at the Cheltenham Festival. We hope he can be David Maxwell's best chance in the race to date. We'll keep him out until January and aim to quality for it by winning two open point-to-points.

Jerrysback
8g Jeremy - Get A Few Bob Back
JP McManus
1223/03-
RPR 152c OR 143c
He was third in a competitive Listed handicap at Christmas and we were aiming him at the Irish National. His ideal conditions are three miles on a right-handed track, although he'll probably go further. We'll look to get him going in the next few weeks when conditions suit.

Kalooki
6g Martaline - Karuma
Andrew Cohen
25/4112-
RPR 141h OR 141h
He was progressive over hurdles last season and a runner-up in a Grade 2 on his last start. This season he'll be going novice chasing. He's been a little bit keen so hopefully he can learn to settle better when he goes over fences. His first run might come at Newbury later this week.

Keep Rolling
7g Mahler - Kayles Castle
Mick Fitzgerald Racing Club
1V7/P43-
RPR 117 OR 118
He won his bumper well at Warwick in December 2018 but has been a bit unlucky so far over hurdles. I think as he settles better he'll improve. He'll also want further than the two miles he was running over last time, but because he's keen we need to make sure we're not going over too far a trip. Hopefully we can win a race with him over hurdles before he goes chasing.

Kepy Blanc
4g Kapgarde – Villemanzie
David Maxwell Racing
2-
I think he's a very nice horse and he's schooled well. He finished second in his one hurdle race in France and we hope he can go on to decent things. He's a nice one and he'll be out within a month or two.

Langley Hundred
3g Sholokhov - Theregoesthetruth
The Englands And Heywoods
Unraced
He's a nice young horse who does everything so well at this stage. He's still only a three-year-old so we'll take our time with him.

Larkbarrow Lad
7g Kayf Tara - Follow My Leader
The Englands and Heywoods
1/2157-4
RPR 130c OR 130c
We gave him a wind operation last season which has made a difference. He goes novice chasing this year and ran well on his first start over fences at Exeter. He runs on Tuesday and hopefully there's more to come this season.

Le Ligerian
7g Turgeon - Etoile De Loir
David Churches
32110-3
RPR 137h OR 133h
We're a bit unsure as to whether he runs in another hurdle race or goes straight into a novice chase. He's probably at his best going left-handed over two miles on heavy ground. However, there's a valuable handicap hurdle at Haydock – over 2m3f – that we're looking at for him on November 21. We might wait for that as he's won at the track before.

Luttrell Lad
4g Beat Hollow - Fairly Definite
Owners For Owners Luttrell Lad
2
RPR 105b
He finished a very promising second in a bumper at Stratford on his first start for us in September. He's got a nice pedigree, being closely related to Duke Of Lucca, and we hope he's going to progress.

Colin Tizzard part two

Investment Manager
4g Nathaniel – Two Days In Paris
Brocade Racing
6
RPR 96b
He was very green on his first run for us in a bumper at Ffos Las the other day. We use bumpers to help teach our horses and he's a typical one of ours who can improve a lot. He was showing us a fair bit on the gallops last season but he then threw a splint and we never got to run him. When he ran the other day it was the first time he'd been away from here for a while, so I'd expect the run will bring him on massively. He's a smart horse and Robbie Power said after his run that he's good enough to win a bumper. We'll run him in another bumper next but we could go novice hurdling later this season if he goes well. He's a gorgeous horse and we haven't lost any faith in him.

Kilbricken Storm
9g Oscar – Kilbricken Leader
A Selway & P Wavish
0/83630-
RPR 154h 140c OR 137h 150c
He'll go chasing again this season and he's looking particularly well. We're still to make a plan with him but everyone has been impressed by how he looks going into the season. Last season he ran in some nice races and he could do well over fences – they go half a gear slower, which is exactly what will help him. He's not a Cheltenham Festival winner for nothing, he's got a big engine, and he looks big and strong. As soon as we enter him he'll be running off his hurdles mark, so hopefully we can get him back to his best.

Killer Kane
5g Oscar – Native Idea
JP Romans & Taylor, O'Dwyer
2
He’s a nice horse and one we’re excited about. He’s a bit of a standout horse with a nice pedigree – he went for £300,000 at the Cheltenham Festival sale earlier this year. He made a positive start when second in a maiden hurdle at Aintree yesterday. He wants two and a half miles at this point.

Lanspark
5g Milan – Sparky May
Ruxley Holdings
Unraced
His dam was a very good horse down in the West Country and she won a Grade 2 and finished second to Quevega in the Mares' Hurdle. He looks a nice type.

L'Air Du Vent
6g Coastal Path - Bleu Perle
Brocade Racing
1/375-
RPR 131h OR 130h
We like him and hope he can develop into a good novice chaser this season. He's rated 133, so we have the options of novice handicaps, but he's declared to run at Chepstow on Tuesday. He jumps very well and as soon as the ground is right he’ll be ready to go. He was a bit weak last season but he's filled out now, is a strong horse and has really grown into his frame. We hold him in high regard and he's got a good rating despite not really showing his full potential. He's able to climb the ranks and should stay three miles.

Lamanver Pippin
7g Apple Tree – Lamanver Homerun
Dr Donna Christensen
840-413
RPR 143c OR 132c
He won only once over fences in his novice season, so he qualifies for the Future Stars at Sandown a week on Sunday, which will give us three weeks until the Ladbrokes Trophy. That said, we think he could be more of a Welsh National horse as he's a real stayer and ran very well when third in the National Hunt Chase. He looked quite impressive the time before at Chepstow and when he's right and gets his ground he'll be a good staying handicapper. He's best on soft and heavy ground, so there's loads of nice options for him throughout the season.

Lillington
8g Westerner – Kind Word
The Colin Tizzard Racing Club
-56132P
RPR 135c 117h OR 123c 112h
He's fine after his race at Cheltenham but it was a very moderate effort. He's been a perfect horse for the racing club. He's won six times for them and has been placed on his last two starts. He handles really quick ground and we'll try to make the most of that when we can. He's a solid handicapper who has given a lot of people a lot of pleasure.

Lostintranslation
8g Flemensfirth – Falika
Taylor & O'Dwyer
21/11P3-
RPR 175c OR 171c
He had a huge chance jumping the last in the Gold Cup and travelled as well as anything coming down the hill. Our horses were a bit quiet at the festival but the way he ran compared to everything else was massive. We're aiming him at the Betfair Chase – which he won last season – for his first run but we'll try to have a gallop somewhere to get him ready. After Haydock we'll give him another crack at the King George and then his third run will be the Gold Cup, all being well. We're beginning to ramp up his work with Haydock in our minds. With any sort of natural progression, a bit of luck and having him in peak form, there's no reason why he won't be jumping the last in the Gold Cup upsides again. Further ahead, he's a Grade 1 winner at Aintree, so we'll look to save a bit of petrol for the Bowl and hopefully Punchestown after that. His owners are keen to go for all of those big-race targets and it's no surprise that they're loving life with him.

Dark horse

Master Debonair
6g Yeats – Swincombe Flame
The Gosden Mob & SprayClad UK
05/2113-
RPR 145h OR 149h
We're going to have a crack at the Champion Hurdle with him. He was a Grade 2 winner at Ascot last season and he'll probably start in the Elite Hurdle a week on Saturday. We toyed with the idea of a prep race on the Flat at Ascot but the meeting got called off and I'd imagine he'll go straight to Wincanton. His bumper form was decent and he's had four good runs over hurdles but we still think he's totally unexposed. He's a fast, slick hurdler and we're looking forward to seeing if he can take that next step now. He'll need to find a bit on ratings but he's just coming out of his novice hurdling season, he's in good nick at home and there's no reason why he can't improve again.

Mister Malarky
7g Malinas – Priscilla
Wendy & Malcolm Hezel
2/06P1P-
RPR 156c OR 151c
We'll aim for the Ladbrokes Trophy again as he didn't run too badly in it last year. There's also the Sodexo Gold Cup which we could look at first. He deserves to be in all those good staying handicap chases. He was a better horse after Christmas and looked really impressive when he won a big race at Kempton. There's no doubt he'll have his day again and he could turn into a Grand National type.

Mocacreme Has
5g Saint Des Saints – Monika
JP McManus
36-
RPR 103b
He's a nicely bred type who ran in two bumpers at Exeter last season. He's a big, scopey horse who is still learning the trade. We haven't made a plan for him yet but he'll be a nice one to go novice hurdling with. He should show plenty of improvement when he goes over hurdles.

Molineaux
9g King's Theatre – Steel Grey Lady
John and Heather Snook
9/70142-
RPR 137c OR 129c
He loves it around Wincanton, with three wins and two seconds, so I'm sure we'll have to find something back there for him. He's a solid handicapper and he'll win a race or two this season.

My Lady Grey
6m Presenting – Wassailing Queen
John Reed
82-1142
RPR 106h OR 106h
Her owner, John Reed, was up here wanting a share in a horse and we offered her to him before the summer to be the first horse he owned outright. She's since won her first two races for him at Newton Abbot. I think she'll handle softer ground, so I'm hopeful she can continue the great story.

Native River
10g Indian River – Native Mo
Brocade Racing
1/234/11-
RPR 177c OR 168c
We had one of the wettest winters and the wettest February on record but when Native River ran at Newbury in the Denman Chase the ground was quick. We thought about pulling him out of the race but felt we had to run – and he won – but he picked up a small injury that eventually forced him out of the Gold Cup. It was a big shame because he was in brilliant form. He's not finished at all and he's in great form again at the moment. We want to give him two runs before the Gold Cup, and if it's soft ground there it will help him. There aren't too many races before then for him anyway as he'd be carrying a stone more if we went back to something like the Welsh National, so we'll look to go back to the Many Clouds at Aintree, which he won last year. The Grand National isn't on the owners' agenda, everything is geared up to getting him to the Gold Cup. He's forgotten about a bit but he's a brilliant stayer – not many horses have finished first, third and fourth in a Gold Cup.

Nelsons rock
5g Mount Nelson – Neardown Beauty
Middleham Park Racing
P311- (point-to-point)
RPR 92p
He's the first horse we've trained for Middleham Park and it was nice to have a few of the syndicate members down at the yard last week. He's got some decent point-to-point form – although it's not the very best – but he could be anything. He's a good-looking horse and we're looking forward to running him. He'll begin the season in a bumper soon.

No Hubs No Hoobs
4g Flemensfirth – Miss Brandywell
Taylor and O'Dwyer
Unraced
He's a really nice-looking horse. We didn't run him last season, with this season in mind. He's a big type who will develop into a three-mile chaser in time and is a brother to a 137-rated chaser called Killer Miller. We're excited about running him and he'll probably start off in a bumper.

Numbers Man
4g Arctic Cosmos – Duchessofthehall
The Reserve Tankers
5
RPR 101h
We thought he ran all right in a decent two-mile novice hurdle at Chepstow last time. He came there with a bit of a chance, which was promising on the first run of his career. He came highly recommended by Ross Doyle, so we'll see how he progresses. He's made a lovely start and looks like he could develop into a nice handicapper.

Ofalltheginjoints
6g Stowaway – Dinos Luso
The Reserve Tankers
12444-3
RPR 133h OR 132h
He was one of a few we took out at Chepstow as he’s a big, heavy horse who doesn’t want quick ground. We rate him as quite a nice novice chaser for the season and he ran a cracker at Aintree on Sunday when travelling well until the lack of a recent run took its toll going to the last. He was still a bit of a big baby last year but he won at Chepstow and went on to run at Graded level, although his last run at Kempton in February was a bit disappointing. He did have a penalty to carry that day and we thought he was slightly out of form.

Oscar Elite
5g Oscar – Lady Elite
Mrs Mary-Ann Middleton
581- (point-to-point)
RPR 90p
He was a point-to-point winner on his last start and he looks fine. We're not quite sure how good he'll be, so we'll learn a bit more about him when he runs in a couple of weeks.

Padleyourowncanoe
6g Nayef – Pooka's Daughter
Kevin Corcoran, Aaron Pierce, Chris Weare
8/14-443
RPR 144c OR 137c
He's been a good boy to have as he can do a bit of everything – he's won over hurdles, a chase and three times on the all-weather. He ran a nice race at Warwick last time but just jarred himself a bit, so we're going to give him a big break. He won't be out this winter.

Pingshou
10g Definite Article – Quest Of Passion
Ann & Alan Potts Ltd
22FF-55
RPR 144c OR 137c
He was a Grade 1 winner as a novice hurdler and we're considering looking at the hunter chase programme with him, although he ran really well in a veterans' race at Chepstow a few weeks ago. For now we'll continue in the veterans' races and take a view about where to go next at Christmas. He had wind surgery in the summer and we'll see if he benefits from that. He's approaching the end of his career, so we may look at finding a nice home for him, but if he can find some of his old form then maybe he could win a race somewhere.

Premiumaccess
5g Milan – De Loose Mongoose
Taylor & O'Dwyer
85-0
RPR 110h
He won a point-to-point in Ireland before we bought him in the Cheltenham November sale. He's run well on three starts for us and he'll get a handicap mark after his run at Lingfield on Thursday. He's probably a decent handicapper. He's strengthened up a bit this season and hopefully he can progress from his opening mark.

Rectory Oak
5g Oscar – Betty Roe
Mrs GC Pritchard
2-4
RPR 104b
He missed most of last season through injury but we thought he finished a good fourth in a bumper at Newton Abbot last month. He'll improve from that and we think he can develop into quite a nice prospect. He'll be ready to run again soon. He seems pretty sharp at home, so he'll probably be a two-miler for now and we'll start him over that trip in a novice. We'll learn as we go along and get some feedback from the jockeys but he seems a nice one.

Reserve Tank
6g Jeremy – Lady Bellamy
The Reserve Tankers
1/1212P-
RPR 152c OR 146c
He picked up an injury when he ran in the Marsh at Cheltenham and he'll probably be out until the spring – we thought he was running quite well before he just tweaked himself. He's just back cantering now. He's potentially quite well handicapped off 146 – he's a classy horse who won two Grade 1s over hurdles and a Grade 2 over fences. We'll try to find something for him at the Cheltenham Festival – probably the Plate or maybe the Ultima – and hopefully we can get a prep run into him before then. He'll be fine over two and a half miles to three miles and he seems to be at his best later in the season.

Road Sanem
4g Saint Des Saints – Madison Road
Simon Munir and Isaac Souede
422342-
RPR 134c 109h
He's got some cracking form in France, including a second in a Grade 2 chase behind a horse who then won at the top level. He's only just come over to us and we've taken our time with him, but we're really looking forward to seeing what he can do. We schooled him for the first time last week with Daryl Jacob on and he went well. He's a nice, athletic horse and he'll be ready in about a month. I'm not quite sure where we'll start him off but it will be over hurdles.

Rockpoint
7g Shirocco – Tinagoodnight
John and Heather Snook
607/42R-
RPR 136c OR 132c
He hurt his hock when he refused at Cheltenham, so he'll probably be out until Christmas. He's only just come back and started doing a little bit of work. We thought he ran well in two novice chases before that. He's a good horse on his day – he won a Grade 2 round Cheltenham over hurdles – and we'll look forward to him coming back.

Rose Of Arcadia
5m Arcadio – Rosie Lea
Cheveley Park Stud
1-4
RPR 106h
She ran with her choke out for the first mile at Ffos Las last time and was a bit guessy with her hurdling – eventually she paid the price for it. She'll improve no end for that run but she needs to settle a bit better. We may try to drop her in next time and teach her a bit more but we'll give her a little bit of time off before we look for another mares' novice hurdle. I'm sure she'll take a lot of beating wherever that is. We definitely think she's better than that Ffos Las run as she works very well at home and looked pretty good in her point-to-point and bumper, so hopefully she can translate that to novice hurdles. The mares' novice hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival is her big target but we've got to get her there first – she needs to learn to race and step up on that first run.

Dark horse

Royal Crown
5g Creachadoir – Royal Army
The Wychwood Partnership
424-
RPR 104h OR 108h
He cost £110,000 when he was bought at the Aintree sales and we like him. We thought he was promising in three runs over hurdles last season and we think he's got a real nice mark. He'll go novice handicap chasing this season as he jumps a fence really well at home. He should be ideal for those handicaps and two and a half miles will be fine for him. We hope he can climb the ladder.

Royal Vacation
10g King's Theatre – Summer Break
Jean R Bishop
P/53V4P-
RPR 156c OR 142c
He's still going for us and has been a good horse for us throughout the years. He's a ten-year-old now and we'll be targeting all those veterans' races for him, but they're very competitive. He's a good chap but he's a little bit hard to place. Hopefully we can find him a winnable opportunity at some point this season.

Seymour Promise
4g Flemensfirth – Loadsapromise
Mrs Mary-Ann Middleton
4-0
RPR 93b
He's worked quite well in the last week and we ran him at Cheltenham at the weekend. We were disappointed with the run and he'll go over hurdles now. He's fine after the race but he was a 33-1 shot, the bookies work out the form much better than us. He's surprised us a bit as he nearly won first time out at Kempton in February. He led a furlong out but just couldn't quite hold on.

Sherborne
4g Getaway – Luck Of The Deise
Sharp, Nicholas & Kennington
Unraced
He's a beautiful horse and was a standout from last season's store sales. He's nicely bred too, being a half-brother to Joe Farrell, who won the Scottish National. He's only four, so I think we'll start him off in a bumper and go from there. He's shown lots of potential in his work including in a racecourse gallop.

Shirocco's Dream
5m Shirocco – Dream Function
JP Romans, Taylor, O'Dwyer
21- (point-to-point)
RPR 81p
She was second in a point-to-point and then she went one better at that level next time. She cost £260,000 when she was bought from the Cheltenham Festival sales earlier this year. We weren't the only ones at the sale who thought she was potentially quite good – that's always a positive. She's a nice horse and we're looking at starting her off in a mares' novice hurdle at Newbury on November 5. She was a bit big when she came in but has really tightened up now and looks the part.

Shoal bay
7g Gold Well – Ring Hill
Mrs RJ Skan
27-1351
RPR 141c OR 137c
He won quite well first time out at Southwell to give us a first winner of the season but struggled a bit on his next two starts, so we treated him for ulcers. That seemed to help as he bounced back to win pretty easily at Ludlow at the start of October. It was good to see him back to winning ways and he handles the quicker ground very well.

Sizing At Midnight
8g Midnight Legend – Issaquah
Ann & Alan Potts Ltd
945-112
RPR 134c OR 130c
He seems to have turned a bit of a corner this season. I'm not sure how good the race was that he won at Ffos Las at the start of October but he did it well. He ran well again at Exeter on Tuesday, when he was second. Hopefully he'll continue improving as he's got a fair bit of experience now.

Sizing Cusimano
7g Midnight Legend – Combe Florey
Ann & Alan Potts Ltd
PP/3632-
RPR 124c OR 118c
He's a big boy who we'll probably go hunter chasing with. That would suit him, especially if we can get him going in that grade early next year. Hopefully we can end up at Cheltenham with him in the Foxhunter. He's not won over fences yet but he's got some decent form over hurdles. Hunter chasing could be just right for him.

Sizing Platinum
12g Definite Article – Quest Of Passion
Ann & Alan Potts Ltd
01/F31-4
RPR 156c OR 147c
He ran well on his first start back from a break at Fontwell, where we thought he may want a step up in trip next. He travelled well and looked as if he'd stay a bit further. He's won a race every season he's been with us – apart from his first – and we think he can do so again. He's a bit older now and he might need to drop in the handicap first but we'll see. He's got the option of running against the veterans too.

Slate House
8g Presenting – Bay Pearl
Eric Jones, Geoff Nicholas, John Romans
1F11P6
RPR 159c OR 152c
He had a good campaign last season and won the Grade 1 Kauto Star at Kempton. We're not totally sure which way we'll go this season – we could go to the Paddy Power Gold Cup, which he fell in last year, but we're also considering the Ladbrokes Trophy, although he's not guaranteed to get three and a quarter miles. I think he'll start at Wetherby on Saturday for the Grade 2 bet365 hurdle, which Native River was second in before he won at Newbury.

Striking A Pose
4g Getaway – Clonsingle Native
I & C Gosden, M Sharp & G Kennington
3
RPR 102h
He was third at Newton Abbot, where I thought he ran a bit green, but he's a lovely horse. He'll win a race like that for sure and we can hopefully run him again soon.

Theatre Guide
13g King’s Theatre – Erintante
Jean R Bishop
2/6353-76
RPR 160c OR 137c
He’s been a lovely boy for us for quite a few years – he’s finished placed in the Ladbrokes Trophy twice and won some nice handicaps. This is his swansong season as I don’t think we’ll run him when he turns 14. He ran okay in the veterans’ chase at Aintree on Sunday, so he’ll have one or two more races until we find a new home for him. It’d be nice if we could win with him. It’s difficult to find horses like him at the sales now.

Star quality

The Big Breakaway
5g Getaway – Princess Mairead
Eric Jones, Geoff Nicholas, John Romans
114-
RPR 145h OR 144h
He's class. He was the best English-trained runner in the Ballymore and the three horses who finished ahead of him were a year older. We consider him a very nice prospect over fences and we'll start off at Newbury on November 5 in a 2m6½f novice chase, which Lostintranslation started in two years ago. The track and trip look as if they would be perfect for him. After that I'd hope we'd go back to Newbury for the Grade 2 John Francome [November 28] and target the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices' Chase a month later on Boxing Day. He's been taught how to jump before, as he won a point-to-point, so schooling him was basically just a reminder and he does everything lovely. We hope he'll be a Gold Cup horse one day, which is why we're going chasing now. His novice form is rock-solid and, while he's got to go and improve, potentially he's as good as any chaser we've had.

The Changing Man
3g Walk In The Park – Bitofapuzzle
Susan and John Waterworth
Unraced
A lovely, big horse who traded for £135,000 at Doncaster in July. We thought he was the standout of the sale and he's bred very well, being by Walk In The Park out of a mare who won a Grade 1. He's only cantering at the minute and he's a horse for next year, although we might try him in a bumper at some point later in the season. He's a beautiful looker and an exciting future prospect. It's nice to have horses like him in the yard.

The Russian Doyen
7g Doyen – Namloc
The Gosden Mob
1514/P-3
RPR 139c OR 138c
He's a decent horse who finished third over hurdles at Fontwell the other day. That was a nice prep race and he'll go to the Paddy Power at Cheltenham next. He's got form round there as he was fourth in the novice handicap chase at the festival in 2019. We think he's nicely handicapped.

Thistlecrack
12g Kayf Tara – Ardstown
John and Heather Snook
54/32P/2-
RPR 178h OR 160h
We don't think he's ready to retire yet – remember he'd only run three times before he was seven – so we'll have one more season with him. He looked so well in the field and we've tweaked the back of his knee, which we've done with a few horses in the past, including Native River. If we could get a clear run with him – have about three or four starts – he could still be as good as anything. If it turns out that he isn't then we'll stop as he doesn't owe us anything. It's not impossible for him to win and we still think he's a Grade 1 horse. The Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury – which he was second in to Paisley Park last year – would be on his radar.

Vision Des Flos
7g Balko – Marie Royale
Ann & Alan Potts Ltd
35160-U
RPR 154h 146c OR 155h 145c
He’s been a bit disappointing and we didn’t find out anything at Aintree yesterday as he unseated at just the second fence. We’ve done his wind a couple of times as it messes him about a bit. On his day he can be quite good and if we get a nice run with him he could be all right over fences, but he’s not easy to win with. We might look at a graduation chase as he’s won only once over fences – in a two-runner race at Chepstow. There’s also the option of going back over hurdles with him – he looked very good when he won the National Spirit in February 2019 and ran a hell of a race at Punchestown.

War Lord
5g Jukebox Jury – Westalin
The Wychwood Partnership
5/13418-
RPR 126h OR 126h
He won twice over hurdles for us last season at Plumpton and then in a handicap at Taunton. His first run this season could come over hurdles but he'll soon be chasing as he jumps well at home. We'll make a decision as to whether we go for novice handicap chases or just novice chases but I'd say he's more likely to do the latter against a smaller field.

West Approach
10g Westerner – Ardstown
John and Heather Snook
U3P4P-2
RPR 156c OR 147c
He's getting older but he's a good handicapper to have. We were delighted with his run at Cheltenham on Saturday, he was second in the same handicap last season. He ran well and if it wasn't for Frodon he would've won. It should bring him on and we'll go to the November meeting next with him and have another go.

White Moon
8g Sholokhov – Westalin
Brocade Racing
44/FP07-
RPR 145c OR 133c
He's won only once over fences for us but he was unlucky not to win first time last season as he fell at Wincanton when looking like the winner. He was keeping his back straight when he jumped after that, both over fences and over hurdles, so we had him x-rayed and we've spent a bit of money treating his kissing spine. He's back cantering now and looks magnificent. If he can jump better and bend his back properly he could be a smart chaser. He'll be ready in early December and we'll go from there.

Whydah Gally
4g Black Sam Bellamy – Reserve Swing
Sam's Crew
Unraced
A nice bumper horse for the season who seems to be going well at home. We took him to Larkhill for a gallop last year and were ready to go with him but then everything stopped. His dam won four races and has produced some decent types. He's as good as any on our gallops, so we're hoping he'll win a few races. He's only four and we'll start him in a bumper, hopefully before Christmas.

Two for the tracker

Killer Kane has been very good on our gallops and made a decent debut at Aintree yesterday, and ­Copperhead, who is more ­established, but one we haven’t seen the best of yet..

Expert analysis

Colin Tizzard sent out 107 horses in 2019-20 and the top seven earners among them were all staying chasers. It is no bad thing, unless you were considering backing him for the trainers' championship. Nor is it a surprise to note that the most Paul Nicholls-like of all the yards to emerge in the last ten years excels with three-mile chasers.

Set against that, a curious thing happened last season. More of Tizzard's talented novice chasers than you might expect proved slap-dash with their jumping- think Slate House, Reserve Tank and Highest Sun. It might well be an aberration and was certainly not a barrier to achievement, given Slate House won the Kauto Star.

Consider those creases, along with a quiet Cheltenham from which Tizzard emerged with no right of reply, and the optimist might predict that his string has more potential to deliver this winter than might be apparent at first glance. The realist would be advised to at least consider the possibility.

The aforementioned Highest Sun and Reserve Tank appeal as having raw ability far in excess of their respective BHA marks. There is also something to be said for latent potential in Christmas In April, given his only bum note of the season came the day after Cheltenham ended in the Midlands National.

War Lord also hit the wall that day, in the EBF Final at Kempton. Before that he had been progressive and, as a half-brother to the yard's White Moon (another 2019-20 novice whose jumping failed him on occasion) he can keep improving as a novice chaser.

There are more obviously exciting novice chasers in the yard. Tolworth winner Fiddlerontheroof had no answer to If The Cap Fits for speed at Ffos Las but bettered him in jumping and has the stature to improve. That applies even more with The Big Breakaway, whose only attempt in graded company was a respectable fourth at Cheltenham.

It is not all about chasers, though, and there is a telltale stat in the yard's return in bumpers last year. One winner from 13 runners seems to be a drop-off, but remember that the bulk of bumper winners in the preceding seasons had come between February and May. Some of the yard's best bumper horses from 2019-20 could still be yet to make their debuts.

Colin Tizzard part one

One of racing's biggest success stories of the past decade is the emergence of the Colin Tizzard stable. Since a Cheltenham Festival first with Cue Card in 2010, the Dorset yard has progressed to become a powerhouse in the jumping game – pocketing a Gold Cup, Stayers' Hurdle and two King Georges to name just a few – and the class of 2020 looks full of future stars.

Plenty of the talking horses at the big sales in the last few years are under Tizzard's care and the latest recruits include expensive point-to-point standouts Rose Of Arcadia, Killer Kane and Shirocco's Dream.

In the last ten years, the Tizzard team have notably excelled with staying chasers both at the top level and in big handicaps. Native River and Thistlecrack return once again, while there is plenty of faith in Lostintranslation after his Cheltenham Gold Cup third.

Many eyes this year are on The Big Breakaway, who looks the most likely to be the next three-mile chasing sensation from Venn Farm. He begins his novice chasing campaign next week.

Although the yard has a leading hand in almost every division, Tizzard believes they just lack the numbers to give Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls a trainers' title challenge. The ambition is certainly there but Tizzard would be happy finishing third and hitting the million-pound mark in prize-money for a sixth successive season.

The depth of this year's team and the stable's rise to fame is credit to all members of the Tizzard family, and none more so than Colin's daughter Kim Gingell, who sadly died in May. Kim was known for her relentless work ethic, huge passion and unwavering devotion to maintaining exceptional standards in all areas at the stable. She was not just a huge part of the team, but a mum, sister, daughter and much-loved member of the racing community. Kim will always be remembered in all the successes to come.

Behind the scenes, Colin's son Joe is continuing to shine as the pair share the job of training more than 120 high-quality racehorses at Venn Farm. Dual licences were introduced earlier this year and that option is under consideration.

Colin reflects: "Losing my daughter through cancer and in Covid times was tragic. She was diagnosed with cancer and died three weeks later. It prompts you to say life is so precious and I feel as if I need to be letting Joe take on more and more rein. He's a young mind and is confident. I think there's a very good chance Joe's name will be on the licence sooner rather than later. It's a slow transition for him taking over."

Cue Card's Cheltenham win started an incredible ten years of prolonged success at jump racing's top table. But the dedication of Kim – and all of the Tizzard racing – will remain an enduring hallmark of the stable's rise to become one of the biggest and most successful in Britain.

Rival to watch I think the most impressive horse I've seen this year is McFabulous. He was very good in the Persian War.

Race in focus The Ladbrokes Trophy is always a big race for us and we're targeting it with Copperhead. He looks our main one, but Mister Malarky could go well too.

Stable profile

Yard Venn Farm Stables
Where Milborne Port, near Sherborne, Dorset
Trainers Colin Tizzard, Joe Tizzard
Assistant Chris Wald, Amanda Hibbs
Travelling head lad Ritchie Young
Jockeys Robbie Power, Jonjo O'Neill Jr, Harry Cobden, Richard Johnson
Conditionals Harry Kimber
Started training 1995
Horses in yard 125
Members of staff 40
Secretaries Pauline Tizzard, Debbie White
Website colintizzard.co.uk
Twitter @colintizzard
Stable sponsor Coral

Winners in Britain

2019-20 61
2018-19 77
2017-18 79
2016-17 57

Profit/loss to £1 stake

2019-20 -£131.00
2018-19 -£127.89
2017-18 -£159.35
2016-17 +£8.75

Total prize-money 2019-20
£1,216,570

Ainchea
Seven-year-old gelding
Flemensfirth (sire) - Lady Petit (dam)
Owner: Ann & Alan Potts Ltd
Form figures: 12F/977-
Racing Post Rating: 136 (hurdles) Official rating: 128 (hurdles)
He'll go novice chasing. He had a big injury two years ago and we ran him a few times last season. He was making a bit of a noise, so we've done his wind and hopefully that will help. He's got a bit to prove if he's going to be anywhere near as good as he was as a young horse.

Amarillo Sky
4g Westerner – Bag Of Tricks
JP Romans & Taylor, O'Dwyer
1- (point-to-point)
RPR 93p
We've got some nice point-to-pointers in this year and they've all worked well but we know we'll find out a lot more about them when they run. This one was impressive in his maiden with Colin Bowe and we bought him from the Cheltenham Festival sale. He's a nice one to look forward to.

Ambion Hill
5g Getaway – Vertality
OCR Wynne & Mrs SJ Wynne
66374-0
RPR 106h OR 108h
He was slightly disappointing last season but hopefully he can take a step forward. I think he's an out-and-out two-miler and we'll drop him back in trip after his run over 2m5½f the other day. He's a big, strong horse and we'll look to go chasing with him soon, when I think we'll see the best of him.

Autonomous Cloud
4g Flemensfirth - August Hill
Terry Warner & The McNeill Family
Unraced
He's a lovely young horse but is still a baby and probably won't be out before Christmas. He's a gorgeous, big horse and will make a fine chaser in time. He looks great and is well bred too, as his dam was placed in a Grade 3 novice chase. I think we'll stick to bumpers with him this season and look forward to him in the future.

Beaufort West
6g Getaway – Blessingindisguise
Taylor & O'Dwyer
2P/011-8
RPR 130h OR 128h
We were happy with his first run this season in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow, which looked a competitive race. He shaped as if he had half a chance two out but then he just stopped a bit. We tried him in that same race last season and it didn't work, but then we did his wind, which helped him as he went on to win two novice hurdles on heavy ground. I imagine we'll go chasing with him now and hopefully he’ll be a bit better over fences.

Dark horse

Bold Conduct
6g Stowaway – Vics Miller
JP Romans & Terry Warner
1/ (point-to-point)
RPR 94p
He won his only point-to-point but hasn't raced for us yet as he had a bit of leg trouble when he came here, so we were careful with him. I don't imagine he'll be out until we get proper winter soft ground. He's a gorgeous, big horse and he's exciting – he could be the dark horse of our lot really. He seems to be training right and his homework is exciting, so we'll look for a good novice hurdle and we'll try to get a few runs in. He'll make a nice chaser in the future.

Born In Borris
6m Arcadio – Honour Own
RM Harvey-Bailey
1-3
RPR 112h OR 128h
She ran well at Chepstow at the start of the month and we'll try to get her out again before we lose our novice status, even though she'll carry a penalty. I think after one more hurdle run we might go chasing. She jumps ever so well and is a big mare. She's rated 128 but we'd like to think she can improve another 10lb or more when we switch to fences.

Bourbali
3g Sinndar – Saintheze
Pope, E Legg, M Green & T Swaffield
24
RPR 91h OR 104h
He's run twice in juvenile hurdles and has got a rating of 104 now so we'll look at exploiting his handicap mark with the three-year-old allowance. Although his runs at Plumpton and Chepstow were on quicker ground, he'll go on softer. We thought he was staying on the last day so we'll probably try him over two and a half miles somewhere. We'll start off in a 0-90 and he's got to win a few races at that sort of level.

Buckhorn George
5g Geordieland – Waimea Bay
The Buckhorn Racing Team
052P1-
RPR 124h OR 124h
He's a big horse and a real galloper. He comes from a nice family we've had success with in the past and for the same owners. He had some good runs last season and he won on his last start at Wincanton. He looked set to win convincingly when hitting the front two out that day but had to battle in the end. It won't be too long before he's going over fences as he looks like a chaser for the future, but we may keep him over hurdles to start with.

Carrick Roads
6g Robin Des Champs – Jay Lo
Brocade Racing
421/65-2
RPR 114c OR 115c
He's good on his day and has a track record at Bangor on good ground. We've had quite a few little troubles with him but he ran well at Fontwell at the start of the month. I hope we'll have him back out in the next fortnight before the rain comes.

Captured My Heart
4g Geordieland – Woodland Retreat
Ian and Claire Gosden
Unraced
He's got a lovely pedigree and we like him. He'll be starting out soon but he's still a big baby, one for the future and less of a sharp horse.

Champagne Mesdames
3g Diamond Boy – Olerone
The Wychwood Partnership
Unraced
A nice three-year-old whose dam is a half-sister to Sizing John. He's only just been broken in and is cantering gently. We may look to run at the end of the season but he's miles off at the moment.

Christmas In April
8g Crillon – Similaresisoldofa
Swallowfield Racing
21131P-
RPR 143c OR 137c
He's a lovely prospect for big staying handicaps but he won't be ready for about a month. He looks an ideal Welsh National horse as the trip, track and ground are perfect for him. We think we'll try to start him off in a little race over three miles as a pipe-opener before going to Chepstow. He progressed all through last season and it was a case of the further he went the better he was. You can forgive him his last run in the Midlands National as some of ours weren't right at the time. He's a big, strong horse and he could be a Grand National horse for us later in the season – one more win and he'd get in.

Copperhead
6g Sulamani – How’s Business
Mrs GC Pritchard
1/5111F-
RPR 158c OR 153c
His first big target is the Ladbrokes Trophy and he certainly fits the profile for it. We think we'll need a run before that, so we might go to Carlisle for the Colin Parker Memorial, which we won with Lostintranslation last year. That's back at two and a half miles but he's not slow and the four-week gap between Carlisle and Newbury is ideal for him. He's a big, smart horse who improved loads last season, going from moderate form in bumpers and over hurdles to become an impressive Grade 2 novice chase winner, and he seems a bit stronger again. He's 20lb away from becoming a Gold Cup horse – and every horse has their ceiling – but he's still only a six-year-old and he did look very good last season. We'll see how far he can go.

Darlac
7g Lucarno – Pail Mel
Mrs GC Pritchard
34F5-F2
RPR 135c OR 127c
He ran well the other day when he was second at Hereford and we'll have some fun with him this season at those small tracks. He's nicely handicapped and I think he's best over three miles to something up to 3m5f. He could stay a bit further and we may have a look at some of those West Country regional nationals.

Earl Of Wisdom
5g Flemensfirth – Golden Sunbird
The Wychwood Partnership
9-
RPR 78b
He's had one start for us back in April 2019 at Fontwell and he missed all of last season. He won't run until the ground is soft.

Star quality

Eldorado Allen
6g Khalkevi – Hesmeralda
JP Romans & Terry Warner
1U/230-1
RPR 147c OR 146c
He looked really impressive when he won at Newton Abbot this month. He jumped like a stag and was foot-perfect all the way apart from missing the last. He had us very excited two years ago after he bolted up at Sandown but then he got an injury in a freak accident at Aintree. Last season he started off very well again but then didn't quite go on real heavy ground and was behind at Cheltenham. When he came back this year I hardly recognised him as he's developed into a huge, strong horse, and he was working on one of our gallops and beating everything without breaking sweat. He's a class animal and I'm sure he'll be going to the Grade 1 tracks. I think we'll look at the November meeting at Cheltenham, then the Henry VIII going back to Sandown. He's our best two-mile novice chaser by a long streak and you'd like to think he'll end up in the Arkle.

Elegant escape
8g Dubai Destination – Graineuaile
JP Romans
6-236P0
RPR 167c OR 160c
The Grand National is his big target this season. We might look at running him over hurdles first but it's difficult to place him without giving him a hard race. We're looking at getting him ready for the Becher Chase in the first week of December as we want to give him a good spin over the big fences and hopefully then have a real good crack at the Grand National – John Romans is keen too. He'd then have one run before Aintree.

Elixir De Nutz
6g Al Namix – Nutz
Terry Warner
2111/77-
RPR 148h OR 146h
He disappointed last year and we're not really sure why. He tanked in his races and the season before he'd won three novice hurdles including the Grade 1 Tolworth. He had an injury and we think he just struggled a bit after that. He's back now and we'll go novice chasing with him. He came back in early to make sure we gave him a proper preparation. He's a strong horse and has clearly got ability, so he could still be anything over fences. He'll likely begin the season at two miles as he seems to be quite a powerful horse.

Faustinovick
6g Black Sam Bellamy – Cormorant Cove
Taylor & O'Dwyer
/2/236-4
RPR 122h OR 122h
We've always thought a lot of him and his form is pretty solid. He was second to McFabulous in a good bumper at Newbury. He'd struggled to see out his first two races when he travelled strongly, so we did his wind. On his next start at Ascot he did the same but he came back with a dirty nose so, while he was really disappointing, there was a reason. He's a decent horse and he's at the right end of the handicap. He ran over 2m7½f at Lingfield the other day but I think we'll have to go back in trip next time, he travelled into the race well.

Fiddlerontheroof
6g Stowaway – Inquisitive Look
Taylor, Burley & O'Dwyer
22110-2
RPR 149c OR 152c
We were really pleased with his run at Ffos Las behind If The Cap Fits. He jumped beautifully, travelled well and it was a good performance behind a horse who was once rated 166. We're not sure what direction we're going to go with him in terms of trip but we think he's a two-and-a-half-miler. He's strong and is a Tolworth winner on heavy ground, which he seems to handle really well. He could stay three miles in time. I think he'd be out again in a month, which gives us the option of going to Cheltenham for the November meeting or to Newbury a fortnight later for the Berkshire Novices' Chase or the John Francome.

Floy joy
4g Arcadio – The Scorpion Queen
Nigel Hanger & Eric Jones
5
RPR 98b
He's a big, strong horse and ran a lovely race first time out at Ffos Las last week. Robbie Power said he was good enough to win a bumper after that. I’m sure he'll make into a nice horse this year.

Fly To Mars
6g Schiaparelli – Patsie Magern
Brocade Racing
62624F/
RPR 125h OR 127h
He missed last season but should be back within a month. The season before that we looked after him thinking he'd be a lovely novice in the future. He probably would have won on his last start at Exeter when he fell. I imagine he'll go chasing but we might give him a hurdles run just to get him race-fit and have him back on the track first. He's shown some decent form and if we keep him in one piece he'll make into a nice chaser.

Fox Norton
10g Lando – Natt Musik
Ann & Alan Potts Ltd
1/12P/23/
RPR 174c OR 166c
He's just cantering at the moment but he's about to have his work stepped up a bit this week. He's been in all of the best races and, despite the fact he's not getting any younger, he's had some real decent form. He's been fragile since his brilliant season in 2016-17 when he won at Aintree and Punchestown and was second in the Champion Chase. I'd imagine we'll look to start him off in the Tingle Creek or the Grade 2 Chanelle Pharma Chase at Ascot in November. We haven't got a lot of options, but he's flexible in terms of trip and he hasn't got too many miles under his belt in the last couple of years. We want to get him racing again, although we expect him to improve for his first run. On his day he's a very talented horse.

Fulgurix
5g Maresca Sorrento – Union De Sevres
Simon Munir and Isaac Souede
2-
RPR - OR -
He's a big type who joined the yard in February, never with the intention of running that season. He's quite a heavy horse with a high knee action, so he'll definitely want some cut in the ground. He'll be ready to run as soon as the rain comes. His form works out quite well in France and Daryl Jacob has been in to school him a couple of times and is happy with him. He looks every bit a chaser in the making but he's an exciting prospect over hurdles in his first campaign.

Furkash
5g Al Namix – Meralda
Swallowfield Racing
3
RPR 101h OR -
It was a nice first run for us the other day in a maiden hurdle at Fontwell. He looked to be staying on well and we were quite pleased with him. We'd like to think he can win next time off the back of that promising effort. A lot of ours are needing their first run, which is no bad thing as there's a long season ahead of us.

Getaway Fred
6g Getaway – Cloch Anna
Victor and Celia Goaman
2132P-
RPR 130h OR 133h
He's quite a nice horse and he's schooled well over fences, so I'd imagine he'll go novice chasing. He's a bit of a difficult horse to place at the moment because the 0-135 novice handicap chases are so competitive, while if you go for a straight novice you'd probably have to take on a horse rated 150. Hopefully we can find a race for him as it will get easier and he should progress with another summer on his back. He's a decent novice prospect this season and you'd like to think he'll take a step forward from his rating.

Harry Senior
6g Oscar – Surf Like A Lady
Brocade Racing
42211P-
RPR 144h OR 143h
We’ve been really happy with his jumping at home, so he’ll be going novice chasing. His jumping has got better the more work he’s done, which is the good thing about schooling as he’s had a few sessions to really get his eye in. Looking back, we were quite impressed by his win in the Grade 2 on Trials day at Cheltenham. We’ll go at trips over two and a half miles and we may run him in a beginners’ chase at Stratford this week if the ground is right. He’ll be out as soon as he gets his ground.

Highest sun
6g Sunday Break – Highest Price
Ashley Head
321457-
RPR 144c OR 138c
He was seventh in the novice handicap chase at the Cheltenham Festival on his last start. He's got plenty of ability when it all clicks and he's a much bigger and stronger horse this season. He won only once last season, so graduation chases are pretty much designed for him. We'll go back to handicapping after that, but we're not sure if his optimum trip is two and a half or three miles.

Honest Exchange
6g Gold Well – Final Instalment
Victor and Celia Goaman and Jenny Perry
3-93
RPR 109h
He didn’t run too well at Newton Abbot and was much the same at Wincanton on Sunday. He’s much better than those runs and you know that by his third at Exeter in a novice hurdle in February. You’ll see a different horse later in the season. He’s a nice prospect and a half-brother to Last Instalment.

Nicky Herderson part three

Son Of Camas
5g Creachadoir - Camas
Sullivan Bloodstock Limited
0113P-
RPR 131h OR 133h
We're fond of him and he's a big future over fences – he could be top class. He's had a wind operation over the summer and could improve for time and going two and a half miles.

Steal A March
5g Mount Nelson - Side Step
The Queen
4414-
RPR 117h OR 115h
He's potentially very nice. He jumps accurately and should stay well. Chasing is likely to be on the menu, but there might be unfinished business over hurdles first.

Storm Of Intrigue
8g Oscar - Storminoora
Oscar Singh & Miss Priya Purewal
10/3/
RPR 129h
Last seen in a hot novice hurdle at Newbury, he's had niggles but everything is going the right way now. He's a gorgeous big type and seems all over a chaser. I love him.

Style De Garde
6g Kapgarde - Anowe De Jelois
Highclere Thoroughbred Racing - Style
R2203/3
RPR 138h OR 132h
He's had a slightly chequered career, but there's no doubt he's got ability and he'll do well if everything stays in place.

Sunrise Ruby
6m Sholokhov - Maryota
Blunt, Breslin, Duffy, Slattery
3/225-11
RPR 127h OR 128h
She should have won last season but has made up for lost time by winning twice this autumn. She's undoubtedly going the right way.

Terrefort
7g Martaline - Vie De Reine
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
21/432P/
RPR 164c OR 157c
He was a revelation for us as a novice chaser with Grade 1 wins in the Scilly Isles and Mildmay, but things have not panned out since and last season was a write-off when he shook up a leg and contracted a disease that resulted in him losing his nearside
eye. Many horses deal with that and he's got a marvellous temperament, so I think he'll cope and we know he's got the ability.

The Bomber Liston
4g Yeats - True Britannia
John P McManus
3
RPR 103b
He ran at Ffos Las the other day and everything went wrong, but he's a lovely horse for hurdling.

The Cashel Man
8g High Chaparral - Hadarama
Mrs Fitri Hay
11210-4
RPR 121c OR 142c
The most amazingly consistent horse on the Flat and over hurdles, he made his chasing debut last month and probably didn't need three miles first time out, but it was somewhere to go and he jumped well. He did nothing wrong and just tired.

Theinval
10g Smadoun - Kineeves
Mr & Mrs Sandy Orr
936/FP5-
RPR 154c OR 140c
He's a tremendous performer and one of the most consistent horses we've had, although he doesn't want to be in front too early. He loves fast ground so we hope to have this lovable character out for the better races.

Timberman
5g Califet - Millrock Lady
J Turner
25-
RPR 119h
He ran well on his debut but then disappointed over hurdles last season and racing ended before we could restart. Putting him in the field has been to his benefit and he jumps terrifically, so the outlook is bright.

Time Flies By
5g Getaway - What A Mewsment
John P McManus
1235-
RPR 131h
Being a maiden over hurdles will stand him in good stead and I hope he's an exciting youngster for the top novices. He does everything right and could go far.

Top Notch
9g Poliglote - Topira
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
10P/113-
RPR 169c OR 159c
He's just a star. He's won every season he's been here and is a delight to have around. His first target will be to win the Peterborough Chase for the third time and we could give him a prep over fences or hurdles.

Valtor
11g Nidor - Jossca
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
0/1532-0
RPR 159c OR 150c
A grand servant who went with zest for a long way at Ascot on Saturday, but he's a lazy horse at home so might take more getting ready than some, especially at his age, although that means he's eligible for veterans' races, which might open some good doors.

Vegas Blue
5m Getaway - Bella Venezia
Crimbourne Bloodstock
115-1
RPR 123h
She bolted up at Huntingdon last month, which she probably should have done last season. She's another exciting Getaway mare for her team.

Verdana Blue
8m Getaway - Blue Gallery
Mrs Doreen Tabor
151/4-22
RPR 163h OR 155h
Wetherby on Saturday was frustrating, but she ran a good race and travelled strongly. She just doesn't find her gear change on that soft ground, but stayed on and jumped well. Conditions were also against her at Royal Ascot and in the Ebor, but she still ran fantastically. She's back safe and sound so we'll crack on and discuss plans with Michael and Doreen Tabor.

Versatility
6g Yeats - Stravinksy Dance
Barrow Boys 2
1349-U5
RPR 124c OR 121c
He's had two runs over fences this autumn and is getting there. He's a good, solid soldier who keeps improving. He'll run again soon.

Voyage De Retour
8g Craigsteel - Taipers
Mrs Robert Bingley
6/3-8
RPR 118h
He's had all sorts of problems but the Bingleys are the most lovely people so I'm desperate for him to do well. He should improve for his recent run at Lingfield and can win a novice hurdle soon.

Welsh Saint
6g Saint Des Saints - Minirose
Walters Plant Hire & Potter Group
F21310-
RPR 139h OR 138h
His run in the Pertemps Final was disappointing but he'd been encouraging otherwise. He switches to fences as he's always been a sound jumper. He's back bigger and stronger.

Whatswrongwithyou
9g Bienamado - Greenfield Noora
Seven Barrows Limited
178/P57-
RPR 146c OR 137c
He's a consistent sort who runs at the major festivals. He relishes soft ground but wants further than two miles now.

Whitlock
5g Dutch Art - Barynya
Lady Lloyd-Webber
8
RPR 84h
He disappointed at Ludlow recently when I thought he'd go close. He dropped out horribly quickly, but I like him a lot.

Will Carver
5g Califet - Rock Angel
Owners Group 064
F41- (point-to-point)
RPR 87p
He's a wonderful prospect from the point sphere. He looks the part and could be exciting for his big team of supporters.


Unraced horses

As usual we have a host of mouthwatering youngsters at Seven Barrows and they include Dusart, a big, athletic half-brother to our dear friend Simonsig who has a superb temperament and a great way of going. Like Simonsig, he's owned by Ronnie Bartlett.

Robert Kirkland has Italian Legend, who gives us the right vibes and hopefully it won't be long before he runs. He's got pace and jumps well.

Percussion, an attractive gelding for the Casablanca Mix team who is straightforward to deal with, and Valsheda, a spectacular, big boy with a delightful temperament who'll carry the Santini silks of Richard and Lizzie Kelvin-Hughes, are other five-year-olds to note.

Doddiethegreat was weak in the spring but has matured and strengthened into a horse of immense upside. I don't know much about him but hope he's as talented as Honeysuckle for owner Kenny Alexander.

I love Firestep so much I recently bought his three-year-old half-sister. He's owned by Charlie Dingwall and some pals and does everything right.

The Queen's Rapid Flight jumps beautifully and would have run in a backend bumper if there'd been a backend, although lockdown was probably in Mot A Mot's favour as he was a big, weak baby. He's bigger and stronger now and has loads of potential for Dai Walters and James and Jean Potter.

Thomas Barr's Blairgowrie is probably in the same camp. He looks magnicent so we'll push on when the ground is suitable.

I couldn't resist buying Major Sting, who is stunning, as I'm still a fan of Scorpion – Might Bite's sire – and his granddam Will I Or Wont I is a sister to Amtrak Express, who was our first winner after we moved to Seven Barrows in 1992 under a certain Charlie Vigors.

Moonlight Flit, a Getaway, will be in the Thurloe Thoroughbreds colours and looks a bit special, while At Poets Cross is related to the talented At Fishers Cross and is a promising youngster who was going nicely in the spring. He'll represent the Henry Ponsonby brigade, which also has Commodore Miller, a three-year-old who could come to hand earlier than some and appears the part, and a fabulous unnamed Blue Bresil to dream about.

Surrey Racing's sharp Surrey Quest might be an ideal candidate for the sales bumper at Newbury in March, for which they would have had Gran Luna last season but for Covid-19.

Unique Financial Partnership can look forward to the handsome Russian Ruler, who is by Shishkin's sire Sholokhov from Special Tiara's family, and Clean Getaway, an exceptional model who might not take long, which could be the same for Hyland, a striking Turgeon for the Speelmans.

Altior's unnamed Milan half-brother is imposing and talented and appears the finished article for Sue Magnier, who has a knockout Fame And Glory four-year-old with Pat Shanahan, while Jared Sullivan and Chris Giles own a Yeats four-year-old with no end of potential.

The Middleham Park team have a trio of exciting three-year-olds, including a cracking Kapgarde gelding, an outstanding Universal and a Blue Bresil with wonderful presence.

I was over the moon to get a Walk In The Park three-year-old for Michael Blencowe, who also has an athletic Mount Nelson to make a note of.

The programme for mares seems to get better and better and we have some gorgeous types, including Santini's High Chaparral half-sister for JP McManus and the Queen's Hamilton's Fantasy, who was ready in the spring and can hopefully make up for lost time, while I imagine we'll start Amazing Presence, who is owned by Sharon Kinsella and Jane Allison, in a bumper. She's lovely.

Barely Famous is from the family of Bond's Lover and our old ally Captain Conan and I know she did some nice work in Ireland in the spring. We can't wait to run her, probably in a bumper for the Hanburys.

Parisian Blue is the latest Getaway filly for the Crimbourne Bloodstock axis that had such fun with Verdana Blue. She could go hurdling but has shown enough to suggest she'd win a bumper, and I hope that's the case with Miss Fisher, the Potter family's Libertarian half-sister to Mister Fisher. She'd have run in a spring bumper and run very well.

Rosemary Tennant has had horses with us for many years and hopefully we can have some fun with Meadowsweet, who has shown a considerable amount.

Fantastic Lady is an attractive and professional half-sister to Casablanca Mix for the same connections and jumps so well we might not bother with a bumper.

Marmalaid is an adorable new three-year-old and I can't wait to see what she's capable of for Dominic Burke and Peter Alderson, while Tweed Skirt is beautiful and if she's as good as she looks we could be in business.

We also have some three-year-old geldings who could be anything for sale, starting with Rudy Caprice, a fantastic-moving son of Sholokhov.

There's a fine Flemensfirth, a Doctor Dino who has been a pleasure to deal with and a grand Getaway, who could come to hand quickly, which may also apply to a quality Sinndar.

Two for the tracker

Son Of Camas should be a high-class novice chaser and Pipesmoker is a novice hurdler to follow.

Expert view

The problem with trying to pick horses to follow out of Nicky Henderson's yard is trying not to be too obvious.

The likes of Shishkin, Epatante, Champ and Santini all pick themselves, while the pre-season talk about Sprinter Sacre's half-brother Flinteur Sacre has almost conferred upon him superstar status without him ever jumping in public.

My three from the yard will hopefully slide a little bit further under the radar, starting with Glynn, who is probably going to have to go handicapping having won his sole start in a maiden hurdle at Doncaster in January by a ridiculously easy 11 lengths.

The fifth, sixth and seventh, all beaten in excess of 30 lengths, all finished second next time and there's little doubt Glynn has the potential to turn into a very useful hurdler this season.

That success was over just shy of two and a half miles so it will be interesting to see where he goes in terms of trip, but he certainly didn't look short of speed.

Marie's Rock feels like the one who got away last season as I had some fancy prices about her for the mares' novice hurdle, but she suffered a minor stress fracture and missed the race – although she might have been in trouble anyway considering how well Concertista won.

It's good to hear that Henderson is still excited by her though, and her change of gear, so evident when she ran clean away from her rivals in a Listed novice at Taunton when last seen, is going to be a potent weapon.

She has a long way to go if she is to give Henderson a first win in the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham (and Britain only a third), but don't be surprised if she lines up with a chance come March.

Precious Cargo made a promising start to his chase career last term and may well have a good handicap prize in him. Although arguably beaten when he came down two out in the novice handicap chase won by Imperial Aura at the festival, it would be foolish to think the trip got to him given his pedigree.

He had jumped beautifully from the front until then in a really competitive race full of well-handicapped novices, so I wouldn't worry about that fall.

That was also his first attempt in a handicap and in a big field over obstacles and, given his size and the fact he has run only four times over fences, you would expect him to really come into his own this season.

Nicky Henderson part two

Galan Des Planches
4g Crillon - Quaty Des Planches
The Ten From Seven
56
RPR 91h
He'll get there. He was sixth at Stratford last week and is just taking time to get the hang of things, but he'll be all right and I like him.

Gallyhill
5g Getaway - Tanit
Claudio Michael Grech
1- (point-to-point)
RPR 90p
We loved what we saw in the spring from this handsome big point winner, and he's had a good summer with Henrietta Knight. You won't see him until the ground is properly soft.

Galurin
4g Sunday Break - Rirta
Million in Mind Partnership
5-62
RPR - OR -
He's our new horse for Million in Mind, who have been such loyal and enthusiastic owners. He shaped favourably in French bumpers and the biggest thing will be keeping a lid on him as he's quite buzzy, but he looks like he'll go well. Hurdling is almost certain.

Giants Table
5g Great Pretender - Bold Fire
Lady Bamford & Alice Bamford
1/ (point-to-point)
RPR 92p
He's a grand sort and time won't have done him any harm. He'll start in novice hurdles but is a staying chaser of the future – hopefully a magnificent one.

Gipsy De Choisel
4g Great Pretender - Beautiful Choisel
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
1
RPR - OR -
He won his only start in France and is a grand looker. I'm relishing seeing him in novice hurdles as he's very nice.

Global Society
5g Shirocco - Oligarch Society
Johnnie Lightfoot
2221P4-
RPR 122h OR 128h
He looked to be going places when he won at Doncaster but ran away with Nico on the way to the start at Kempton and was out of control in the race too. I'm hopeful what was ailing him is in the past after a good summer at home.

Glynn
6g Winged Love - Barnish River
Owners Group 039
1/1-
RPR 131h
He was brilliant at Doncaster on his hurdling debut but didn't sparkle afterwards and then racing was curtailed when we were ready again. He's had an excellent summer and has enormous potential. I'm not in a rush to go chasing.

Go Chique
4f Crillon - Similaresisoldofa
Middleham Park Racing CX
15
RPR 98h
A lovely looker, she won a Southwell bumper in style and I'm optimistic she can build on her hurdling debut.

Go Sacre Go
4g Network - Altesse Sacree
G L Porter
P-
RPR - OR -
From the family of Sprinter Sacre and immature like him, he's a stunning youngster who may need time, but he's grown and developed outstandingly over the summer.

Goodbye Stranger
3g Kapgarde - Romaneda
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
Unraced
He came via the same French connections as We Have A Dream and could start in a bumper or juvenile hurdle. He ticks the boxes, but we don't know much about him.

Gold Present
10g Presenting - Ouro Preto
Mr And Mrs J D Cotton
P/39F2/9-
RPR 158c OR 150c
He's an old favourite who is consistent and classy and takes in all the big meetings. He's had a wind operation, so I'm looking forward to seeing him back, particularly on good ground.

Dark horse
Gran Luna
4f Spanish Moon - Coppena
Surrey Racing (GL)
1-
RPR 93b
We saw plenty right from the start with this filly and she landed what I think was a strong bumper at Newbury before the sales bumper at the track, which we'd been eyeing, was cancelled due to the coronavirus. My hopes are high she can reach the top in mares' novice hurdles and show how talented she is.

Grand Mogul
6g Presenting - Oligarch Society
Mrs Christopher Hanbury
4/1/P6-1
RPR 130h
I thought his win at Chepstow last week was great and sometimes when horses arrive from Ireland they can just take a year to acclimatise and that performance was completely different to anything we saw last season. He was very professional and jumped beautifully.

Gunnery
7g Le Havre - Loup The Loup
Mrs Fitri Hay
21016-6
RPR 122h OR 128h
Likeable and capable, he's rated quite highly over hurdles. We couldn't run at Chepstow last month because of the quick ground but goes to Plumpton on Monday.

Haul Away
7g Stowaway - Lisacul Queen
Robert Kirkland
147/4-42
RPR 125c OR 123c
A four-time hurdle winner, he has the credentials for chasing and we've just done a wind operation, which will hopefully help.

Heross Du Seuil
3g Rail Link - Tulipe Du Seuil
Mrs J Donnelly
1
A recent arrival who won a bumper in France, he's a gorgeous horse from Defi Du Seuil's family. He could start in a juvenile hurdle before Christmas and his schooling has been a pleasure to watch, but bumpers are an option. He's one to note.

Hijack
5g Fame And Glory - Etoile Margot
Highclere Thoroughbred Racing - Fame
5113-20
RPR 129h OR 130h
He was productive last season, winning two novice hurdles, but his jumping got caught out a little on lively ground at Cheltenham last month. He likes softer conditions, which he'll get now.

Hooper
4g Rip Van Winkle - Earth Amber
Pump & Plant Services Ltd
6-12
RPR 116h
He won at Stratford but was second at Market Rasen last time, which was annoying as he probably shouldn't have been beaten. He'll put that right soon.

Hurling Magic
6g Doyen - Distelle
Owners Group 035
2/ (point-to-point)
RPR 89p
He was going pleasingly a year ago but had a problem and we put him away, which won't hurt him. He's a fine prospect and I'm looking forward to him.

I Am Maximus
4g Authorized - Polysheba
Claudio Michael Grech
1
RPR 125b
It's great to have Mike Grech back in the yard and this is a lovely horse who was impressive at Cheltenham on his debut recently, but we'll go quietly as he's all about the future. I doubt we'll go hurdling this season as he's only a baby and we want to mind him, but he'll be very good.

Igor
7g Presenting - Stravinsky Dance
Mhankin Cnoell Menholding Rwaley-Cohen
216640-
RPR 131h OR 130h
He produced some solid displays over hurdles but is an out-and-out chaser and could be good over fences. He stays and copes with soft ground.

Indian Glory
5m Fame And Glory - Real Papoose
International Plywood (Importers) Ltd
9-
RPR 85b
She's better than her Huntingdon run and is going well now.

It Sure Is
5g Shirocco - Stay At Home Mum
Mrs J Donnelly
248-
RPR 125h OR 125h
He's a gorgeous horse who is better than he's shown as things didn't work out last term. He's done well over the summer and goes chasing.

Janika
7g Saddler Maker - Majaka
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
4/14442-
RPR 167c OR 162c
His Haldon Gold Cup victory last year was sweet as it's not easy to find opportunities for him. He's had his soft palate cauterised and we'll try to stick to two and a half miles, maybe mixing hurdles and fences if he continues to come up short in Grade 1s.

Jen's Boy
6g Malinas - Friendly Craic
Middleham Park Racing CV
42-222P
RPR 123c OR 115c
We switched him to fences in the summer and he barely put a foot wrong, finishing second three times, but he pulled some muscles at Cheltenham last time, which was his final run for a while anyway as he's a top-of-the-ground. He'll be fine and we'll see him in the spring.

Known
6g Fame And Glory - Aasleagh Lady
The Rose And Thistle Partnership
4453-3
RPR 120h OR 119h
The handicapper responded accordingly to his third in a typically hot Newbury novice hurdle and he'll take a step forward from his outing at Ascot on Saturday. Wants two and a half miles and fences in time.

L'Ami Serge
10g King's Theatre - La Zingarella
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
81/7/27P-
RPR 162h OR 152h
It was great to have him back last season. He's been a smashing horse and showed he retained his ability when going close in Ascot's Long Walk Hurdle. We probably need to think about two and a half miles when it's testing. I'd love to see him shine again this term.

Laughing Luis
6g Authorized - Leitzu
John Sillett
71519/3-
RPR 125h OR 125h
He was progressive over hurdles two seasons ago but got a leg and is slowly coming back. I'm hopeful he'll pick up where he left off.

Lecale's Article
6g Malinas - Brookville
Mrs J Donnelly
1/ (point-to-point)
RPR 93p
He's a big, strong horse, a prepossessing future chaser. He'd delighted us at home but suffered a tendon injury so he's been off. I suppose we'll start over hurdles on some genuine winter ground.

Lelantos
4g Presenting - Western Focus
Middleham Park Racing Xci
3
RPR 95b
He ran a promising race in his bumper at Hexham and will have learned a lot.

Lilly Pedlar
5m Yeats - Mathine
Hot To Trot Jumping
7/5-
RPR 92b
She's big but lean and might always be. She schooled plenty at the backend of last season and is ready for hurdling.

Lust For Glory
7m Getaway - Maisie Presenting
Annabel Waley-Cohen And Family
05/2042-
RPR 119c OR 134c
We've always had a high opinion of this attractive mare. Her future is over fences, but the one caveat is that good ground is terribly important.

Marie's Rock
5m Milan - By The Hour
Middleham Park Racing XLII
111-
RPR 136h OR 144h
She missed her big day in the mares' novice at Cheltenham after a stress fracture, which wasn't serious. She's summered well, has an enormous engine and is exciting. We've tinkered with her soft palate and hopefully she's top class.

Mengli Khan
7g Lope De Vega - Danielli
M A R Blencowe
33-1641
RPR 155c OR 148c
He's got some first-rate form in Ireland and looked as good as ever last time. We bought him for Michael Blencowe, who has some youngsters with us but wanted a ready-made runner to have some fun with while we wait for those babies. Buying off Gordon Elliott may seem slightly strange, but the change of scenery might help.

Might Bite
11g Scorpion - Knotted Midge
The Knot Again Partnership
P/UP37-5
RPR 173c OR 152c
We've had some magical days with him, including his crazy RSA success, King George triumph and heroic Gold Cup second, although the wheels came off last season. Saturday at Ascot, however, was miles better - terrific - and we were thrilled with him. It was the old Might BIte enjoying himself. He got tired on that ground, but was entitled to. The plan was one run and then head down the cross-country route because he loved that last term.

Mill Green
8g Black Sam Bellamy - Ceilidh Royal
Mrs Rita Brown
343/1P6-
RPR 140h OR 141h
He was progressive over hurdles but has the make and shape of a chaser. He stays two and a half miles, so he could get three and be a useful sort.

Mind Sunday
4f Never On Sunday - Mind Master
Walters Plant Hire Ltd
00-
RPR 64b
I don't know a lot about this big, scopey filly. She didn't excel in two runs in Ireland but her connections there thought a lot of her.

Miss Farage
5m Sans Frontieres - Maid Of Might
Turf Club 2018
3-112
RPR 113 OR 116h
She's been doing well and won a bumper and maiden hurdle. I'm optimistic she can progress further.

Mister Coffey
5g Authorized - Mamitador
Lady Bamford & Alice Bamford
1/12-
RPR 127h OR 128h
He was impressive at Newbury, but his next start at Huntingdon was a catastrophe and he took off with Nico. I've no idea why and he didn't have a chance to redeem himself. He wants another run over hurdles – over two miles – and then he could go chasing.

Mister Fisher
6g Jeremy - That's Amazing
James and Jean Potter
8/72114-
RPR 160c OR 155c
We've always held him in the highest regard and he won twice over fences before coming fourth in the Marsh at Cheltenham on soft ground, which was a fine run as he's better on good. He looks fantastic and can progress again. I think he'll start at two and a half miles, although three miles could be on the agenda soon. He's in fabulous form and was electric schooling two weeks ago.

Monte Cristo
4g Montmartre - Rylara Des Brosses
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
62141-8
RPR 124h OR 136h
Another who needed his first run, having a big blow at Aintree after getting to the third-last on the bridle. We've not seen the best of him.

Morning Vicar
7g Beneficial - Mary's Little Vic
The Parishioners
317/2F-2
RPR 132c OR 129c
I was delighted with his run at Uttoxeter as he'd had a bad fall at Newbury over Christmas. He did everything right at Uttoxeter but was just caught and beaten, which happens.

My Whirlwind
5m Stowaway - Garranlea Maree
John P McManus
1/ (point-to-point)
RPR 86p
She's beautiful but things didn't go her way last season, so we left her. She's back looking absolutely fabulous. She starts hurdling but is a chaser in time.

Nanabelle
4f Archange D'Or - Lias City
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
115-0
RPR 121h OR 125h
Won twice in France and running her at Market Rasen in February after she'd only just arrived was a mistake. She needed her run at Cheltenham two weeks ago, but we had to get her started.

No Ordinary Joe
4g Getaway - Shadow Dearg
John P McManus
Unraced
He excited us in the spring as he prepared for the sales bumper at Newbury. He's a cracking prospect and could start in a bumper, but he jumps for fun. He has a fantastic future.

OK Coral
10g Mahler - Acoola
John P McManus
11P/091-
RPR 157c OR 153c
He wasn't easy to train as a youngster but has improved with age and won January's Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster, which was his prep for the National. I hope we can have a really good go at Aintree this time. I looked forward to watching the virtual Grand National in the spring, which I thought he was sure to win having starred in one of the most renowned trials. But, would you believe it, he refused, and that to me was about the biggest insult in the whole of last season!

On The Blind Side
8g Stowaway - Such A Set Up
A D Spence
2/4P231-
RPR 152c OR 145c
He's hard to place and is high enough in the handicap but he probably prefers small fields. He won an all-weather bumper at Newcastle in February, but racing ended before we could see if it got his confidence back.

One Handsome Dude
5g Canford Cliffs - Allegrina
Steve & Jolene De'Lemos
340/0-
RPR 99b
He had a few bumper runs and has thrived over the summer, so I hope he can make a name for himself over hurdles.

Overpriced Mixer
3g Harbour Watch - Chincoteague
Owners Group 051
1
RPR 110h
That was an amazing performance at Kempton two weeks ago when he jinked going to the last and the saddle slipped. Nico did well to stay on top before the horse picked up again and won well.

Palladium
4g Champs Elysees - Galicuix
A Meade, G Van Geest, E Kelvin-Hughes
211P-7
RPR 135h OR 135h
He did well as a juvenile last winter but I was disappointed with him at Market Rasen. I thought two and a half miles would suit him down to the ground.

Paris Dixie
5m Champs Elysees - Last Of The Dixies
Owners Group 037
0331/2
RPR 110h
She ran a bold race at Chepstow last month having been off for a long time. It was a very good comeback performance and we'll have some fun with her.

Paros
3g Masterstroke - Soft Blue
Middleham Park Racing CXXV
1-
He impressed at Dieppe in May. He seems an ideal juvenile and exciting type for the Middleham Park team. I imagine he'll want some cut.

Patroclus
4g Shirocco - King'sandqueen's
Walters Plant Hire and James & Jean Potter
2- (point-to-point)
RPR 90p
A powerful, striking future chaser, he'll be hurdling first and has pace, so I hope he'll enjoy a constructive season. I absolutely love him.

Pipesmoker
5g Authorized - Pisa
Lady Dulverton
232-
RPR 135h OR 137h
Mindful of his novice status, we ran him in grown-up races last season, but he was eyecatching and his maiden tag is a huge bonus. He's had a fabulous summer and it will be disappointing if he isn't among my leading novice hurdlers.

Pistol Whipped
6g Beneficial - Holiday Time
A Speelman & M Speelman
1P/1F50-
RPR 141c OR 134c
He shaped with promise over fences last term and can improve as he's developed considerably during the off-season. We've removed a sarcoid [skin tumour] off his wither and it's taken six weeks to clear up, which is frustrating as he should be out now.

Post War
9g Nayef - Antebellum
The Duke Of Bedford & Dr Jerome Poupel
36/13/6-
RPR 114c OR 123c
He's big and had time off before his debut over fences at Newbury, which was encouraging. I've no doubt he'll make a useful staying chaser on soft ground if he remains in one piece.

Precious Cargo
7g Yeats - Kilbarry Classic
Thomas Barr
16/123F-
RPR 151c OR 145c
He's huge. He did well over fences last term and has enjoyed an excellent summer in the field. I'd like to think he'll improve. I think he wants soft ground and possibly three miles even though he's won over two. I adore him.

Pym
7g Stowaway - Liss Rua
Mrs Patricia Pugh
0/211PP-
RPR 151c OR 150c
Honest and uncomplicated, he shone when switched to fences but didn't fire on bad ground in the Reynoldstown and the RSA was probably a bit tough. He came out of all that in fine fettle and can step up again.

Rather Be
9g Oscar - Irish Wedding
Eventmasters Racing
12/B59P/
RPR 153c OR 143c
A talented novice chaser in 2017-18, he bumped into a problem which forced us to draw stumps, but he's in full work and remains a smart prospect. It would be great to get him back to his best.

Rathhill
7g Getaway - Bella Venezia
John P McManus
14/00-
RPR 138h OR 133h
He made a wonderful start for us but then disappointed in the Tolworth and it's been the same story since with issues and interruptions. However, he has potential as a chaser and has been schooling and schooling and schooling, and it's gone magnificently. He could be a top-class horse and I believe in him big time, even if other people don't.

Star quality
Santani
8g Milan - Tinagoodnight
Mr & Mrs R Kelvin-Hughes
132/112-
RPR 175c OR 172c
He's never put a foot wrong. It wasn't an earth-shattering start to last season at Sandown, but the plan had been to get to the Gold Cup via the Cotswold Chase, which he was great in. I'm proud of what he did for an inexperienced horse in the Gold Cup when he jumped beautifully but probably lacked a gear. He looks tremendous, bigger than ever, and I hope there's improvement en route to the Gold Cup, although I don't think that will involve lots of races. We'll try to start in Haydock's Betfair Chase and then I suspect it'll be the Cotswold Chase, but there's only one day that matters and it's in March.

Scarpia
6g Sans Frontieres - Bunglasha Lady
Mrs T Brown
24-
RPR 107b
He ran with credit in bumpers, although his Fakenham run was trainer error as that's not a great track for a scopey individual. He's schooled nicely so we're looking forward to hurdling.

Settie Hill
7g Cape Blanco - Claire Soleil
Michael Buckley & Lord Vestey
92/1U1/3-
RPR 139h OR 140h
He's fragile but talented. He could be a smart hurdler if we get a clean run, but he has the build for fences when the time comes.

Star quality
Shishkin
6g Sholokhov - Labarynth
Mrs J Donnelly
1/F111-
RPR 162h OR 159h
He made considerable physical progress last summer and was impressive at Newbury after falling there. He was then even better in the Sidney Banks and showed tremendous pace, so we plumped for the Supreme, which he was lucky not to be carried out in. Nico managed to get him back in the race and it was a phenomenal performance considering that. He's got the lot and you could see him as a Champion Hurdle horse, but the Arkle's his objective. He schooled over fences for the first time two Thursdays ago and I've only seen two other horses do what he did. They were both big, both ran in the Supreme, won the Arkle and won the Champion Chase, but I'm not going to say any more! What Shishkin did was unreal.

Nicky Herderson part one

Jumps trainers might not want to read on.

That is due to the awesome depth of talent Nicky Henderson – crowned champion trainer for the sixth time last term – has at his disposal.

What Henderson, who recently celebrated the 42nd anniversary of his first winner yet remains as driven as ever, details could frighten the hell out of his rivals, especially if Altior and Buveur D'Air can bounce back – and there is confidence they can – Champion Hurdle heroine Epatante continues to shine, Santini and Champ remain authentic Cheltenham Gold Cup contenders and Shishkin lives up to his billing as Seven Barrows' latest superstar.

There is strength in most areas, so optimism is high the yard can enjoy another productive campaign.

Don't say you weren't told.

Race in focus

We want to win the Grand National because we've never won it, we've won eight Champion Hurdles, so want nine, but you're never not going to want the Gold Cup – that's not too greedy is it?

Rival to watch

If Shishkin goes two miles, I'd expect Chantry House to go two and a half and I'm then hoping Envoi Allen goes three miles, in which case that's the three novice chases at the festival sorted out.

Stable profile
Yard Seven Barrows
Where Lambourn, Berkshire
Started training 1978
Horses in yard 148
Members of staff 56
Second in command Charlie Morlock
Head lad David Fehily
Assistant trainers Katie Croft, Billy Aprahamian, George Daly, Hannah Ryan
Travelling head lads/lasses Richard Nicholas, Sarah Shreeve, Jack Findlater
Jockeys Nico de Boinville, Jerry McGrath, James Bowen, Daryl Jacob, Aidan Coleman
Conditionals Joe Anderson, Alfie Jordan
PA Carolyn Harty
Accounts Marie McClure
Stable sponsor Unibet
Twitter @sevenbarrows

Winners in Britain

2019-20 118
2018-19 141
2017-18 141
2016-17 154
2015-16 81

Profit/loss to £1 stake

2019-20 -£45.87
2018-19 -£14.75
2017-18 -£76.49
2016-17 -£113.50
2015-16 -£101.03

Prize-money 2019-20

£2,539,198

Adjali
Five-year-old gelding
Kamsin (sire) - Anabasis (dam)
Owner: Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
Form figures: 374/60-P
Racing Post Rating - Official rating 137c
A decent juvenile hurdler two seasons ago, he'd had a wind operation, but a problem with his breathing reared its ugly head on soft ground on his debut over fences at Hexham last month, so we've got to get that corrected.

Ahorsewithnoname
5m Cacique - Sea Of Galilee
D J Burke & P Alderson
431/
RPR 103b
She's a sweet mare who recently joined us for hurdling having won a bumper and two Flat races. She's schooled beautifully after a fortnight with Henrietta Knight, is working nicely and is all but ready.

Allart
6g Shantou - The Adare Woman
R A Bartlett
3/F115-
RPR 143h OR 145h
He was an honourable fifth to Shishkin in the Supreme and it was a shame he couldn't run again because of lockdown, although he'd excelled to earn his Cheltenham ticket beforehand. He goes chasing and jumps brilliantly. He has plenty of speed so two miles appears ne, although he'd get further.

Star quality
Altior
0g High Chaparral - Monte Solaro
Mrs Patricia Pugh
1111/21-
RPR 183c OR 172c
The ground at Ascot was desperate for his head-to-head with Cyrname, but it was an unavoidable clash. It wasn't being beaten that hurt, just that Altior was exhausted and took time to get over it, but I'm glad he bounced back for Newbury's Game Spirit, which he won in style. It put him spot on for the Champion Chase. His work had been brilliant, his schooling frightening, but he developed a splint on his near-fore. There was nothing we could do except watch as Politologue, whom Altior had beaten three times out of three, won. Anyway, everything is fine and he's looking tremendous, so hopefully can pick up where he left off back down the normal two-mile route, starting in the Tingle Creek.

Apple's Shakira
6m Saddler Maker - Apple's For Ever
John P McManus
1143/P6/
RPR 142h OR 141h
It's lovely to have her back as she missed last term but had been productive when she first arrived. She then disappointed, but she's grown and strengthened and she's a sister to Apple's Jade, so I'm hopeful she can follow her act.

Arcadian Pearl
5g Arcadio - Grangeclare Pearl
Biddestone Racing XVII
7-
RPR 88b
He's taken time but is all quality and we're getting there. He ran respectably in his bumper and will go hurdling. He's a slick jumper.

Arturus
5g Camelot - Scandisk
J Turner
8
He's a beautiful horse and he's beautifully bred, being a half-brother to Hurricane Fly, but he found that testing ground at Ascot on Saturday hard work. He's lovely and will find his feet. I don't know if we'll go hurdling yet, but he jumps very well.

Ballingers Corner
5m Jeremy - Dances With Wolves
M Roberts
1- (point-to-point)
RPR 76p
A pretty point winner, she was with us in the spring and we liked her, but she's done well for a summer at Henrietta Knight's and is one to look forward to when she goes hurdling.

Ballycross
9g King's Theatre - Ninna Nanna
Oscar Singh & Miss Priya Purewal
PPP/272-
RPR 140c OR 126c
He was bought for the Grand Military Gold Cup, which was abandoned at Sandown and moved to Wincanton only for racing to shut down. We thought he had a cracking chance and that race will again be the objective, although he'll pay his way through the season with cut in the ground.

Balmuick
4g So You Think - Full Of Love
Thomas Barr
17
RPR 89h
He won in style on very good ground at Hexham in September and softer conditions at Chepstow last week just found him out.

Barbados Blue
6m Getaway - Buck's Blue
Crimbourne Bloodstock
122/1-
RPR 125h OR 119h
A first-time-out bumper winner, she scored comfortably at Kempton in May last year but came back with a leg problem. She was going nicely in the spring, has size and scope and jumps pleasingly. With no miles on the clock, she's exciting.

Baron Nelson
4g Mount Nelson - Toolentidhaar
M A R Blencowe
6
RPR 79b
I was a bit disappointed with him at Market Rasen, but mine maybe weren't quite on fire then and it would be hard to judge him on that. He jumps well, goes hurdling and I like him a lot.

Beware The Bear
10g Shantou - Native Bid
G B Barlow
411P/48-
RPR 165c OR 158c
We campaigned him last season for the Grand National, which obviously never took place, but he'd shown what a grand Aintree prospect he was when winning the Ultima at Cheltenham last year. We'll again aim for Aintree, which we always felt would suit and it was desperately disappointing we couldn't go there in April.

Birchdale
6g Jeremy - Onewayortheother
John P McManus
11P/38-
RPR 128c OR 145c
He didn't enjoy his debut over fences behind Angels Breath, who is sadly out for the season, but ran creditably behind Dame De Compagnie in the Coral Cup. We'll go chasing again – he needs confidence but is schooling beautifully.

Bond's Lover
6m Flemensfirth - Courageuse
Mrs Christopher Hanbury
1-
RPR 121h
She took time last year but won pleasingly on her hurdling debut at Newbury on heavy ground, which she loved. A nice chaser in the making, she should benefit from experience and is more the nished article, so she should have a fruitful season.

Bothwell Bridge
5g Stowaway - Raise The Issue
Thomas Barr
22-
RPR 121b
He has all the credentials and ran admirably in two up-to-scratch bumpers. He's schooled splendidly and goes hurdling. I hope he'll take high rank at that and make a smashing chaser in time.

Brain Power
9g Kalanisi - Blonde Ambition
Michael Buckley
41PP/1-6
RPR 162h OR 147h
He got a nasty overreach at Kempton the other day, which needed two general anaesthetics. That run was a prep for the International Hurdle at Cheltenham, but we might struggle to get there now.

Brave Eagle
8g Yeats - Sinful Pleasure
Robert Kirkland
3/1180-5
RPR 162c OR 153c
He's not the biggest but he's talented and has given us and Robert enormous fun. He doesn't really handle soft ground, especially in the top staying handicap chases, and is too consistent for his own good, so the handicapper has him absolutely hammered.

Brilliant Present
4f Presenting - Ouro Preto
Mr And Mrs J D Cotton
6
RPR 86b
Gold Present's little sister, she nearly unseated Jerry [McGrath] at Lingfield in an all-weather bumper recently but ran on encouragingly. I'm sweet on her.

Burrows Edge
7g Martaline - La Vie De Boitron
Michael Buckley
6/23/F10-
RPR 139h OR 137h
He's a smart hurdler who won the notoriously competitive Lanzarote last term, although he faded a bit in the Coral Cup. He wants good ground and is a prime contender for chasing.

Buttsbury Lady
5m Great Pretender - Ceilidh Royal
Mrs Rita Brown
15
RPR 104b
We know this family inside out and she caught the eye on her debut in July. She's schooled well and goes hurdling. She has a bright future.

Star quality
Buveur D'Air
9g Crillon - History
John P McManus
21F2/12-
RPR 171h; OR 167h
Sadly he was beaten a short head in a muddling Fighting Fifth and came back with a wedge of hurdle stuck in his hoof, which resulted in a complicated procedure to remove it, and a large part of his hoof. He went back to JP's Martinstown Stud, where his rehab continued. All is going well and we're thrilled. He's cantering on the grass – a strip of watered ground that he hacks and trots on three times a day – slowly and it's a long road back. I'm not going to guess when he'll be ready, but the only objective is the Champion Hurdle, which he's won twice already. Even if we do have Epatante, you might as well have two arrows. Hannah Ryan looks after Buveur and if she's happy, I'm happy.

Buzz
6g Motivator - Tiysha
Thurloe For Royal Marsden Cancer Charity
114-3
RPR 141h OR 137h
He ran a great race in the Welsh Champion Hurdle last month and we'll continue in those competitive handicap hurdles.

Call Me Lord
7g Slickly - Sosa
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
73/2120-
RPR 164h OR 155h
He was as good as ever when bagging the International Hurdle at Cheltenham last season. I had queries about the trip and going left-handed, but he won decisively. We couldn't get him in the same form in the spring though. He's never enjoyed fences at home so will remain hurdling and I think there are smart races to win from two miles to three.

Captain Morgs
4g Milan - Gold Donn
The Albatross Club
21
RPR 105b
Unlucky not to win a bumper at Warwick first time, he put that right over hurdles at Ascot on Saturday. There's no need to do anything fancy just yet, but hopefully he'll hit some sixes like his namesake [England cricket star Eoin Morgan], who was watching from Dubai over the weekend.

Captain Woodie
8g Presenting - Lasado
Middleham Park Racing LXXX
1/7/722-3
RPR 116c OR 117c
I can't get him right, but one day he'll hit the headlines and get it right himself and win a decent contest. He's capable and his patient syndicate deserves a change of luck.

Caribean Boy
6g Myboycharlie - Caribena
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
5692/31-
RPR 143c OR 144c
He's managed only two races for us, but I like him and Kevin Mooney, who rides him at home, has always been positive. I see him staying three miles if he relaxes and he's a novice for a bit, so I ought to be able to get a novice chase into him this month.

Casablanca Mix
8m Shirocco - Latitude
Evan-Robert Hanbury
0/1114-2
RPR 154c OR 150c
She's a grand, fun mare who loves life and jumping, and our aim was the Topham, which we're keen on again. She ran a super race at Chepstow on her comeback and I'm sure she has more to offer, especially if conditions are quick.

Cascova
5g Casamento - Sina Cova
Chelsea Thoroughbreds - Cascova
120/P-
RPR 110b
He'd done everything really well at home, but his hurdling debut at Ascot was disappointing and we gave him time. The season ended before we could restart, but he's had a good summer, is hopefully over his issues and ready for a lucrative novice hurdle campaign.

Star quality
Champ
8g King's Theatre - China Sky
John P McManus
21/11F1-
RPR 167c OR 161c
It's fantastic he's living up to his exalted name and his extraordinary win in the RSA will be remembered for years. Jumping the last, he looked destined for third, but the hill and an inspired Barry [Geraghty] galvanised him and he made up a ridiculous amount of ground in the last 100 yards to win. We were doing some jumping after his summer break and he made a slight whistle, which only Nico [de Boinville] detected, but [vet] Geoff Lane confirmed it, so he's had a wind operation. It makes me wonder in that patch in the RSA when he dropped back, was he just looking for a pitstop? Barry doesn't disagree and, having got that second wind, he flew home. We'll also tidy up his jumping as to win the Gold Cup you've got to be immaculate, so there are two reasons he can improve – his wind and jumping. The chances are he'll go to Ireland for the Savills Chase, then have another run in Britain before we hope he can be a true champ at Cheltenham.

Champagne Mystery
6g Shantou - Spanker
Trevor Hemmings
22/122P-
RPR 146c OR 139c
A capable horse who makes the pace, he was impressive at Aintree last season but the handicapper took a dim view. His jumping let him down at the festival, but he was hampered.

Champenge Platinum
6g Stowaway - Saffron Holly
John P McManus
1/55437-
RPR 141c OR 137c
He looked set for the top over hurdles but lost confidence chasing, although ran respectably in the Kim Muir when he probably didn't stay. You wouldn't want to come too far back in trip though, and his novice chase status is a bonus, while his schooling has been superb.

Chantecler
9g Authorized - Snow Goose
David White & Dean Gibbs
55/3117
RPR 122h OR 121h
He came to us wonderfully well handicapped and managed to win two. With a bit of luck, he can win another.

Chantry House
6g Yeats - The Last Bank
John P McManus
1/113-
RPR 148h OR 147h
A handsome horse, he won twice over hurdles before his excellent third in the Supreme. He goes chasing, probably over two and a half miles, and he's extremely exciting. I'm hoping he's a star of the future.

Chasamax
5g Jeremy - Peratus
International Plywood (Importers) Ltd
323-P2
RPR 116h OR 115h
I was pleased with his performance when he finished second at Ludlow two weeks ago and he's obviously on the upgrade.

Chives
6g Sulamani - Ceilidh Royal
Mrs Rita Brown
Unraced
We know this family closely and he was well educated in the spring, so hopefully he won't take long to come to hand.

Claimantakinforgan
8g Great Pretender - Taquine D'Estrees
Lady Dulverton
1352/13/
RPR 150c OR 148c
One of our leading novice chasers the year before last, he had to take a season out. However, he was close to the best as a novice hurdler and retains that potential over fences.

Clarendon Street
7g Court Cave - Carrigeen Kalmia
Owners Group 028
4/215/
RPR 127h OR 129h
He was promising over hurdles but endured some niggly – not serious – problems. He's returned in excellent shape and could go chasing, although he lacks experience and another run or two over hurdles might help. If all holds together he has a fine future.

Colonial Dreams
8g Westerner - Dochas Supreme
C N Barnes
6251/86-
RPR 138h OR 136h
He hasn't found fences easy at home and we've stayed over hurdles. He's high enough in the weights but can continue to be competitive in decent handicaps and hopefully win one.

Corrany
6g Court Cave - Time For An Audit
Trevor Hemmings
7/39222-
RPR 129h OR 126h
I've always rated him. He needs good ground and I'd like to win over hurdles before we go chasing.

Countister
8m Smadoun - Tistairly
John P McManus
5/30/78-9
RPR 138h OR 135h
Has some classy form, but didn't sparkle last season and it was the same at Ascot on Saturday. She'd been working well and giving us better vibes, but disappointed and I'm not sure why.

Craigneiche
6g Flemensfirth - Itsalark
Robert Kirkland
131-
RPR 126h OR 127h
He did well last season, winning a bumper and over hurdles, but little hiccups held him up and racing was halted when he was ready. The summer has done him the world of good and he appears a smart chaser in the making.

Crystal Gazing
5m Sulamani - Crystal Princess
Seven Barrows Limited
147-542
RPR 112h OR 115h
A nice mare who wants a sound surface and probably ran her best race at Ludlow recently. She's available to lease and have some fun with before returning to her owner's stud.

Dame De Campagnie
7m Lucarno - Programmee
John P McManus
521/511-
RPR 147h OR 148h
She's smashing and won at Cheltenham last December before stepping up – very professionally – in the Coral Cup. The plan is to go chasing but we haven't schooled her over fences as she came in a little later. We'll see how we go, but either way she's quality.

Diamond River
5g Imperial Monarch - River Clyde
Jockey Club Ownership (SW 2020) Limited
32-15
RPR 105h
I hope he can give his patient owners some fun and he's had some good schooling with Henrietta Knight, so should progress over hurdles.

Dickie Diver
7g Gold Well - Merry Excuse
John P McManus
214/
RPR 145h OR 141h
He was a good novice hurdler and was fourth in the Albert Bartlett in 2019, but niggly issues kept him off last season. I'm dying to see him over fences and he desperately wants soft ground.

Docte Dina
6m Doctor Dino - Artofmen
Walters Plant Hire & Potter Group
5/14-
RPR 101h
She has lots of potential and I hope she'll take top rank in mares' novice hurdles after an encouraging hurdling debut at Ludlow before Christmas.

Downtown Getaway
7g Getaway - Shang A Lang
T F P
217/P10-
RPR 138h OR 136h
He's a grand, big horse who has shown plenty. He's had problems and isn't the easiest to train, but there's no doubting his ability and it's time for chasing.

Duke Of Chalfont
4g Alianthus - Bonne Mere
A Speelman & M Speelman
5
RPR 95b
I thought he ran all right at Lingfield in an all-weather bumper and Sean Bowen, who rode him, was pleased too.

El Kaldoun
6g Special Kaldoun - Kermesse d'Esutruval
Middleham Park Racing CIV
6/5260-1
RPR 121c OR 120c
It was marvellous to see him win over fences at Hexham last month and he did it well. He jumped great and Jerry [McGrath] was positive. He should be able to do that again.

Elusive Belle
6m Elusive Pimpernel - Soviet Belle
Robert Waley-Cohen
201/325-
RPR 139h OR 136h
She ran respectably last season in quality company. The plan is to go chasing and I think she could be extremely proficient as she schooled neatly in the spring. She's ready to go.

Emir Sacree
6g Network - Altesse Sacree
G L Porter
222F/
RPR 121c
Closely related to Sprinter Sacre, he was second three times in France and is quite forward and likeable. We might wait for some cut in the ground.

Star quality
Epatante
6m No Risk At All - Kadjara
John P McManus
119/111-
RPR 163h OR 162h
She stepped up after the Gerry Feilden to win the Christmas Hurdle impressively and did the same in the Champion Hurdle, which was a joy to watch. She was ridden at home by Sophie Candy, who got to know her closely and the trust they had in each other was instrumental. The Fighting Fifth is the obvious starting point for her followed by the Christmas Hurdle again. She's probably not a chaser, but she doesn't need to be when there's every chance of winning another Champion.

Falco Blitz
6g Falco - Ignited
Axom LXXVII
12415-5
RPR 131c OR 132c
I like him a lot, but he made a couple of mistakes and jumped to the left on his debut over fences at Ascot on Saturday. He'll come on for that and could develop into a decent novice chaser.

Father John
5g Secret Singer - Oudette
Middleham Park Racing Xi
1-
RPR 102b
He's had niggly problems and his novice hurdle campaign never materialised last season, but he's stronger and more mature for that now. He's done loads of schooling and will get there.

Fix Sun
5g Al Namix - Quelly Bruere
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
21/112-0
RPR 131h OR 136h
Won twice last season and nearly made it three, but we never felt we had him spot on and he should improve a lot from his recent outing at Cheltenham.

Flinteur Sacre
5g Network - Fatima III
John P McManus
21-
RPR 128b
He's Sprinter Sacre's brother and has looked the part from day one. He won with ridiculous ease at Kempton in February, did plenty of schooling in the spring and is ready for hurdling. He has a bit to live up to but is exciting. His lad Sarwar Mohammed tells me he's just like riding Sprinter, but that might be heart ruling head!

Floressa
5m Poliglote - Dona Rez
Just Four Men
2/12129-
RPR 141h OR 141h
Gorgeous and classy, she was a Listed winner last season and is better than her performance at the festival. She pulled some muscles in her back and missed a race at Wetherby on Saturday, which was frustrating, but she'll soon be okay and we're condent she's a leading lady in waiting.

Follow The Bear
8g King's Theatre - Mrs Dempsey
G B Barlow
1112P-4
RPR 132c OR 135c
He's a delightful character and I'll be disappointed if he can't go far as a chaser. He's an accurate jumper and strong stayer who prefers good ground.

Fox's Socks
5g Crillon - Queva De Sarti
J Palmer-Brown
42-
RPR 101b
I like him and he should have won a jumpers' bumper at Wolverhampton. He's coming along and loves his jumping.

Fraser Island
4g Australia - Ponty Acclaim
A D Spence
1320-0
RPR 120h OR 126h
A neat horse who did well last term, he's more robust now and can continue to progress. I was disappointed with him at Chepstow last month, but some of mine were needing it more than I thought.

Fred
5g Cokoriko - Veribelle
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
22/3311-
RPR 139h OR 144h
He had a fruitful campaign and is a bonny, bouncy sort who I don't think wants testing conditions. The plan is to go chasing.

French Crusader
7g Kapgarde - Largesse
Robert Kirkland
52/121/2-
RPR 141h OR 139h
He's talented, as his second to Epatante last season demonstrates, but not easy to train. He could stay hurdling or go chasing and, if everything is right, could be very good.

Fugitives Drift
5g Yeats - Shebeganit
HP Racing Fugitives Drift
3/312-11
RPR 137h OR 137h
He's two from two this autumn and it was possibly to his advantage he didn't run again in the spring as he had an enjoyable early summer on some lovely grass at Fiona Marner's.

Fusil Raffles
5g Saint Des Saints - Tali Des Obeaux
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
11P0-11
RPR 158h OR 152c
Chasing has helped him regain what he showed as a four-year-old, when he won a Grade 1 at the Punchestown festival, and he's unbeaten in two over fences, including a polished display at Cheltenham last time. He could go into graded company, possibly at the next Cheltenham meeting, and I'm keen to go two and a half miles, but it doesn't appear essential at the moment.

Gordon Elliot part three

Saint D'Oroux
4g Saint Des Saints - Benghasi
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
513-933
RPR 131h OR 130h
He's had a wind operation since his last run. He just wasn't finishing his races out. If he comes back to his Cheltenham form he'll be okay.

Samcro
8g Germany - Dun Dun
Gigginstown House Stud
25-1F21
RPR 165c OR 159c
The second-season novice chase at Down Royal is the plan for him and then you'd love to aim him back at something like the Ryanair at Cheltenham. We could go for the John Durkan at Punchestown and maybe something like the Kinloch Brae at Thurles before Cheltenham. I'm not going to do what I did last season in running him on bottomless ground during the winter. Everyone was saying how good a training performance it was getting him back to win the Marsh but I'd argue it was one of the worst training decisions I have ever made when I ran him on heavy ground at Limerick last winter. I won't make that mistake again with him and he could get a little break during the winter as he's just not the same horse on deep ground.

Sams Choice
4g Kalanisi - Impressive Choice
Lyreen Syndicate
24
RPR 108b OR -
He was second first time up at Punchestown and then we probably ran him back a bit quick when he disappointed us on softer ground there on his second start. We'll freshen him up and have him for the spring and he's a nice horse.

Santana Plessis
6g Saint Des Saints - La Passeroie
D Charlesworth
422221
RPR 123h OR 115h
He won well the other day at Kilbeggan when Denis [O'Regan] gave him a good ride. I thought the handicapper was harsh enough putting him up 7lb but hopefully he'll be up to winning a little novice hurdle in England.

Sharp Focus
5g Rock Of Gibraltar - Strawberrymystique
Magnified Partnership
951602 (Flat)
RPR 79f OR 71f
He ran well in Killarney last time and he has been schooling well over hurdles. We might give him one more run on the Flat before we go jumping with him.

Shattered Love
9m Yeats - Tracker
Gigginstown House Stud
17326-3
RPR 159c OR 150c
It's not going to be easy to place her this season but she ran well at Punchestown and should come on from that.

Sheer Liss
5m Shirocco - Liss Na Tintri
Kenneth Alexander
3126
RPR 116b OR -
She ran very well in a good mares' bumper at Gowran Park first time up for us. If we'd known her better we might have made more use of her that day. Maybe we ran her back a bit soon at Ballinrobe the other day but we'll freshen her up now and there should be more to come from her over hurdles.

Sire Du Berlais
8g Poliglote - Royale Athenia
JP McManus
18/4941-
RPR 164h OR 158h
He has won the last two runnings of the Pertemps at Cheltenham. He's going to have to improve if he's to step up into open company but hopefully he can. The Stayers' Hurdle division looks open and we don't really have any other option but to go down that route, so hopefully he's up to it.

Sir Gerhard
5g Jeremy - Faanan Aldaar
Cheveley Park Stud
1- (point-to-point)
RPR 93p OR -
He's a nice young horse who won his point very impressively and, everything he's done at home, he's done it well. We think he'll take high rank in the bumper sphere.

Sister Eliza
3f Footstepsinthesand - Gift Dancer
Jolly Racing Syndicate
4B0
RPR 98h OR -
She has a couple of nice runs over hurdles under her belt and goes for a fillies' three-year-old hurdle next week. She's a nice fun horse.

Star Maker
6g Mastercraftsmasn - Snoqualmie Star
Thomond Racing Syndicate
1P400-0
RPR 130h OR 128h
He was disappointing at Tipperary but he won a nice pot for us at Killarney last summer and if we could get him back to that sort of form he'd pay his way. He'll run at Down Royal if the ground isn't too soft for him.

Take A Turn
6g Henrythenavigator - Satwa Pearl
MJ Wasylocha
71/1P4-0
RPR 124h OR 122h
He ran a bit flat last time but on his best form he's up to winning races and we're looking forward to getting him out soon.

Thatsy
6g Martaline - Rainallday
K Haughey & Laura Haughey & Kieran T Byrne
21497-2
RPR 130c
I don't know what his trip is. I run him over two miles and it looks like he wants two and a half, then we run him over two and a half and it looks like he needs two. He got tired at Galway but he should come on from it. We'll try and win our beginners' chase and take things from there.

The Abbey
7g Yeats - Sapphire Spray
When In Rome Partnership
276-222
RPR 115c OR 109c
We might bring him back to 2m and he'll run his race in handicaps. He's unfortunate not to have won over fences before now.

The Bosses Oscar
5g Oscar - Cuteasafox
Noel and Valerie Moran
12125-
RPR 140h OR 137h
He's the one horse you'd take out of Cheltenham last season as he was very unlucky in the Martin Pipe. Nothing went right for him in the race and he got knocked down everywhere but still managed to finish his race off well. He goes to Thurles for a winners' race and there'll be a lot of fun to be had with him this season.

The Sliding Rock
5m Shantou - Karello Bay
Mrs Caren Walsh & EG Tunstall & John F Doyle & John Mulholl
6-261261
RPR 120h OR 116h
She should be up to getting black type. She just didn't handle Downpatrick last month and she showed what she's made of at Ballinrobe. She's nice.

The Storyteller
9g Shantou - Bally Bolshoi
Mrs P Sloan
2-P1121
RPR 163c, 159h OR 156c, 153h
He may have earned himself a crack at the big one at Down Royal next month after winning so well at Punchestown last week. He’s been a great horse for us, winning ten races altogether, and he has the option of going back over hurdles. It wouldn't shock me if he were to run well in a Stayers' Hurdle.

The Very Man
6g Jeremy - Mill Meadow
Gigginstown House Stud
211-114
RPR 138h OR 138h
He did well for us over hurdles during the summer and I'd imagine he'll go chasing sooner rather than later.

Tiger Roll
10g Authorized - Swiss Roll
Gigginstown House Stud
4111/52-
RPR 174c OR 168c
We have the option of running him in a Flat maiden at Navan this week or going to Down Royal for the Ladbrokes Champion Chase but I'd only run him there if the ground wasn't soft and I wouldn't do the two – if we run him on the Flat, I'd say we'd look for a little hurdle race for him somewhere. I'll tell you one thing, though, he's absolutely bouncing at home. The plan is to go back for the cross-country at Cheltenham and then all the talk will be about Aintree, but we'll be training him for Cheltenham first and foremost. He's in serious form at home and I couldn't be happier with him. We made no secret of the fact he had a less than ideal prep for Cheltenham and then the ground turned up soft on the day when he was second to a very good horse. It was going to be a bit of a rush to build him back up for a Grand National and, in hindsight, what happened with the race may have been a blessing in disguise as far as he was concerned. He's a different horse now compared to this time last year and we can't wait to start him back.

Timoteo
7g Diamond Green - Goldnella
Middleham Park Racing Ireland
7511/8P-
RPR 142c OR 129c
We could aim him at all of those good two-mile handicap chases. Something like the Dan Moore at Fairyhouse could suit him.

Tullybeg
5g Sholokhov - Verney Roe
Noel and Valerie Moran
4-12U1
RPR 134h OR -
I think stepping up in trip was the key to him at Downpatrick, where he won well. I might not run him on real heavy ground but he's in good form and we're looking forward to him.

Uncle Henry
6g Henrythenavigator - Shebelia
Kieron Gammell
32F/140
RPR 117h OR 115h
He pulled a muscle and we missed a few days with him after Navan but he's back working well now and we'll get him out as soon as we can.

Weseekhimhere
4g Elusive Pimpernel - Rhythm Nation
John F Doyle & Mrs Caren Walsh
011
RPR 126b OR -
He was very impressive in winning his two bumpers. We might keep him to bumpers this season and head to Down Royal or Navan next.

Wide Receiver
5g Sholokhov - Sagarich
Gigginstown House Stud
1/126-2
RPR 122h OR -
He probably should have won at Punchestown last week but should come on from that. We like him a lot and there should be more to come.

Zanahiyr
3g Nathaniel - Zariyna
Noel and Valerie Moran
1
RPR 129h
He won over a mile and a half on the Flat and looks a nice type for juvenile hurdling. He had been working well before his Ballinrobe win and should improve from that.

Two for the tracker

There's a lot of fun to be had with The Bosses Oscar, who was the horse to take out of Cheltenham last year, and I wouldn't be writing off Run Wild Fred at all. Hopefully he's up to winning a nice staying handicap chase.
Expert View

Gordon Elliott was just hours away from winning his first trainers' title back in late April of 2018 before being collared in the final few strides by Willie Mullins, but this looks his best chance yet.

He appears to have both quality and quantity in every department. Mick Jazz finished third in a Champion Hurdle, but he was something of a wild card, so Abacadabras is the first real speedy two-mile hurdler Elliott has had. He's no bigger than 6-1 for the Champion Hurdle so races like the Morgiana, Ryanair Hurdle and Irish Champion Hurdle will be on his radar. The prize-money available in those will provide new entries to his piggy bank.

New signing Presenting Percy strengthens his staying chase team. We did not see the best of Delta Work in last season's Cheltenham Gold Cup, so it would be foolish to write him off, so Samcro could stay over two and a half miles and have a crack at the Ryanair.

Fury Road being kept over hurdles could be a shrewd move. He is surely a Stayers' Hurdle contender, along with two-time Pertemps Final winner Sire Du Berlais.

No horse has ever been sprinkled with more stardust than Envoi Allen. He appears to have everything you want in a racehorse and captains a terrific team of novice chasers. Easywork, second to him in the Ballymore, is another high-class recruit to fences.

Queens Brook is better than she showed at Fairyhouse. Slower ground, a more generous gallop and a longer trip will bring out the best in her.

And do not dare give up on Wide Receiver. He was a beaten odds-on favourite at Punchestown last week but jumped superbly in the main and just made a mess of the last. He's nice.

Fantasio D'Alene strikes me as the ideal Albert Bartlett type, while Elliott has won just about every juvenile hurdle going so far. Zanahiyr, a winner at Ballinrobe on Saturday, might just be the best of that bunch.

And, you had to wait until the final line for Tiger Roll to be mentioned. That tells you all you need to know.

Gordon Elliot part two

Easywork
6g Network - Rivabella De Saisy
Gigginstown House Stud
3/11122-
RPR 155h OR 153h
He's a good horse. He chased home Envoi Allen in the Ballymore last season and that's good form. We're looking forward to seeing what he can do over fences and he stays well.

Eclair De Beaufeu
6g Monitor Closely - Tenebreuse Gemm
Gigginstown House Stud
214312-
RPR 158c, 138h OR 153c, 135h
He'll run in all of those good two-mile chases. He was second at Cheltenham last season and won a valuable handicap chase in Ireland as well. Hopefully there'll be more to come from him and he might even come back over hurdles at some stage in the season.

Envious Editor
6g Aizavoski - Moll The Rol
Robcour
20/49P-3
RPR 118h OR 118h
He ran well at Listowel on his first run for us and he should come on a lot for that. He should be winning his maiden hurdle in the next few weeks.

Envoi Allen
6g Muhtathir - Reaction
Cheveley Park Stud
11/1111-
RPR 161h OR 160h
We can't wait to send him over a fence as this is what he was bought to do. It's no secret that I like to start off my best horses at Down Royal and the beginners' chase that Samcro won last year looks the right place for him to go. He can come up and down in trip in Ireland, like he did last season in his novice hurdles, but if I was to put my hand on my heart about what race he'll run in at Cheltenham I'd have to say it would be the JLT. He'll have two more strong pieces of work between now and Down Royal and we're very happy with him.

Escaira Ten
6g Maresca Sorrento - Spartes Eria
McNeill Family
23110-
RPR 138h OR 132h
He won a couple of times over hurdles and could be a real good staying chaser for us this season. He's an exciting horse and one we're really looking forward to.

Eskylane
6g Flemensfirth - Maple Lady
K Haughey & Laura Haughey & Kieran T Byrne
215-1
RPR 135h OR -
Like a lot of ours, he'll come on a lot for his first start of the season, when he won nicely at Punchestown. He's a classy horse, as he showed when finishing fifth in the Champion Bumper last season, and I'd say it'll be the For Auction Novice Hurdle at Navan next.

Fakiera
5g Cokoriko - Stella D'Engilbert
Tim O'Driscoll
4/4222-
RPR 130h OR -
He's a big staying horse who has a few good runs under his belt and he'll be ready to start back in a few weeks. He's up to winning his maiden hurdle and we'll take it from there.

Fakir D'Alene
5g Cokoriko - Serbanne
Noel and Valerie Moran
7-2
RPR 114h OR -
He was disappointing in a bumper at Navan last season but he had a good run back over hurdles at Kilbeggan and I'd expect him to get off the mark sooner rather than later.

Fancy Foundations
6g Kayf Tara - Miss Rocco
Andrew Brown & Gemma Brown
4/4P-1
RPR 119h OR -
He's a nice horse and whatever he does over hurdles will only be a bonus before he goes jumping fences.

Fantasio D'Alene
5g Saddler Maker - Passion D'Alene
Gigginstown House Stud
3/12247-
RPR 113h OR -
He should develop into a good staying novice this year and is one we're really looking forward to. He could end up being an Albert Bartlett horse.

Farouk D'alene
5g Racinger - Mascotte D'Alene
Gigginstown House Stud
11-
RPR 126b OR -
He won two bumpers for us and is a tough horse who jumps and gallops well. He could be a real good staying novice hurdler. The Ballymore could be the race for him. He's laid-back at home but he's a fair galloper and you'd have to love what he did both days for us.

Feel My Pulse
6g Stowaway - Zenaide
Gigginstown House Stud
1/ (point-to-point)
RPR 94p OR -
He's a very talented horse but also very hard to train. We couldn't get him to the track at all last year but he's back working nicely and hopefully we'll get a clear run with him. We're just waiting on some soft ground for him.

Felicidad
5m Racinger - Sacade
Kenneth Alexander
3/8-F216
RPR 126h OR -
She won her maiden hurdle well at Listowel but it was very heavy ground at Limerick last time and she choked up, so we're going to get her wind done now.

Felix Desjy
7g Maresca Sorrento - Lamadoun
Gigginstown House Stud
151/2-F1
RPR 135c OR -
He'll go for the Craddockstown Novice Chase at Punchestown after winning his beginners' chase nicely at Killarney. He'll come on a lot for Killarney and he's a nice horse to have for the two-mile novice chasing sphere. The Arkle will be on his agenda but you'd have to say he's more effective on a flat track, where he can put other horses under pressure, and he could be hard to beat at Aintree. He won a Grade 1 over hurdles there as a novice a couple of seasons back, so we know he likes it there.

Fields of dreams
4g Champs Elysees - Dylanesque
Frank McAleavy
4781-23 (Flat)
RPR 83f OR 78f
He was rated in the high 70s on the Flat for Roger Charlton and he's jumping well at home. He should be ready to start off over hurdles in the next few weeks.

Fierami
5g Network - Une Brik
Jim Power
7-5759
RPR 101h OR 102h
He has solid form without being exceptional and could be well enough handicapped to pay his way.

Fiston Des Issards
5g Buck's Boum - Saboum
Noel and Valerie Moran
1- (point-to-point)
RPR 92p OR -
He came highly recommended out of Colin Bowe's after he won his point and he's one we're looking forward to starting off in a bumper. He's a big staying chaser for the future.

Floueur
5g Legolas - Saraska D'Airy
Claudio Michael Grech
31113-
RPR 141h OR 141h
He won a nice race at Navan and ran well at Punchestown. He's another big chaser and one we're looking forward to.

Folcano
Falco - Floriana
Noel and Valerie Moran
FF1- (point-to-point)
RPR 88p OR -
He won his point and is a nice bumper horse to have this year.

Frontal Assault
5g Presenting - The Folkes Choice
Gigginstown House Stud
235-2
RPR 118b 111h OR -
He didn't do a lot wrong apart from being beaten at Limerick and he'll come on a lot for that.

Fury Road
6g Stowaway - Molly Duffy
Gigginstown House Stud
311143-
RPR 152h OR 151h
He's going to stay over hurdles this season and there's a nice second-season novice race over 2m6f at Navan for him to start off in. You'd be hoping he can develop into a horse who would be competitive in the Stayers' Hurdle. That division looks quite open and that's why we kept him to hurdles this year.

Galvin
6g Gold Well - Burren Moonshine
RA Bartlett
422-111
RPR 155c OR 148c
The National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham is made for this lad. It's hard to believe it, but he didn't win over fences until July of this year, when he won over 2m5f at Killarney. He's won two soft races since. The plan was the Galway Plate but we had to rule him out on the morning of the race, which was unfortunate. I'd say there's a nice pot in him and the National Hunt Chase is the plan. He was second at Cheltenham last season and ran well there as a hurdler, so it seems the logical aim. There's a Grade 3 chase at Cork next month and we could run him in that before putting him away for Cheltenham.

Gars De Sceaux
4g Saddler Marker - Replique
JP McManus
1- (point-to-point)
RPR 96p OR -
He won his point-to-point nicely and we like him. He's one to look forward to and will start off in a bumper.

Gerri Colombe
4g Saddler Maker - Ruse De Guerre
Robcour
1- (point-to-point)
RPR 90p OR -
Another who won his point nicely, he's one of many nice horses we have to run in bumpers this season.

Getabay
6g Getaway - Curragheen
Andrew Brown & Gemma Brown
6223-33
RPR 112h OR -
A big staying chaser and I’d say you couldn't go far enough with him. I probably ran him back a bit soon last month.

Get Rich Die Plyin
5g Beat Hollow - Shivermetimber
Apollo Horse Racing Syndicate & Gary Hassall
2-13
RPR 127h OR -
He's a big galloper and the only little worry I'd have with him is heavy ground. He was a small bit disappointing in a novice hurdle at Cork on Sunday but that was just his second run over hurdles and hopefully there should be more to come from him.

Ginto
4g Walk In The Park - Tina Rederie
Crocodile Pockets Syndicate
Unraced
Jamie Codd holds him in very high regard. We'll start him off in a point soon and, if Jamie is right about him, he could be exciting.

Give Him Time
9g Kalanisi - Delayed
Jolly Racing Syndicate
013P1P
RPR 106h, 105c OR 98h, 98c
He made a bad mistake at Punchestown early and Denis [O'Regan] wisely pulled him up. There should be lots more fun to be had with him.

Glan
5m Getaway - Fleur
Mrs Ann Marie McManus
7-11
RPR 113b OR -
Her bumper form is good. She stepped up on her Kilbeggan win when doing it nicely at Punchestown, the form of which has been boosted. We've given her a little break and the plan is to bring her back for some of those nice Listed mares' bumpers in the spring.

Glenglass
4g Ocovango - Funny Times
Noel and Valerie Moran
1- (point-to-point)
RPR 91p OR -
He's a very big horse and did exceptionally well to win a point at four. He's a lovely horse but he won't be busy this year. He's one for the future.

Glenloe
9g Kayf Tara - Mandys Native
JP McManus
5/54/534-
RPR 142c OR 135c
He's a grand horse. It was disappointing that he missed Cheltenham last season as he would have had a decent chance there but hopefully we'll get a clear run with him this year.

Glens Finale
6g Sholokhov - Glens Music
Ms Fiona McStay
1897-
RPR 102h OR -
He's been a hard horse to train but he has an engine.

Glorious Zoff
3g Zoffany - Ardbrae Lady
Deva Racing Syndicate
74-5366 (Flat)
RPR 74f OR 70f
He's schooling well and will start off in a juvenile hurdle in the coming weeks.

Gold Des Bois
6g Full Of Gold - Equatoriale
Robcour
06432-1
RPR 123h OR -
He got off the mark for us at Clonmel and the plan is to run him in a handicap hurdle at Down Royal. We'll keep him to hurdles for the season and hopefully there'll be a nice pot in him.

Golden Nomad
6g Gold Well - Roaming
Sideways Syndicate
3-44202
RPR 112h, 112c OR 108h
He's been a bit disappointing but he's had a wind operation and, on the way he works at home, he should be up to winning races.

Gordon's Jet
4g Jet Away - Rose Brook
Douglas Taylor
14
RPR 113b OR -
He's a nice horse but real heavy ground would be a bit of a worry for him.

Grand Roi
4g Spanish Moon - Ultra D'Anjou
Noel and Valerie Moran
6/31411-
RPR 131h OR 140h
He's done a couple of nice bits at home and he's one we're looking forward to this year. There's a Grade 3 hurdle at Galway that we'll start him off in and, all being well, it'll be the Fishery Lane after that. He'll come on for his first run.

Grangeclare Native
5g Shantou - Navaro
Gigginstown House Stud
1/18-F
RPR 120h OR -
He fell at Gowran Park when a short-priced favourite and we'd be hoping he can put that behind him wherever he goes next. He's a nice horse.

Hamundarson
5g Stowaway - Hats And Heels
Gigginstown House Stud
25-2
RPR 113b OR -
I thought he was one of my better bumper horses last season but he's been a bit disappointing to say the least. We might go over hurdles with him now and maybe even fit him with some headgear.

Hereditary Rule
5g Imperial Monarch - Miss Ogan
CF Syndicate
528-
RPR 114h OR -
He got a leg last year but he's back and is close to running again. He's owned by a great bunch of lads and we're looking forward to getting him back out.

Hollow Games
4g Beat Hollow - I'm Grand
Noel and Valerie Moran
1- (point-to-point)
RPR 93p OR -
Another point winner, he wants soft ground and is a horse I'm looking forward to running. He's going to make a real good staying chaser and I've made no secret about the fact I think he's nice.

Homme D'Un Soir
4g Hurricane Cat - Country Girl
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
13-
RPR 115b OR -
He won his bumper at Gowran Park but got beaten next time in a messy six-runner bumper at Leopardstown. He's jumping very well and we're looking forward to getting him out soon.

I A Connect
5g Jeremy - Kings Orchid
McNeill Family
3-23
RPR 112b OR -
He works very well at home. For whatever reason, he just hasn't won yet. I'm not sure if we'll keep him to bumpers or go jumping hurdles, but he works like a machine and hopefully he can show that on track before too long.

Imperial Sachin's
4g Fame And Glory - Queen Of Tribes
Imperial Racing Syndicate
3
RPR 100b OR -
He had a nice first run at Downpatrick and he'll come on a lot for that. He should be up to winning a bumper.

Indigo Breeze
4g Martaline - Miss Poutine
G Costello
1 (point-to-point)
He worked well on grass last week and is ready to start off in a bumper fairly soon. He won an English point.

Insane Bolt
4g Slade Power - Rahaala
McDonnell's Bar Racing Syndicate
7-81323
RPR 113h OR 111h
He's a good fun horse who always runs his race. We'll give him a few runs at Dundalk as well as over hurdles over the winter and he'll pay his way.

Jimmy Jimmy
5g Robin Des Champs - Asturienne
Brendan Scully
622-121
RPR 127h OR -
He won his maiden hurdle at Punchestown. He's a good fun horse who'll end up jumping a fence but will pay his way over hurdles.

Kayf Thou
9g Kayf Tara - Labelthou
D Charlesworth
6/34383-
RPR 110c, 100h OR 105c, 94h
He's a low-grade staying handicap chaser but there should be plenty of fun to be had with him over the winter.

Larquebuse
6m Saddler Maker - Sirene Du Rheu
Cheveley Park Stud
141416-
RPR 137h OR -
The ground can't be soft enough for her. She was unlucky not to get black type over hurdles last season and I'd be hoping she can get it over fences this year.

Last Minute Man
8g Yeats - Ella Watson
SP O'Connor
00/3337-
RPR 125h OR 123h
He was unlucky not to win over hurdles last season but hopefully that'll change this season. He's not far off a run.

Longacre Square
5g Jeremy - Missed Trip
We Are Going To Do It Syndicate
74
RPR 105h OR -
He ran well at Tramore last month and should be up to winning a few races for the syndicate. He's a fun horse.

Longclaw
3g Kitten's Joy - Secret Union
NHJ Racing Syndicate
111
RPR 120h OR -
He's won three juvenile hurdles and will probably go to Wetherby for a Listed hurdle.

Magic Tricks
4g Davidoff - Cadoubelle Des As
JP McManus
2- (point-to-point)
RPR 90p OR -
He's a brother to Abacadabras and, like him, he shows plenty of pace. He was second to Gars De Sceaux in a point and we're looking forward to running him soon. He's speedy.

Malone Road
6g Kalanisi - Zaffarella
Cheveley Park Stud
1/11/13
RPR 135h OR -
He came home from Listowel very sore and he's on the easy list, so we probably won't see him until Christmas. He was disappointing at Listowel, where his jumping let him down, but he was clearly feeling something given he came back sore. He looks like he'll need stepping up in trip but you'd have to say it's unlikely he'll ever be the horse he promised to be as a bumper horse, which is unfortunate. He just doesn't seem to be the same since he came back from his injury.

Mars Harper
4g Sulamani - Kizzy May
Pioneer Racing
13
RPR 114b OR -
He surprised us a little when he won at Ballinrobe but the form of that race has worked out well and he showed it wasn't a fluke when he ran well at Punchestown. He's still quite immature and there should be more to come.

Milan Native
7g Milan - That's The Goose
Gigginstown House Stud
24221-1
RPR 152c OR 149c
He won well at Galway on his return and there's a race at Navan in a few weeks for second-season novices which he might go to. There's also a race at Wexford. Long term, I'm hoping he'd be a horse for the Nationals, either Aintree or Fairyhouse.

Minellafordollars
8g King's Theatre - Another Dollar
JP McManus
31/84/6-6
RPR 136h, 124c OR 121c
He came back in from his summer holidays looking great and he'll be up to paying his way. He showed plenty of promise as a young horse and hopefully he's up to winning a few.

Mount Ida
6m Yeats - Jolivia
KTDA Racing
21/1230-
RPR 128h OR 137h
She has black type over hurdles but she's been a bit slow to come to hand this season. We're going to go chasing with her and we think she's up to getting black type over fences.

Mr Caplan
5g Fame And Glory - Clockwise
Allan Snow
2-
RPR 100b OR -
He works very well. We've had a few problems with him at home but he's working well now again. I'd be surprised if he doesn't win his bumper.

Mr Jackman
4g Flemensfirth - Leith Walk
NHJ Racing Syndicate
112
RPR 102h OR -
I was very disappointed when he got beaten over hurdles at Punchestown a couple of weeks ago but the form of that race is turning out to be good. We're looking forward to getting him out again soon and he's up to paying his way.

'It was one of my worst decisions - but I won't make that mistake again'

O' Connell street
6g Fame And Glory - Victorine
Vincent Caldwell & Mrs Kathleen Caldwell
24/2-6
RPR 112h OR -
He got a bit tired on his first run for us at Limerick but he qualifies for a mark now and should be able to pay his way in handicaps.

Off Your Rocco
4g Shirocco - Takeyourcapoff
Pioneer Racing
1
RPR 103b OR -
He won his bumper nicely and we've given him a little break. He's one to look forward to when he goes jumping.

One Down
5g Arcadio - Gilt Ridden
Gigginstown House Stud
413-1
RPR 114h OR -
He won well at Gowran Park but I think he'll need to improve a lot to be competitive in Graded races. He was just very weak last year but I'm much happier with him now. He's a brother to The Game Changer but he's not as quick as he was.

Out Sam
11g Multiplex - Tintera
D Charlesworth
3063P-F
RPR 151c OR 126c
He was in the process of running a nice race at Kilbeggan when he fell three out. He was fine afterwards and we were going to go for the Velká Pardubická but the prize-money was cut, so we decided against it. He could go back to the Cork National, which he won a couple of seasons ago, and also has the option of going down the cross-country route again.

Papal Lodge
4g Papal Bull - Ladyofthelodge
Justanidea Syndicate
3125
RPR 106h OR -
I ran him back too soon last time but he's back working nicely and will run in a maiden hurdle soon.

Paranoid
6g Mahler - Kilbarry Medoc
Philip Reynolds
3402P-1
RPR 120h, 109c OR 110h, 112c
He got the job done at Galway and you'd be hoping he could win again somewhere. He has the option of going over fences as well.

Pencilfulloflead
6g Shantou - Quaspia
Robcour
14214-
RPR 139h OR -
He's schooling very well at home. He was bought to be a chaser and we're looking forward to sending him over a fence.

Petit Mouchoir
9g Al Namix - Arnette
Noel and Valerie Moran
2235-23
RPR 165h, 161c OR 157h
He's a great horse for Noel and Valerie Moran as he can run in all of the big hurdle races in Ireland and hopefully pick up a cheque each time provided he stays sound. How many horses can you buy for £70,000 and know that, if he stays sound, he will win at least half of that if he stays sound? Not many. He's a classy horse and we thought he was worth taking a chance on. We'll keep him over hurdles for the time being but I wouldn't rule out going back over fences with him. The Morgiana Hurdle might be a nice starting point for him.

Presenting Percy
9g Sir Percy - Hunca Munca
Philip Reynolds
18/353F-
RPR 172c OR 165c
I've always liked this horse. He has to improve 6lb or 7lb to be in with a chance of winning a Gold Cup but we're hopeful he can and we're very happy with what he's showing us at home. I can't wait to start him off at Down Royal and hopefully he has a big season ahead of him. If you look back at last season's Gold Cup, there's no reason to say he wouldn't have been in the money if he hadn't fallen. They went no gallop and he was coming from off the pace, which wouldn't have suited, but he was coming with a good run when he came down two out. We're very glad to have him. The plan is very much the Gold Cup but we'll also give ourselves the option of the Grand National. I think he could run very well in that.

Queens Brook
5m Shirocco - Awesome Miracle
Noel and Valerie Moran
13-1
RPR 122h OR -
She was only three-quarters fit when she won at Fairyhouse recently and she had a good blow afterwards. Once she gets softer ground and steps out in trip she'll be a better mare altogether and the mares' novice hurdle at Cheltenham will be the plan for her. She'll go to Down Royal next for the Grade 3 mares' novice that Daylight Katie won last year and, depending on how that goes, I wouldn't be afraid of taking on the boys at some stage with her before Cheltenham. A better gallop will suit her and she wants to please you. They went no gallop at Fairyhouse and we knew she wasn’t fit, but she put her head down and galloped all the way to the line. Watch her from the last to the line – she wants to win. I love that about her.

Quilixios
3g Maxios - Quilita
Cheveley Park Stud
1-1
RPR 133h OR -
It's very early to be starting to talk about the Triumph Hurdle but he's a nice horse and he showed that at Punchestown last week. We’ll step him up in grade now.

Ragnar Lodbrok
5g Fame And Glory - Justamemory
Gigginstown House Stud
34-1
RPR 121h OR -
He ran in a couple of good bumpers last year before getting off the mark for us over hurdles at Galway. He should come on a lot from that.

Ravenhill
10g Winged Love - Rhythm Hill
Try Ravenhill Syndicate
52F1-U6
RPR 157c OR 153c
He won the National Hunt Chase last season but disappointed us a little at Punchestown last week. I had been thinking of running him in the big race [Ladbrokes Champion Chase] at Down Royal but we'll see closer to the time. The Grand National looks the race for him and that'll be his long-term target.

Recent Revelations
4g Moohaajim - Shirley Blake
Half Married Syndicate
24-22P5
RPR 128h OR 130h
He was disappointing at Punchestown last week and we'll be trying to get him back to some of his better form as a juvenile and hopefully get his head in front over hurdles somewhere this season. He had a wind operation before Punchestown.

Road To Dubai
6g Aqlaam - Fragrancy
Brendan Scully
12331-1
RPR 136h OR -
We'll mix and match with him. The race he won at Navan wasn't strong but he did it well and hopefully he'll be up to winning again.

Run Wild Fred
6g Shantou - Talkin Madam
Gigginstown House Stud
1/31F1-3
RPR 145c, 149h OR 144h
He was a bit disappointing on his return at Limerick when it looked as though he had the race won before weakening at the back of the last. He should come on from that and hopefully he's up to winning his beginners' chase. I wouldn't be writing him off at all and, if he's not a Graded horse, hopefully he can pay his way in handicaps.

Gordon Elliot part one

'I wouldn't be writing him off at all' - Gordon Elliott star's Gold Cup aim

Gordon Elliott: "I probably say this every year, but I’ve never had as nice a bunch of horses to look forward to"

UPDATED 8:44PM, OCT 18 2020

Welcome to Gordon Elliott’s playground. Here we have toys other trainers could only ever dream about playing with. In one box, there is the unbeaten Envoi Allen, firmly on course to make his chasing debut at Down Royal next month.

Tiger Roll, the most popular horse in training, is another. Presenting Percy is a nice addition to the Gold Cup category that already features five-time Grade 1 winner Delta Work.

There is no place for boredom around here. Every corner of Cullentra House Stables is full of intrigue and we haven’t even mentioned the toys Elliott has yet to unwrap.

“We have an unbelievable amount of talented horses and we’re very lucky, but we also have a lot of unraced horses and I’m just very privileged to have some brilliant owners,” Elliott says.

More immediately, Elliott could take the wraps off Tiger Roll in a Flat maiden at Navan on Thursday, while Presenting Percy and Delta Work could return in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal next month.

That meeting has long been used as a springboard for Elliott to launch his season and Samcro, Envoi Allen, Abacadabras and some talented bumper horses are just a handful being prepared for take-off.

Elliott adds: “It’s no secret I like to start off some of my best horses at Down Royal in November and, touch wood, Envoi Allen, Abacadabras, Samcro, Presenting Percy and Delta Work will all start back there.

“I probably say this every year, but I’ve never had as nice a bunch of horses to look forward to and we look to be well represented in most divisions.”

Rival to watch

Anything trained by Willie Mullins.

Race in focus

I’ll say the WKD Hurdle at Down Royal with Abacadabras. I think this horse has what it takes to run very well in a Champion Hurdle and, all being well, he’ll start off at Down Royal. Hopefully he can get off to a winning start and then we could think about going to Leopardstown and places like that before hopefully having a good crack at the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. The WKD Hurdle isn’t the biggest race in the season, but it’s an important one for Abacadabras and one we’ve had our eye on for a while with him..
Stable profile

Yard Cullentra House Stables
Where Longwood, County Meath
Started training 2006
Horses in yard 205
Members of staff 60
Assistant trainers Ian Amond and Keith Donoghue
Head lad Simon McGonagle
Travelling head staff Camilla Sharples and Brian Flood
Barn managers Joey Elliott, Eleri Apps, Seainin Mahon, Jack Madden, Katie Young, Cossie McGivern, Cat Bolger, Sinead O'Brien, Carly Scott, Darren Treacy, Ronan Galway and Kim Bridgett
Head of veterinary care Mary Nugent
Feed man Shane McCann
Race planning Ryan McElligott
Jockeys Davy Russell, Jack Kennedy, Denis O'Regan and Keith Donoghue
Amateur jockeys Lisa O'Neill and Jamie Codd
Secretaries Alex Hutter and Pip Proctor
Accountant Conor McCafferty
Stable sponsor eCOMM Merchant Solutions
Website gordonelliottracing.co.uk
Twitter @gelliott_racing

Winners in Ireland
2019-20 156
2018-19 177
2017-18 210
2016-17 193
2015-16 123

Profit/loss to €1 stake
2019-20 -312.94
2018-19 -383.08
2017-18 -287.03
2016-17 -285.47
2015-16 -285.93

Total prize-money 2019-20 €3,820,310

Abacadabras
Six-year-old gelding Davidoff (sire) - Cadoubelle Des As (dam)
Owner: Gigginstown House Stud
Form figures: /211212-
Racing Post Rating 160 (hurdles); Official rating 158h
He'll start off at Down Royal in the Grade 3 WKD Hurdle and we'll go down the Champion Hurdle route with him. He's always shown us loads of pace and you could say he was a bit unlucky not to win the Supreme last season. He was left in front a bit too soon and it didn't suit. We're hoping he's up to the standard needed to win a Champion Hurdle.

Aforementioned
7g Zanzibari - Parcelle De Sou
Gigginstown House Stud
-242511
RPR 139c OR 136c
He won the Munster National off a light weight. He's a grand, big staying chaser and he'll be targeted at all of those good staying handicap chases.

Alpha Des Obeaux
10g Saddler Maker - Omega Des Obeaux
Gigginstown House Stud
2/2333-5
RPR 168c OR 158c
His year will be geared towards the Aintree Grand National. I was delighted with how his prep was going for the race last year and it's just a pity it didn't go ahead. He ran well in the Becher and Bobbyjo last season and I'd imagine we'll aim him back at those races. I could see him running well in the Grand National as he has all the right attributes for the race.

Andy Dufresne
6g Doyen - Daytona Lily
JP McManus
1/1/1213-
RPR 150h OR 145h
He's schooled very well over fences and will be ready to start in the next week or ten days. We've viewed him as a chaser from day one and we're really looking forward to seeing what he can do over a fence.

Aramax
4g Maxios - Aramina
JP McManus
F311-08
RPR 138h, 99c OR 142h
He ran to a good level over hurdles last season but he got very tired on his first start over fences at Galway. There should be a lot of fun to be had with him this season.

Ard Abhainn
6m Jeremy - Sheer Frustration
Mrs Maura Gittins
/141310-
RPR 134h OR 132h
She's a very nice mare who did well for us last season and I'm hoping there's a lot more fun to be had with her. I'm not sure if we're going to keep her to hurdles or go chasing, but she looks like she could be just as effective over fences.

Ballyadam
5g Fame And Glory - Grass Tips
Cheveley Park Stud
131-
RPR 122b OR -
He's a smart horse. The plan will be to start him off in a maiden hurdle at Down Royal and I'd be disappointed if he's not a Graded horse over hurdles this season. When Jamie [Codd] got off him after winning at Downpatrick he said he was the best horse who would ever run up there – Jamie doesn't say things like that too often, so you have to respect what he says. Jamie wasn't wonderful on him when he got beaten in a bumper at Navan the time before that but the ground was very heavy and the horse ran keen. We couldn't see him being beaten that day as he was working that well, so we all had long faces on us that day, but it was great to see him do what we thought he was capable of doing at Downpatrick and we think he can take high rank over hurdles this year.

BattleoverDoyen
7g Doyen - Battle Over
Gigginstown House Stud
P/111F4-
RPR 158c OR 152c
We could bring him back in trip and may even start him off in the Fortria Chase over two miles at Navan. He didn't do a whole pile wrong last year but maybe his form just tapered off a little bit.

Bel Ami De Sivola
9g Network - Notting Hill
Tom Howley and Aidan O’Ryan
/36P55P/
RPR 138c OR 133c
He had a tendon injury and has missed a bit of time but he's back in and cantering away. We're thinking of stepping him up in trip and there are loads of valuable handicaps we could aim him at.

Bigbadandbeautiful
6m Big Bad Bob - Playing Around
Andrew Bedford
32/1114-
RPR 124b OR -
She'll go novice hurdling and is one we're looking forward to. She was a classy bumper mare last season and we ran her on the Flat. We could go back to the Flat with her again. We like her.

Black Tears
6m Jeremy - Our Girl Salley
Mrs Caren Walsh & John Lightfoot
P23122-
RPR 147h OR 148h
She's been a great mare, good and consistent, and always picks up a cheque. We'd be looking to get more black type with her this year but she's a valuable broodmare as it is. It's unlikely that she'll go chasing.

Braeside
6g Presenting - The Kids Dante
KTDA Racing
3316F-4
RPR 124h, 116c OR 122h
I could see him winning a good staying handicap chase off a light weight. He's a big stayer who gallops and jumps.

Braid Blue
7g Gold Well - Outo'Theblue
PJ McBurney
1112-4U
RPR 145h OR 141h
He's a talented horse. He probably doesn't want real heavy ground but on his day he's smart. He'll be out in a beginners' chase fairly soon and I'm hoping he's up to winning one.

Calagogo
4g Doyen - Bluebell Line
Camilla Sharples
3
RPR 89b OR -
He was a good third in a Fairyhouse bumper on his debut and he'll come on a lot for that. He'll pay his way over the winter.

Call Me Lyreen
4g Court Cave - Mooneys Valley
Lyreen Syndicate
1
RPR 113h OR -
He won well at Tramore last month. I'm not going to rush him as he's big and backward, but he should be up to winning plenty of races.

Cheb De Kerviniou
10g Tiger Groom - Muhtatene
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
42332P-
RPR 136c OR 129c
I think he's well enough handicapped to win a nice pot somewhere. The ground couldn't be soft enough for him.

Chemical Energy
4g Well Chosen - Meadstown Miss
Andrew Brown & Gemma Brown
1
RPR 110b OR -
He won his bumper impressively at Roscommon and we're really looking forward to him this season. He'll go to the winners' bumper at Down Royal all being well.

Chosen Mate
7g Well Chosen - Norwich Star
The Northern Four Racing Partnership
3411-04
RPR 158c, 145h OR 156c, 143h
He won the Grand Annual at Cheltenham last season and will be competitive in all of those conditions chases over two miles this season. He gave himself a cut at Tipperary a couple of weeks ago but nothing too serious. He could pick up a lot of prize-money.

Clondaw Secret
5g Court Cave - Secret Can't Say
Noel and Valerie Moran
1- (point-to-point)
RPR 89p OR -
We're looking forward to starting him off in a bumper in the coming weeks. We're just waiting on a bit of softer ground for him.

Coach Carter
4g Sholokhov - Catcherinscratcher
Kenny Haughey
3
RPR 97b OR -
He ran a bit keen at Galway. He's a quick horse who jumps very well. He'll go for another bumper and will win plenty of races.

Coko Beach
5g Cokoriko - Solana Beach
Gigginstown House Stud
512F09-
RPR 147h OR 141h
He'll go novice chasing. He never really got his ground last season but he was a highly rated juvenile hurdler and he could be all right over fences.

Column Of Fire
6g Robin Des Champs - Ghillie's Bay
Gigginstown House Stud
32F13F-
RPR 146h OR 145h
He looked as though he was delivering a winning challenge when falling at the last in the Martin Pipe. He was very sore afterwards, but thankfully we have him for this season and we'll go over fences. He's cantering away and is about a month or six weeks away from running. He's a classy horse.

Commander of fleet
6g Fame And Glory - Coonagh Cross
Gigginstown House Stud
1/1412/P-
RPR 152h OR 149h
He's a Grade 1 winner. He got a leg last year but he's back and looks great. He's an exciting horse to go chasing with.

Commentariolus
6g Frankel - Apsara
M Booth & Rachael Evans
13/5/
RPR 123h OR 120h
He had a leg injury and missed a lot of time but had a nice run on the Flat at Thurles this month and I think he's well up to winning a few over hurdles.

Conflated
6g Yeats - Saucy Present
Gigginstown House Stud
31344-3
RPR 141h, 137c OR 138h
He had a nice run over fences at Punchestown and he should come on a lot for the run. You'd be hoping he might develop into a black-type horse and there might be a handicap to be won with him along the way.

Coqolino
5g French Fifteen - Classic Angel
JP McManus
12-
RPR 120b OR -
He was beaten by a good horse in a bumper at Gowran Park. We like him and we're looking forward to sending him over hurdles.

Corran Cross
5g Doyen - Steel Lady
KTDA Racing
1-2
RPR 115b OR -
He bumped into a smart horse at Downpatrick and he's well up to winning his bumper in the coming weeks.

Cracking Smart
8g Great Pretender - Maya Du Frene
Gigginstown House Stud
8P7514-
RPR 155h OR 154h
He won the Boyne Hurdle at Navan last season and he's back looking and moving great. He didn't enjoy chasing, so I'd say we'll keep him over hurdles this season. He can go for all of those conditions hurdle races and he's a smart horse on his day.

Cuneo
8g Kapgarde - Mefertiti
Pioneer Racing
700-033
RPR 141h, 120c OR 130h
We ran him over a trip that's probably a bit short of his best at Gowran Park. He's a big staying horse and we'll try to win a staying handicap chase with him. He's a good fun horse to have.

Curlew Hill
5g Carlotamix - Flags Flying
Noel and Valerie Moran
414123
RPR 132h OR -
He ran well at Punchestown and then got beaten by a smart horse at Downpatrick when the ground was a bit soft for him.

Daphne Moon
5m Kalanisi - Massini Rose
Mrs B McConnell
3382-0
RPR 104b OR -
The ground wasn't soft enough for her last time at Punchestown but she's going to go over hurdles now. She's a big, honest staying mare.

Dark Spark
4g Presenting - Voler La Vedette
Nelius O'Keeffe
1
RPR 116b OR -
He’s got a really good pedigree and I liked the way he won his bumper at Kilbeggan. He's a nice horse who we'll probably keep to bumpers this season.

Darling Daughter
6m Presenting - Premier Victory
Gigginstown House Stud
110-
RPR 123b OR -
She had to have an operation on her knees after the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham but she's back cantering away. She probably won't be ready until Christmas but she's a Grade 2 bumper winner and should be well capable of getting black type over hurdles.

Daylight Katie
7m Bonbon Rose - Sirani
Coldunell Limited
313/211-
RPR 139h OR -
She'll go jumping fences. She injured herself at Down Royal last year – she just put her foot through the third-last and cut her leg – and that's why she didn't run again. I've always liked her and I'm looking forward to seeing her over a fence.

Death Duty
9g Shantou - Midnight Gift
Gigginstown House Stud
1F/4402-
RPR 162c 150h OR 147c 142h
He's working well. I'm not sure what route I'm going to go with him but he's very well and isn't far off running. He's a classy horse but he's had a few injuries. I wouldn't be surprised if we kept him over hurdles.

Defi Bleu
7g Saddler Maker - Glycine Bleue
Gigginstown House Stud
13203/P-
RPR 145h OR 140h
He missed a year through injury. We haven't fully decided if he'll go chasing but he could mix and match. He could win a lot of prize-money if he stays sound.

Delta Work
7g Network - Robbe
Gigginstown House Stud
3-14115
RPR 173c OR 170c
We've learned a bit more about him every year and we know he always comes on from his first run, so we'd be expecting him to take a good step forward from whatever he does in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal. He's still a young horse and we think there could be more improvement with another summer under his belt. He was only beaten six or seven lengths in the Gold Cup despite the fact he didn't jump well on the day – he just never got into a rhythm for whatever reason at Cheltenham – so I wouldn't be writing him off at all. Jack [Kennedy] seems to get a tune out him that nobody else can, so hopefully he'll be back in time to ride him at Down Royal. He'll take the exact same path to the Gold Cup this season and I still believe in him.

Don Diablo
5g Flemensfirth - Tonaphuca Girl
KTDA Racing
2-3
RPR 110b OR -
He was too keen when third in a bumper at Clonmel but he came out of the race well and will run again soon.

Duffle Coat
3g Alhebayeb - Humilis
Little Emperor Syndicate
11
RPR 124h OR -
He's done nothing wrong in winning his two hurdle races this season and we'll either go to Down Royal or Wetherby with him. He's not the biggest but he has an engine.

Willie Mullins part three

Sayo
6g Dalakhani - Tiyi
Miss M A Masterson
P300-81
RPR 144h OR 142h
He slipped up in a Flat handicap at Listowel and ended up with a few war wounds from it. We've nursed him back and he's doing fast work this week. He has ability and we'll mix it between Flat handicaps and hurdling.

Shadow Rider
6g Martaline - Samansonnienne
John P McManus
1/ (point)
RPR 93p
He won a point-to-point nicely at Knockanard. I'd say we'll skip bumpers and go straight for a maiden hurdle. Colin Bowe liked him and he could make his mark over hurdles.

Sharjah
7g Doctor Dino - Saaryeh
Mrs S Ricci
1B/4162-
RPR 168h OR 164h
He ran a cracker in the Champion Hurdle and for a fleeting moment I thought we might win it coming down to the last. All roads lead back there, but we know he goes particularly well at Leopardstown too, so he will have the same sort of programme as last season.

Shanning
7m Spanish Moon - Idaho Falls
Lady in Waiting & Brett Graham Syndicate
017-962
RPR 145h OR 136h
She's been disappointing and is on a break. She'll be back in time for the new year. If I can get her right there's a nice handicap in her.

Shewearsitwell
5m Shirocco - Ware It Vic
Closutton Racing Club
111
RPR 147h
She's a really sharp hurdler who should give her connections something to shout about this season. She's in the Royal Bond and we'll see if she's good enough for that class. That will determine where she goes for the rest of season.

Stattler
5g Stowaway - Our Honey
R A Bartlett
132-
RPR 124b
He's by Stowaway out of an Old Vic mare and looks a staying type. In saying that, Stowaways tend to have great cruising speed, so he could win over two miles.

The Big Getaway
6g Getaway - Saddlers Dawn
Mrs J Donnelly
2/21413-
RPR 152h OR 150h
A horse I'm really looking forward to getting out over fences. He ran a big race in the Ballymore behind Envoi Allen at Cheltenham. He's always been a big, chasing type. He's a horse any jockey would love to sit on over fences with his strength and size. He's a stayer.

The West Awaits
5m Flemensfirth - Lonesome Dove
Mrs John Magnier
261-
RPR 111b
She's a well-bred mare who should improve for going over longer trips over hurdles.

Tiger Tap Tap
5g Jukebox Jury - Tomato Finish
Mrs S Ricci
11060-8
RPR 138h OR 132h
He's already had seven runs this year, so I've given him a little break. Expect him to come back and be a lot sharper than his last couple of runs. I think he's a horse who is well handicapped. Watch out for him in a nice handicap over Christmas.

Tornado Flyer
7g Flemensfirth - Mucho Macabi
T F P Partnership
411P35-
RPR 155c OR 150c
He seems to run well early in the season and then go off the boil. I've changed his training methods in an attempt to keep his form throughout the season. He's a 150-rated chaser, who could be a bit better than that. He's knocking on the door of Grade 1 territory. I'm convinced that if we tinker a little bit with his training routine we can get a bit more improvement out of him.

Total Recall
11g Westerner - Augest Weekend
Slaneyville Syndicate
3P/8631-
RPR 164c OR 158c
He's been a great servant to the yard and for his owners. Little did I think he would win the Thyestes last year in the manner he did. It's not beyond the bounds of possibility that he has another big handicap in him either.

Unexcepted
6g Anzillero - Eaton Lass
John P McManus
3/12P-1
RPR 139h, 153c OR 137h
He could be our Arkle horse. He has huge natural talent to jump fences and a very high cruising speed. He's a horse who excites everybody, including myself. Mark [Walsh] came back in after the race at Tipperary and said he felt the horse was only doing a nice handy speed; he didn't realise how far clear he was. I know it looked like he had an easy race, but when horses win in the manner he did, I'm always keen to give them a bit of time afterwards. I'd say you will see him again at Christmas.

Vis Ta Loi
6g Smadoun - Dicte Ta Loi
Creighton Family
3/13336-
RPR 136h OR 133h
A staying novice hurdler from last season, who didn't reach the heights we were hoping for. He's a natural jumper of a fence though, and I've no doubt he will prove to be a much better chaser than hurdler.

Yukon Lil
6m Flemensfirth - Dare To Doubt
Mrs John Magnier
42/7154-
RPR 130h OR 133h
I'd imagine she'll go chasing. She was rated 133 over hurdles, but with her pedigree she could improve on that considerably over fences.

Two for the tracker
Unexcepted is a horse who excites everybody, including myself. He could be our Arkle horse. Vis Ta Loi is a natural jumper of a fence and I've no doubt he will prove to be a much better chaser than hurdler.


Expert view
Despite the fact he has been a bit slower out of the blocks this year and that his trainers' title is probably under greater threat from Gordon Elliott than it has ever been, Willie Mullins will be as big a powerhouse in the spring as ever.

When he says he has unfinished business at Cheltenham next year, it would be wise not to ignore.

The central theme of his season is whether Al Boum Photo will prove good enough to win the Gold Cup for a third year in succession.

The tried-and-trusted method of a single prep run at Tramore on New Years Day is going to be repeated again, and the opposition this year looks to be of a similar level.

If stablemate Kemboy can return to the form he showed two seasons ago he could be the biggest danger.

Mullins is speaking of former Champion Hurdle runner-up Melon being trained as a Gold Cup horse this year, and perhaps he will finally give Min a chance to see if he can make the grade over three miles plus. The King George could be an ideal race for him.

In terms of unfinished business, Mullins is particularly referencing the setback which prevented Chacun Pour Soi from contesting the Champion Chase, but he was not really at his scintillating best last season in any case.

He remains the best two-mile chaser around in terms of sheer ability and he will be hard to stop in his quest to be the champion at that distance.

Mullins saddled Sharjah to a career-best performance in finishing second in last season's Champion Hurdle, but the champion trainer could be much more strongly represented this time around with highly promising Morgiana Hurdle winner Saldier.

Last season's impressive County Hurdle scorer Saint Roi is also likely to be given a chance to see if he can step up to that level.

Mullins will not be short of top-class mares again this season. The new mares' chase at Cheltenham is being spoken of as the target for Benie Des Dieux.

Hope springs eternal that she might be more ambitiously campaigned this year with perhaps the Stayers' Hurdle in mind, but it would be wise not to be optimistic.

In the novice divisions there looks to be an abundance of quality yet again. There may not be a more exciting horse than Micro Manage over two miles. He was considered an Irish Derby possible in 2019 and is a proven Group performer on the Flat this year.

Add to that last season's Champion Bumper first and second Ferny Hollow and Appreciate It, along with well-touted French import Harmonie Star, and you are only scratching the surface.

The most precocious of the early-season Mullins novice chasers is Tipperary winner Unexcepted, closely related to Grade 1-winning tearaway Great Field and a horse in a similar mould.

2019 Supreme Novices' Hurdle hero Klassical Dream goes chasing this season, as does last season's Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle winner Monkfish.

Willie Mullins part two

Galopin Des Champs
4g Timos - Manon Des Champs
Mrs Audrey Turley
1-
Won over hurdles at Auteuil in May for Arnaud Chaille-Chaille. We've entered him in the Royal Bond, but whether he will be ready for that I'm not sure. We'll be aiming high with him anyway.

Gars En Noir
4g Masked Marvel - Touche Noire
Mrs J Donnelly
F1-
RPR 115h
This is a very nice new arrival. We gave him a tentative entry in the Royal Bond, but that was just in case he instantly started burning up our gallop. We'll give him a bit of time and it will probably be later in the season when you see him.

Getabird
8g Getaway - Fern Bird
Mrs S Ricci
7P/12/P1-
RPR 156c OR 151c
It will be the second half of the season before we get him going. He needs to go right-handed and we'll look for a chase for him somewhere in the new year.

Getaway Gorgeous
6m Getaway - Impudent
Whitegrass Getaway Syndicate
21-2125
RPR 138h OR 130h
She's been busy. We went for a handicap at Down Royal and, while she ran a great race, I should have ran her in the novice hurdle for mares. That said, the experience she gained against top handicappers will help her when she goes back against her own sex.

Gjoumi
4f Maresca Sorrento - Onvavoir
Sean McManus
1/4-
RPR 117h
You'd have to say it was a very encouraging first run for us in a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse behind Burning Victory. She's sure to make a name for herself in mares' novice hurdles this season and will give her owner Sean McManus plenty to smile about.

Good Thyne Tara
10m Kayf Tara - Good Thyne Mary
N G King
163/32F-
RPR 132c
She's back in training and very well. We'll go down the mares' novice chase route with her. She's actually well forward for one of mine and will be out soon.

Grangee
4f Great Pretender - Quelle Mome
Syndicates.Racing
1
RPR 104b
Yet another shrewd buy from Jack Cantillon. She certainly looks like a bargain now after what we saw at Galway. She will stick to bumpers this season.

Great White Shark
6m Le Havre - Trip To Fame
Malcolm C Denmark
33083-1
RPR 147h OR 145h
She won the Cesarewitch in quite emphatic fashion and I will look at upgrading her over hurdles on the back of that. There's a possibility, given the way she won at Newmarket, it could be worth having a crack at the Stayers' Hurdle. We'll try to pick and choose some easy options until the hard choices have to be made at the spring festivals.

Harmonie Star
3f Boris De Deauville - Tulipe Star
Shanakiel Racing Syndicate
5-1111
She looked a top bumper performer in France and is a very nice recruit to the yard. She will probably emerge in the second half of the season over hurdles.

Hook Up
4f No Risk At All - Mission Accomplie
Mrs S Ricci
30-
RPR 120h
She had a good run at Fairyhouse behind Burning Victory on her first start for us. While she couldn't get competitive when it mattered in the Triumph, she'll be well able to hold her own in the good mares' novice hurdles this season.

Ifyoucatchmenow
7m Westerner - Ifyoucouldseemenow
Coldunell Limited
2/54813-
RPR 130c OR 127c
We might go back to have another go at the Grand National Trial she won at Punchestown in February, and before then there's the Porterstown Chase at Fairyhouse coming up. We'll have to have a look at that.

Janidil
6g Indian Daffodil - Janidouce
John P McManus
22/1115-
RPR 150h OR 149h
He goes novice chasing and he could be smart enough to go down the Arkle route. I know he ran in the Albert Bartlett, but he did all his winning prior to that over two miles.

Jon Snow
5g Le Havre - Saroushka
Mrs S Ricci
3321-11
RPR 150h OR 145h
Unfortunately he met with a setback a few weeks ago, so the winter is off the cards for him. He'll resume hurdling in the spring.

Jungle Boogie
6g Gold Well - A Better Excuse
Malcolm C Denmark
Unraced
A nice type of horse, who might show up in a bumper soon. He's six, so we want to get him jumping sooner rather than later.

Kemboy
8g Voix Du Nord - Vitora
Kemboy/Brett Graham/Ken Sharp Syndicate
U1/1427-
RPR 178c OR 168c
He's entered in the Clonmel Oil Chase on Thursday and we'll see how he works in the meantime, before deciding whether to let him take his chance. The ground is key with him, he needs a decent surface. We know how much he likes Leopardstown, so we'll be aiming him at the Savills Chase over Christmas.

Klassical Dream
6g Dream Well - Klassical Way
Mrs Joanne Coleman
111/135-
RPR 160h OR 160h
I suppose you could say he's something of a forgotten horse. He disappointed me last season, but he goes chasing now and I see him as an Arkle contender. If he doesn't prove himself to be that, we can go up in trip with him.

Lady Breffni
6m Yeats - Time To Shine
Mark Dobbin
31232-
RPR 127h OR 123h
She's got some decent form and with a nice mark of 123 she might reappear in a handicap rather than a maiden hurdle.

Lord Royal
5g Lord Du Sud - Tinoroyale
Paul Connell & Alan McGonnell
12-
RPR 143h OR 143h
He's come back to me in great shape. He was very impressive at Clonmel, but didn't back it up at Punchestown. We didn't put him in the Cheltenham team after that, but it could be to his advantage as he's good and strong now. I'm really looking forward to seeing him over fences and he could be an RSA type.

M C Muldoon
5h Mastercraftsman - Alizaya
Paul Hancock
129740/ (Flat)
A lovely horse who was rated 96 on the Flat when trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam. He's a big unit who jumps well and you'll see him out in a maiden hurdle before Christmas. I'm looking forward to that.

Melon
8g Medicean - Night Teeny
Mrs J Donnelly
702142-
RPR 164c OR 155c
He's run four fantastic races at Cheltenham now and we know he acts around the track, but we just need to pick the right race for him to win one in March. He gave an exhibition of jumping with Patrick [Mullins] in the Marsh and the Gold Cup would have to be on our radar as he certainly stays two and a half miles well. It's been a lucky race for his owner too.

Micro Manage
4g Rip Van Winkle - Lillebonne
Merriebelle Irish Farm Limited
01/1-37 (Flat)
He'll be out over hurdles in the next month and jumps very well. He had done some fantastic work in the lead up to the Irish St Leger, but just got a little jarred on the ground.


Star quality
Min
9g Walk In The Park - Phemyka
Mrs S Ricci
51/2121-
RPR 180c OR 169c
He was very good in the Ryanair when I thought he jumped particularly well. He's won the John Durkan at Punchestown for the last two years, so I don't see any reason why we should veer away from the tried and tested approach with him. That's where he will start back and, hopefully, he'll be back at Cheltenham in March to defend his Ryanair crown.

Monkfish
6g Stowaway - Martovic
Mrs S Ricci
22111-
RPR 154h OR 152h
A strong stayer; you saw that in the Albert Bartlett. He was very brave there and he looks an exciting staying novice chaser in the making. He jumps well too and is one to look forward to.

Mt Leinster
6g Beat Hollow - Sixhills
Roaringwater Syndicate
72134-6
RPR 148h OR 142h
We're going to give him an opportunity to jump fences sooner rather than later. We won't be running him on real heavy ground. He seems to jump particularly well and, if he adapts to chasing, he's going to be a very interesting sort over two miles.

My Sister Sarah
6m Martaline - Reste Ren Or
Barnane Stud
4FB-221
RPR 146h OR 141h
She's a strong stayer who won really nicely at Limerick. She could end up in the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham

N'golo
5g Galileo - Dame Again
Mrs S Ricci
1P11
RPR 133h
He's improving all the time and his jumping is improving too. I thought Paul was fantastic tactically on him at Navan on Sunday. It's as good a ride I've seen him give a horse. I ran him at Navan to see whether he was good enough to go for the Royal Bond and it looks as though he is now.

Ontheropes
6g Presenting - Dushion
Cheveley Park Stud
41/643P-
RPR 138c OR 137c
This guy could win a big handicap chase this season. He's going to be a nice staying novice and he's definitely a bit better than you've seen so far.

Pont Aven
7g Doyen - Behlaya
Roderick Ryan & Thomas B Breen & M D Minch
132PUP-
RPR 137c OR 132c
He goes for the 2m4f handicap chase at Punchestown next Saturday.

Rayapour
4g Mastercraftsman - Radiyya
McNeill Family
5/24122- (Flat)
He's a four-year-old by Mastercraftsman who has run some really good races over a mile and a half on the Flat in France. He's rated 97 at that game. He could be quite nice and I'd be very much hoping he's up to winning a maiden hurdle.

Reality Cheque
5g Getaway - Coolaghmore Yeats
Mulcahy
F1- (point)
Won a point for Pat Doyle at Kilfeacle in January. That's been a lucky yard for me to buy horses out of. He's a nice chasing type who will start off in bumpers.

Robin De Carlow
7m Robin Des Champs - La Reine De Riogh
Catchherifucan Racing Syndicate
F/11P21-
RPR 146c OR 138c
She had a hoof problem which kept her out after winning a Grade 3 novice chase at Tipperary. She has made great progress and we hope to get her back to the track in the second half of the season. She beat the subsequent Arkle winner [Put The Kettle On] at Tipperary, so hopefully she'll get a chance to prove that form was not a fluke.

Robin Des Foret
10g Robin Des Pres - Omyn Supreme
Byerley Racing Syndicate
0-20264
RPR 154c OR 148c
He's had a busy season already, so he's getting a break. He'll come back when there's some nice ground in the spring and will contest some of those valuable handicap chases.

Royal Rendezvous
8g King's Theatre - Novacella
Dr S P Fitzgerald
P1351-2
RPR 153c OR 153c
We've had a small problem with him since he was second in the Galway Plate, so it will be the second half of the season when he returns. I have to admit I wasn't entirely convinced about his ability to stay the Plate trip, but I was much happier about that after the race. We could up him in trip again and the big handicap chases beckon for him when he returns.

Ruaille Buaille
5m Salutino - Cyclone Lorraine
Ri Ra Racing Syndicate
3-21146
RPR 128h
You can completely disregard her run at Punchestown. She was unlucky at Galway before that. I have a feeling returning to two miles might bring out the best in her.

Saldier
6g Soldier Hollow - Salve Evita
Mrs S Ricci
1531/F/1-
RPR 161h OR 159h
He's in great shape and is entered in the Hatton's Grace, but there's the Morgiana a few weeks before that and he won it last year. Some of his form entitles him to be aimed at the top races and I'd love to get at least one crack at a Champion Hurdle with him.

Salsaretta
7m Kingsalsa - Kendoretta
Mrs S Ricci
9/P1111-
RPR 150c OR 148c
She hasn't put a foot wrong over fences and is four from four. She's entered in the Listed mares' chase at Clonmel on Thursday and could show up in that. She also has an entry in the big handicap chase at Punchestown on Saturday. I would say she needs soft or heavy in the going description to be at her best.

Saint Roi
5g Coastal Path - Sainte Vigne
John P McManus
3/511-1
RPR 151h OR 151h
He's always worked very well and I would say the piece of work he did before Cheltenham was one of the best bits of work we've seen on our gallop all year. We were delighted to give Barry [Geraghty] his final Cheltenham winner in the County Hurdle and he came back in good shape at Tipperary. The Morgiana is the plan now and then we will look at the Leopardstown races for him.

Saint Sam
3g Saint Des Saints - Ladeka
Edward J Ware
911
RPR 110h
A really nice acquisition by Edward Ware. He's a natural jumper as most Saint Des Saints are. I like that he showed the speed to win over two miles one furlong in France and, with his pedigree, he can improve with age. I like him.

Willie Mullins Part one

Willie Mullins Stable Tour


We hadn't even got on to those beginning with B, but had already spoken about a dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero, a Grade 1-winning novice hurdler who started favourite for the Supreme, the Champion Bumper runner-up and the RSA third.

If one needed reminding of the calibre of horses currently residing in Closutton, the A-team did just that. Al Boum Photo, Asterion Forlonge, Appreciate It and Allaho were the ones I was talking about in the previous paragraph, but Annamix is not too bad either and Acapella Bourgeois is rated 156. There cannot be a better crop of As anywhere else.

The talent does not stop there either, it's only the beginning.

During these unprecedented times, there's something so soothing about listening to Willie Mullins talk through his team. The star names rolling off his tongue, each one with seemingly more to offer than the last. He has already been Ireland's champion trainer 14 times and it's going to take something extraordinary from Gordon Elliott to thwart title number 15.

Al Boum Photo will be out to emulate Arkle and Best Mate next March in trying to win three Cheltenham Gold Cups. You know the drill by now; he will ring in the new year at Tramore before his date with destiny in the Cotswolds on March 19.

Mullins admits that he would love to call upon his services earlier in the campaign, but is afraid to upset the apple cart.

"As much as I would love to run him earlier in the season, our goal is the Gold Cup in March and we know how to get him there in the best possible shape," said the champion trainer.

Sharjah got closest to Epatante in last season's Champion Hurdle, but Mullins looks much stronger in that department now with Saint Roi and Saldier to call upon.

Chacun Pour Soi was denied the chance to end Mullins' hoodoo in the Champion Chase due to a late setback, but all roads lead back to the Wednesday feature at the festival, while Ryanair winner Min is reported to be in rude health and on course for a hat-trick attempt in the John Durkan at Punchestown next month.

Mullins was responsible for the first two home in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper as Ferny Hollow pounced late to deny Appreciate It, so the novice hurdling team looks strong, while Albert Bartlett winner Monkfish captains a top-class team of novice chasers.

Unexcepted produced an exceptional chasing debut at Tipperary last month, while Lord Royal, Klassical Dream, Elixir D'ainay and Janidil are other classy recruits to the chasing game.

Burrows Saint is being aimed at the Grand National, while there are a whole host of young recruits from France. Oh, and Faugheen is still about the place too. There could be one last hurrah to come from the Peter Pan of jump racing.

Even Anne Robinson would struggle to find the weakest link here. The stage is set for another cracking campaign.

Race in focus

The Queen Mother Champion Chase is one race that has eluded us so far. We thought we had a big chance of ending the hoodoo with Chacun Pour Soi in March, but he missed the race at the last minute which was very unfortunate. We have some unfinished business with him in that race and I'm looking forward to getting back there.

Rival to watch

I have to say I loved the way Latest Exhibition learned his trade as he went along at Punchestown. That was only his chasing debut and I think there could be huge improvement to come from him over fences. He's a horse I like a lot and I thought he ran a big race in the Albert Bartlett to get so close to Monkfish.
Stable profile

Yard Closutton, Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow
Started training 1987
Horses in yard 180
Members of staff 65
Assistant trainers Patrick Mullins, David Casey, Ruby Walsh
Head men Dick Dowling, John Codd
Travelling head lad Ben Delmer
Gallop man Paddy Dowling
Jockeys Paul Townend, David Mullins, Danny Mullins, Brian Hayes, Rachael Blackmore
Conditional Conor McNamara
Amateurs Patrick Mullins, Jody Townend, Richie Deegan, Ruth Dudfield, Aubrey McMahon
Secretary Jo Sharp
Office administrator Matthew Hogan
Accountant John Dunne
Website wpmullins.com
Twitter @williemullinsnh

Winners in Ireland

2019-20 166
2018-19 207
2017-18 212
2016-17 180
2015-16 185

Profit/loss to €1 stake

2019-20 -137.86
2018-19 -169.99
2017-18 -80.97
2016-17 -27.58
2015-16 +14.33

Total prize-money 2019-20

€3,935,318

Acapella Bourgeois
Ten-year-old gelding
Network (sire) - Jasmine (dam)
Owner: Slaneyville Syndicate
Form figures: 3/00261-
Racing Post Rating: 164c Official Rating: 156c
The Porterstown Chase is worth a lot of money this year, so that could be a nice place to start later on this month. He was good in the Bobbyjo at Fairyhouse when you last saw him. He's back in training and in good form. I might even try to find a little conditions race for him before the Porterstown if I can.

Aione
7g Coastal Path - La Horquela
Mrs S Ricci
12110-
RPR 143h OR 138h
He won't be out until the second half of the season, so we will keep him over hurdles when he does reappear. We'll wait until next season to go chasing.

Allaho
6g No Risk At All - Idaho Falls
Cheveley Park Stud
13-2213
RPR 164c OR 157c
The way he travels and jumps tells me shorter trips might be his thing this season. We'll see how he copes with that line of thinking and he could end up in the Ryanair in the spring.

Star quality
Al Boum Photo
8g Buck's Boum - Al Gane
Mrs J Donnelly
O/11/211-
RPR 178c OR 175c
Roll on Tramore! We'll stick to the tried and tested approach and start him back on New Year's Day in the same race he's won for the last two years. As much as I would love to run him earlier in the season, our goal is the Gold Cup in March and we know how to get him there is the best possible shape. He's working away and doing fast work at the moment. We'll give him a little breather before upping it again and getting him ready for Tramore. He's actually quite an unremarkable horse to look at. You would never pick him out from a group of horses in the field, but all I know is that he has the right type of engine you need for the Gold Cup.

Andalusa
5m Martaline - Cadix
Lansdowne Partnership
1-31133
RPR 140c OR 133c
She's very sharp over the shortest trip and loves jumping. I'm not sure she's a real winter-type mare, so we'll give her a little break now as she's been busy. You won't see her when there is soft in the going description.

Annamix
7g Martaline - Tashtiyana
Mrs S Ricci
2/21/41-
RPR 132h, 154c
He's in great shape and ready to go. He has always shown me so much at home and he's showing me just as much as he always did. I wouldn't mind stretching him out to two and a half miles. We'll look for a winners-of-one or second-season novice chase for him. He's ready for action.

Appreciate It
6g Jeremy - Sainte Baronne
Miss M A Masterson
3112-
RPR 138b
Looking at the way he gallops, you would have to say he looks a real jumping type. He's a smashing chaser in the making, but it will obviously be novice hurdling for him this season. He ran a big race to finish second to Ferny Hollow in the bumper at Cheltenham and I would say staying trips will be his thing.

Aslukwoodhavit
5g Yourgunnabelucky - She's The Lady
Roger Brookhouse
Unraced
A nice type who I'm looking forward to seeing in a bumper. You'll see him shortly.

Asterion Forlonge
6g Coastal Path - Belle Du Brizais
Mrs J Donnelly
1114
RPR 156h OR 155h
He surprised me last season in that I didn't think he would be able to win Grade 1s over two miles. Then, given he had won a Grade 1 over two miles at Leopardstown, we stuck to that trip at Cheltenham in the Supreme. He jumped out to his right there, but going over further might help his jumping over fences. He's going to be a nice novice chaser over two and a half miles plus.

Bacardys
9g Coastal Path - Oasice
Shanakiel Racing Syndicate
6/21243-
RPR 159h OR 155h
He just doesn't seem to be a chaser, so we'll stick to hurdles. He ran well enough again in the Stayers' Hurdle and deserves another go in that.

Bachasson
9g Voix Du Nord - Belledonne
Edward O'Connell
F/14/361-
RPR 149h, 165c OR 148h
The break really suited this guy. He's come back to me very strong. We will try to find Grade 2s and 3s for him over fences, as Grade 1s are just above him. We entered him up in the Clonmel Oil Chase on Thursday and he could show up there.

Bapaume
7g Turtle Bowl - Brouhaha
Mrs S Ricci
427168-
RPR 147c OR 150c
I'm very happy with how he came out of his extended break. He's a very good jumper and I could see him developing into quite a nice staying chaser this season.

Benie Des Dieux
9m Great Pretender - Cana
Mrs S Ricci
1/F-1112
RPR 162h, 147c OR 162h, 147c
She's had a training setback, so you won't get to see her until the second half of the season. It's nothing major at all, but she's one I want to mind rather than rush. She's a big unit and a lot easier to keep sound over hurdles, but we will certainly be giving strong consideration to the new mares' chase at Cheltenham in March.

Berkshire Royal
5g Sir Percy - Forest Express
Andy Bell & Fergus Lyons
0-
RPR 78h
He was disappointing on his first try over hurdles, but, then again, it was in the Supreme. I've no doubt he will make his mark this season and will start off in a maiden hurdle.

Blackbow
7g Stowaway - Rinnce Moll
Roaringwater Syndicate
52/2F42-
RPR 139h OR 140h
We'll put away his hurdling career and go chasing. If things don't work out, he can always go back and try to win that maiden hurdle that has eluded him so far. You'll see him over a fence sooner rather than later and he should do better at this game.

Blazer
9g Network - Juppelongue
John P McManus
40-7437
RPR 147c OR 137c
He's been disappointing. We gave him a break after the Kerry National. He's a horse who looks like he wants longer trips nowadays. There could be a nice handicap in him one day.

Blue Sari
5g Saddex - Blue Aster
John P McManus
12/14P-
RPR 122h
He's good and his Cheltenham bumper form looks exceptionally good now. We're aiming to have him back on the track for Christmas and he will be kept over hurdles.

Billaway
8g Well Chosen - Taipans Girl
J Turner
312/212-
RPR 142c OR 135c
I thought his inexperience showed at Cheltenham. We'll get lots more experience into him before he goes back for the Foxhunter. It's well within his capabilities to lift the nicest trophy on offer at Cheltenham for his game owner John Turner.

Bon Retour
5m Fame And Glory - Rosy De Cyborg
J T Ennis
7P3-134
RPR 134h OR 130h
A nice mare bought from France. She won at Galway and has been a little disappointing since, so we've given her a little break. We'll come back over a longer trip next month. She'll jump fences in the future.

Brahma Bull
9g Presenting - Oligarch Society
Mrs S Ricci
6/12161-
RPR 148c OR 148c
It will be the staying chase route for him. He's in that tricky position with a rating of 148 - he's probably not good enough for Grade 1s, but rated too high for handicaps. Hopefully, his extended break will have brought about further improvement and he's going well at home.

Brandy Love
4f Jet Away - Bambootcha
Mike Grech
1- (point form)
RPR 90p
She's by Jet Away, a sire I like who seems to be making a name for himself. She won her point nicely at Cragmore and will go for a mares' bumper now.

Brooklynn Glory
5m Fame And Glory - Clamit Brook
Swords Bloodstock Limited
11
RPR 128b
She certainly looks a cut above the average. What she did on very soft ground the other day at Cork puts her in the top league of bumper performers. There's a good possibility she could travel across the water later in the season.

Buildmeupbuttercup
6m Sixties Icon - Eastern Paramour
J Turner
254-511
RPR 148h OR 143h
A very consistent type. She will go for Listed mares' hurdle at Punchestown later this month. She's had a busy season and has been taking her connections to all the top festivals. She's a real pleasure to own. There's a major handicap in her.

Burning Victory
4f Nathaniel - M'Oubliez Pas
Mrs Audrey Turley
11-
RPR 140h OR 144h
We've had our own share of bad luck at Cheltenham, so we'll take what happened in the Triumph. She was very novicey at Cheltenham and the experience she gained there will stand her in good stead. I fully expect her to be a Grade 1 mare this season. She could be a big player in mares' races. The Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham will be her main target this season. She would stay two and a half miles every day of the week.

Burrows Saint
7g Saint Des Saints - La Bombonera
Mrs S Ricci
111/531
RPR 157c OR 156c
All roads lead to Aintree for the Grand National after his brilliant Irish Grand National win. That sort of test should be right up his street.

Cabaret Queen
8m King's Theatre - La Dame Brune
Syndicates.Racing
PF00-31
RPR 149c OR 142c
She surprised me when winning the Kerry National at Listowel as I wasn't sure she would be able to do it on that ground with that weight. Rather than running in handicaps with a big weight, we're going to run her in Grade 2s and 3s and see if she can make an impact in those sort of events. She will be aimed at the new mares' chase at Cheltenham. She can come back in trip given her method of jumping.

Carfax
5g Robin Des Champs - June Monsoon
Jon Aisbitt
F- (point form)
RPR 73p
A real, big chasing type, who we'll try to win a bumper with. You won't see the very best of him until he goes over fences.

Captain Kangaroo
5g Mastercraftsman - We Can Say It Now
Kanga Racing & Brett Graham Syndicate
1-
RPR 127b
He looked good when winning his bumper at Clonmel just before lockdown. He's a nice horse who goes hurdling.

Carefully Selected
8g Well Chosen - Knockamullen Girl
Miss M A Masterson
1/3111U
RPR 154c OR 152c
He's another horse who needs to improve to get up into Grade 1s, but I think he could. He's a real old-fashioned chaser. He was far too keen in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham. We'll come back in trip with him and that could bring about the necessary improvement to make the step up to the top level.

Cash Back
8g Linda's Lad - Holding
Watch This Space Syndicate
2/5112F-
RPR 157c OR 156c
Things didn't go according to plan in the Arkle, but he had been very good over fences prior to that. He should be stronger this season and we'll keep him to the minimum trip.

Castlebawn West
7g Westerner - Cooksgrove Lady
Mrs R Boyd, Mrs M J Armstrong & J B Anderson
4-6514U
RPR 151c OR 147c
I've been very happy with how he's taking his training this season. We'll have a look at some of the nice staying chases for him. He was in the process of running a nice race in the RSA when he came down.

Star quality
Chacun Pour Soi
8g Policy Maker - Kruscyna
Mrs S Ricci
53/1/121-
RPR 175c OR 171c
It was obviously disappointing that he picked up a small injury on the morning of the Champion Chase, but that's the way it goes and you have to take those things on the chin. We'll have to look at putting that right this season. We've got some unfinished business to take care of at Cheltenham. He's back in training and is fit and well. The obvious place for him to start would be the John Durkan at Punchestown, but I will probably leave it until Leopardstown at Christmas and take the same route to Cheltenham as last season. He's really well at the moment.

Ciel De Neige
5g Authorized - In Caso Di Neve
John P McManus
53/4220-
RPR 140h OR 138h
He's yet to win, so we'll find a maiden hurdle for him. He should be difficult to beat in one of those with his rating. He'll go down the novice hurdle route.

Cilaos Emery
8g Califet - Queissa
Luke McMahon
1/11F14-
RPR 160h, 166c OR 158h, 163c
He was fourth in the Champion Hurdle, but he'll resume his chasing career now. I think two miles or two and a half is fine for him and he could return in the Clonmel Oil Chase on Thursday.

Class Conti
8g Poliglote - Gazelle Lulu
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
P/1/P5F2-
RPR 129h, 154c OR 142h,147c
He will be aimed at the Grand National and will mix it between hurdles and chases in the meantime.

Colreevy
7m Flemensfirth - Poetics Girl
Mrs N Flynn
3/12125-
RPR 134h OR 135h
She's a fine, big, strong mare. She's the type of mare you would buy if you wanted to have a proper chaser and she goes novice chasing. She likes her racing and we'll probably start her off over two miles and see how it goes from there. I wouldn't be afraid to go further with her.

Concertista
6m Nathaniel - Zagzig
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
2/4331
RPR 147h OR 148h
I have to admit I was surprised I was bringing her back to Cheltenham for a second time without having won over hurdles. I thought after she ran so well in the mares' novice hurdle the previous year, she would win a few novice hurdles. She chose the big day to open her account over hurdles and it will be back to Cheltenham in March for the Mares' Hurdle.

Dandy Mag
7g Special Kaldoun - Naiade Mag
Grant Mercer & Mrs Caren Walsh
3/15450-
RPR 139h, 134c OR 135h
I wouldn't be afraid to go back hurdling with him. He'll mix it between hurdling and chasing.

Douvan
10g Walk In The Park - Star Face
Mrs S Ricci
117/F2/1-
RPR 178c OR 167c
It's looking like it will be the second half of the season when we get him back out. Hopefully, we can get a few runs into him before the big spring festivals to get a gauge on where he's at.

Easy Game
6g Barastraight - Rule Of The Game
Nicholas Peacock
2F-0112
RPR 166c OR 160c
He just wasn't in love with track at Down Royal and wants nicer ground anyway. He'll head to Leopardstown and then onto the spring festivals.

Eight And Bob
7g Big Bad Bob - Mare Nostrum
Act D Wagg Syndicate
0/P100-0
RPR 138h OR 136h
He does have his own ideas about racing and switches himself on and off, but there's definitely a nice pot in him over hurdles. We think the Pertemps Final could suit him.

Elimay
6m Montmartre - Hyde
John P McManus
26/1111
RPR 148c OR 147c
She's taken very well to fences and goes for the Listed mares' chase at Clonmel on Thursday. She hasn't put a foot wrong and long may that continue.

Elixir D'ainay
6g Muhtathir - Perle Du Bocage
John P McManus
1/2/125F-
RPR 151h OR 149h
A really nice type to be going novice chasing with. His method of jumping and the speed he has means we will start him over two miles. He was far too keen when we tried him over two miles six at Leopardstown. I think we'll keep him between two and two and half miles. He's an easier ride over that trip. He's a tough ride for a jockey.

Elfile
6m Saint Des Saints - Rapide
Kenneth Alexander
2/11213-
RPR 149h OR 151h
She's a lovely mare, who looks to me like she will be even better over fences than she was over hurdles. She wants a trip and mares' novice chases will be right up her street this season.

Energumene
6g Denham Red - Olinight
Tony Bloom
311-
RPR 133h
He's a real chaser in the making and won his point, but he'll spend this season over hurdles. He's won twice for me over two miles, but will stay further and could improve for a step up in trip.

Et Dite
6m Limnos- Truffe
Hammer & Trowel Syndicate
1/45126-
RPR 123h
Yet to cross the line first, but through the intervention of the stewards she picked up a maiden hurdle at Punchestown. She actually had quite a disappointing season, but I think you will see a big difference in her now she goes chasing.

Eurotiep
6g Lauro - Naltiepy
Down The Hatch Syndicate
22-
RPR 114b
He has two real nice runs to his name in bumpers. Unfortunately, if he does win a bumper now the lads who own him won't be able to celebrate properly in McEvoys.

Fan De Blues
5g Poliglote - Tire En Touche
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
2/317-32
RPR 136h, 140c OR 128h, 136c
He's had a little setback since his good run at Killarney where he just bumped into one. He'll continue his career over fences when he returns.

Faugheen
12g Germany - Miss Pickering
Mrs S Ricci
3P/1113-
RPR 166c OR 158c
We were gearing him up to have a crack at the Clonmel Oil Chase on Thursday, but he's had a small setback so won't make that. It's nothing too serious at all, but he just needs a week off. We'll see how he is before making a plan for him. He was initially bought to be a chaser, and always looked like a chaser, so it was brilliant to win two Grade 1s with him over fences last season.

Star quality
Ferny Hollow
5g Westerner - Mirazur
Cheveley Park Stud
2211-
RPR 141b
Paul [Townend] rode him with nerves of steel at Cheltenham. I'd imagine that gave him great personal pleasure, especially to ride him the way he did. It got us on the board and it changed our week. Given the speed he showed that day, I'd imagine Paul will be looking forward to riding him over hurdles as much as we're looking forward to seeing him. He certainly has enough speed for two miles.

Fils Spirituel
5g Presenting - Toque Rouge
Mrs J Donnelly
15356-
RPR 129h
He's a maiden over hurdles, but we might go over fences with him. He's just not showing me on the track what he shows me at home. Perhaps fences will bring out the best in him.

Finest Evermore
4f Yeats - St Helans Bay
J Turner
2-111
RPR 136h
Even though she's only four, she still looks like a stayer to me. She's the most fantastic jumper. I think her ability to jump and stay will stand her in good stead. She's very smart.

Five O'Clock
5g Cokoriko - Rodika
Mrs S Ricci
32/2117-
RPR 143h OR 144h
Not beaten far in the Martin Pipe and looks a real chasing type. He's a stayer and I'm looking forward to sending him over fences.

Franco De Port
5g Coastal Path - Ruth
Bruton Street V
1/172P-
RPR 145h OR 144h
This fella shows me a lot at home. He was too free in the Coral Cup and the ground was just too soft for him at Limerick over Christmas. He'll go chasing now and I hope I can manage his career better this season. He's definitely better than you've seen so far.

Francin
7g Air Chief Marshal - Fulgence
Mrs S Ricci
3/6311-
RPR 146h OR 141h
A lovely, big horse who covers ground very quickly. You saw that at Navan in March when he came home strongly to beat a highly-rated horse in Sixshooter. We're getting him ready for the Royal Bond, which will be his last run as a novice.

Frere Tuck
5g Secret Singer - Tete Et Corde
Cathal Hughes
1/
He won a bumper in France two years ago. He's a real nice type who jumps well and will start off in a maiden hurdle soon.

Part three

Oscars Moonshine
5g Oscar - Scrapper Jack
Mrs Elizabeth Lane
70-6111
RPR 124h OR 122h
He joined us from Colin Tizzard last season and wasn't really going anywhere in his first few runs for us. Harry was sure he would win races after the horse finished sixth in September and he was right because he won his next three starts. We'll give him a bit of a rest now but I'm sure he can win more races over hurdles before he ends up making a lovely chaser.

Paso Doble
3c Dawn Approach - Baila Me
Graeme & Yvonne Brooks
7-11333 (Flat)
RPR 90f OR 84f
A dual Flat winner for Godolphin in Ireland. He's a big, strong horse, measuring 16.3 hands, and very much the type we hope will make a nice jumper. We need to geld him and teach him his job. I could see him following a path we've trodden before and turning up in the Adonis at Kempton in February.

Dark horse

Petrossian
4g Sageburg - Innisfree Dawn
Malcolm C Denmark
1
RPR 115b
He was very impressive when winning without coming off the bridle at Newbury, making him the best of our young bumper crop at this stage. There's a valuable bumper at Ascot's Christmas meeting but that's not a definite plan. This time next year he'll be awesome.

Pic D'Orhy
5g Turgeon - Rose Candy
Mrs Johnny de la Hey
20/F61-2
RPR 142c 150h OR 150c 150h
Last season was tough for him but if every five-year-old won the Betfair Hurdle, as he did, we'd be happy. He's never been the most natural jumper and his jumping was only ordinary when he finished second first time out over fences at Market Rasen. It looks like he wants two and a half miles – Turgeon's progeny are all stayers in my book. He needs to learn to relax and jump before we drop him into the deep end. By the spring he could be very interesting.

Star quality
Politologue
9g Poliglote - Scarlet Row
J Hales
422/251-
RPR 173c OR 169c
After he disappointed in the Tingle Creek last season we changed his routine. I said to John [Hales] I didn't want to run him before Cheltenham, where I'd have him absolutely right. That's what we did and we're training him the same way for this season's Tingle Creek, after which we'll go straight to Cheltenham. The Champion Chase did fall into his lap a bit but you'll never see a horse jump around Cheltenham better than he did. The plan is for Harry Skelton to stay on him at Sandown, where Harry Cobden will ride Greaneteen.



Pozo Emery
5g Le Havre - Chic Et Zen
The Stewart Family
2-3
RPR 99b
We bought him after he finished second in an Irish point-to-point. I'm certain he's better than he showed when coming home third in a Newton Abbot bumper. He wants a bit of time but he'll make up into a nice horse.

Present Man
10g Presenting - Glen's Gale
Mr & Mrs Mark Woodhouse
84P/P-16
RPR 155c OR 146c
He went from winning a veterans' race at Chepstow to running another good race in the Badger Beers. We'll try to find something similar before the deep winter ground arrives and then he'll come back in the spring.

Quel Destin
5g Muhtathir - High Destiny
Martin Broughton & Friends
18512-2
RPR 142c OR 155c
Megan rode him to win a Flat race last month as a tune-up for his first outing over fences. I've always thought he wants 2m4f and he showed that at Cheltenham on Saturday. We'll find a beginners' chase over that trip next.

Rainyday Woman
5m Kayf Tara - Wistow
S White
32-1
RPR 110b
A lovely, strong mare who surprised me by winning at Stratford so easily. She'll run next in a Listed mares' bumper at Huntingdon on Peterborough Chase day before she goes novice hurdling.

Star quality
Real steele
7g Loup Breton - Kalimina
Mrs Kathy Stuart & Sullivan Bloodstock Ltd
1141P6-
RPR 168c OR 166c
I really like this horse. It looked as though he might win the Gold Cup going to the final fence. I don't know whether he got the trip, but in my opinion he leaps out as a potential Ryanair Chase winner. We'll start him back in the Grade 2 at Ascot on Saturday but I've also made an entry for the King George because Ruby Walsh tells me he thinks the horse is good right-handed. He's a lovely horse and a pleasure to have in the yard.

Red Risk
5g No Risk At All - Rolie De Vindecy
Middleham Park Racing XLIV & A&J Ryan
4/9131-3
RPR 147c OR 144c
He hadn't been back in training for as long as some of mine and that maybe showed on his reappearance when he got a bit tired at Market Rasen. The Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at Cheltenham could be interesting for him as I don't think 144 is an impossible mark.

Roque It
6g Presenting - Roque De Cyborg
Gordon & Su Hall
31/3
RPR 110h
He runs for the owners of Truckers Lodge and is already the winner of a bumper for Olly Murphy. He'll improve tons for his run on Saturday and I'd be surprised if he doesn't finish this season having done well in novice hurdles. Chasing will be his job in time.

Sabrina
5m Yeats - En Vedette
Owners Group 030
218-
RPR 110b
She won an Ascot bumper by a wide margin in February and will be competing this season in mares' novice hurdles. She's needed a bit of time but has plenty of ability.

Saint Sonnet
5g Saint Des Saints - Leprechaun Lady
Colm Donlon
56317-F
RPR 152c OR 147c
With hindsight, I think he probably needed the run a bit on Saturday. He travelled sweetly but got tired from the back of the third-last fence and had a good blow afterwards. We were going to run him at Chepstow in October but the ground was a bit quick and we hadn't been able to take him anywhere for a gallop. I also wonder if, like Magic Saint, we got his trip completely wrong and that perhaps, like him, he needs to drop back to 2m.

Sametegal
11g Saint Des Saints - Loya Lescribaa
Mr and Mrs J D Cotton
8/243-33
RPR 153c OR 141c
He ran a super race at Sandown, where he travelled really well. He's been over the Grand National fences before, so I may give him an entry for the Grand Sefton, but his longer-term aim is the veterans' final back at Sandown in January.

San Benedeto
9g Layman - Cinco Baidy
P J Vogt
173/64-8
RPR 164c OR 147c
A standing dish in the yard and the sort of horse who always has a chance of picking up a nice race somewhere. He's been to Aintree before, so he could run in the Grand Sefton, but before that we may take him to Newbury at the end of this month. He's another fun horse.

Secret Investor
8g Kayf Tara - Silver Charmer
Hills of Ledbury Ltd
11/202-1
RPR 165c OR 162c
If we get a dry fortnight he'll run in the Ladbrokes Trophy. He keeps improving, as he showed when he won at Chepstow, but it wouldn't be worth taking him out of his box for a race on soft ground. He could well get an entry for the Grand National.

Seelotmorebusiness
5g Sholokhov - Land Of Pride
The Stewart Family
11
RPR 114h
It was a bit of a rush to run him at Chepstow last week but Andy Stewart was generously sponsoring the race and understandably keen to have a runner. This was the only suitable horse but it was too soon after his bumper, so I'm pleased he still won. You now won't see him until Christmas. He wants two and a half miles and he'll progress as he matures.

Sending Love
7g Scorpion - Dato Vic
Sullivan Bloodstock Limited
1/3P-1
RPR 134h
I don't know why but he completely fell apart and ran an awful race at Wincanton in March. We've done things differently with him this season and I did think he might need the run at Ffos Las the other day but he won easily. I wouldn't be afraid to step him up in class on soft ground and the Winter Hurdle at Sandown next month could be an option. Ultimately he'll make up into a smashing staying chaser.

Shearer
4g Flemensfirth - The Crown Jewel
McNeill Family
2
RPR 110b
He was a bit unlucky not to win at Hereford. Harry Skelton sat on our tail and got a run on us before Shearer jumped the path. That was a very encouraging run. He'll be a lovely novice hurdler in a year and eventually a staying chaser.

Silent Revolution
4g Sholokhov - Watson River
Colm Donlon
2
RPR 108b
The ground would have been quick enough for him when he made his debut at Wincanton but he ran a super race. He'll follow the same route as our other young bumper horses.

Siroco Jo
3g Hurricane Cat - Diana Vertica
P J Vogt
2
He was just beaten on his only start in a French juvenile hurdle. He's a nice, big horse and I expect we'll give him a first run here just after Christmas.

Sir Psycho
4g Zoffany - Open Book
Martin Broughton & Friends 3
4115-59
RPR 141h OR 145h
He was always going to need the run at Chepstow's opening meeting but he ran a nice race. It could be a tough season for him – as we saw at Cheltenham on Sunday – but the National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell should be made for him. He'll be chasing next season.

Soldier Of Love
7g Yeats - Monsignorita
Malcolm C Denmark
11112P
RPR 152c OR 144c
What an amazing horse. He joined us rated 113 and is now on 144. After we sorted out his wind he won four times between July and September, and but for Gordon Elliott's horse Galvin he would have made that five wins at Cheltenham last month. His run on Sunday showed he needs a break, so we'll aim to bring him back in the spring and enter him for the National Hunt Chase.

Solo
4g Kapgarde - Flameche
Mrs Johnny de la Hey
2118-4
RPR 145h OR 147h
His impressive win in the Adonis Hurdle caused us all to overreact a little, particularly as last season's juveniles might not have been a vintage bunch. He got a bit lost in the Triumph and was then flat out all the way in the Elite, but after being gelded he was like a tank at Wincanton and probably needed the run. He could face a tough season but he'll win a nice race somewhere if he comes down the handicap a few pounds. He wants a trip and soft ground but he also wants fences, which he'll be jumping next season.

Sonny Crockett
5g Robin Des Champs - Onewayortheother
Malcolm C Denmark
6
RPR 101h
He wasn't ready to run in a bumper last season but now has an outing under his belt having shaped really well on his Chepstow debut. He'll improve loads for that run and, given he's a half-brother to Birchdale, we've got good reason to be hopeful.

Southfield Harvest
6g Kayf Tara - Chamoss Royale
Mrs Angela Yeoman & Paul K Barber
31/21-
RPR 123h OR 127h
He finished third and first in two bumpers and then second and first in two novice hurdles. He's rated 127, which looks a very winnable mark. I could take him to Ascot or Wincanton over hurdles this week but it won't be long before we send him over fences – and he'll definitely end up rated much higher than 127 when he does that. He's a lovely prospect and I like him a lot.

Southfield Stone
7g Fair Mix - Laureldean Belle
Mrs Angela Hart & Mrs Angela Yeoman
2312-12
RPR 152c OR 146c
His time in novice chases is about to run out but he should fare well in handicaps, while he also remains eligible for graduation chases. He was simply beaten by a better horse on the day at Cheltenham last week. He's a lovely long-term prospect.

Stage Star
4g Fame And Glory- Sparky May
Owners Group 044
1
RPR 118b
Another member of our exciting four-year-old team who could hardly have been more impressive at Chepstow. He's already jumping hurdles at home but, like the others, we won't run him over hurdles until next season.

Storm Arising
6g Yeats - Ceol Rua
Barry Fulton & Mrs Angela Hart
3/4430-1
RPR 135h OR 131h
A smashing horse for his owners and it was great to see him win at Lingfield last week. I told Bryony [Frost] not to get there too soon and she gave him a beautiful ride. We may look at one more run over hurdles but he'll be chasing sooner rather than later.

Stormy Ireland
6m Motivator - Like A Storm
Sullivan Bloodstock Limited
1115-22
RPR 139c 150h OR 148c 148h
She's tiny, a pocket rocket pony, but she's certainly tough. The problem at Bangor last week was she was too cautious at the fences – had she jumped the two ditches properly she'd have won. Harry felt jumping those ditches was too much of an effort for her in the ground, so we need to decide if it would be best to stay over fences or go back over hurdles.

Stratagem
4g Sunday Break - Our Ziga
David Maxwell Racing Limited
131-6
RPR 133h OR 140h
I thought he'd put up a big performance at Cheltenham in October but he was run off his feet. He's only a four-year-old but I think he's now ready for fences, so he's due to run in a novice chase over 2m3f or 2m4f. I'm sure he's a nice horse.

Switch Hitter
5g Scorpion - Country Time
Hills of Ledbury Ltd
1/5-21
RPR 125b
He won his point-to-point on good ground, so similar conditions suited him when he won at Kempton last Monday. He'll win another race like that somewhere before going novice chasing next year. He's a good, fun horse.

Take Your Time
5g Dubai Destination - Don't Be Bleu
Owners Group 060
1-31
RPR 114h
He won a point-to-point before joining us and then followed up a third over hurdles at Lingfield by winning at the same track last week. He'll stay three miles over hurdles before he goes chasing.

Tamaroc Du Mathan
5g Poliglote - Thisbee Du Mathan
Mrs Johnny de la Hey
1/2057-
RPR 133h OR 131h
My plan is to run him in a novice handicap chase over the coming days. He was good enough to finish fifth behind Pic D'Orhy, not beaten far, in the Betfair Hurdle. I've been really pleased with the way he jumps fences and would say he's a novice chase winner waiting to happen.

Dark horse
Threeunderthrufive
5g Shantou - Didinas
McNeill Family
21-11
RPR 132h
A lovely horse. He went through our bumper system last season and is now novice hurdling, following up his Lingfield win at Ludlow, where he had to make the running, which wasn't ideal as he's still quite green. I don't think he wants the ground too deep. He's a smart 3m chaser in the making.

Thyme White
4g Anodin - Jane
The Stewart Family
2210-1
RPR 138h OR 141h
He was very buzzy and keen when he first came over from France but he really thrived over the summer and improved physically, as he showed when winning at Chepstow last month. I'm confident he's going to win some nice races over hurdles this season but he's very much a future chaser and that will be his job in a year. We took him out of the Greatwood because of the ground but he may now run in the novice hurdle at Haydock on Saturday.

Tomorrow Mystery
6m Nathaniel - Retake
John P McManus
22/11-13
RPR 137h OR 138h
She's always struggled with her breathing. On good ground at Newbury she made no noise whatsoever, but on ground that had been rained on overnight she choked all the way at Taunton. That just shows you the fine line horses with breathing problems have between being okay and not okay. We may recauterise her palate and then get her back in six to eight weeks. She'll jump a fence.

Truckers lodge
8g Westerner - Galeacord
Gordon & Su Hall
24121-U
RPR 158c OR 155c
It was lovely to see him improve so much last season. He parted company with Lorcan up at Kelso, when he was travelling well on ground that wasn't really soft enough for him as he loves the mud. He's hard to place off 155 but we'll have him ready for the Ladbrokes Trophy just in case we get testing ground. If not, we'll wait for the Welsh National and then something at Haydock in the new year, but his main objective is the Grand National. He's already won a Midlands National and just been beaten in a Welsh National, so we know he stays and gallops, but he also has a touch of class.

Tulin
3g Gleneagles - Talawat
Elite Racing 001
51 (Flat)
He showed a great attitude to win on the Flat in France during the summer and he's taken well to jumping since joining us. With horses such as this it's hard to say much with any certainty until they've run, but we like what we've seen so far.

Viroflay
3g Air Chief Marshal - Red Vixen
The Stewart Family
41
RPR 105h
We took him to Kempton in October for a race in which he started favourite but he was really disappointing, leaving me to think we'd end up running him in some novice handicaps at the smaller tracks. Seven days after Kempton we tried again, this time at Wincanton, where I said to Bryony that based on his previous week's run he would have no chance, but he hosed up. After Kempton Andy texted me and said: "He's useless." After Wincanton he texted me and said: "He'll win the Triumph!" He isn't going to be a Triumph horse but he could possibly be one for the Fred Winter. I've got a feeling he'll keep improving.

Whiskey Lullaby
5m Stowaway - Joie De Cotte
Highclere Thoroughbred Racing - Whiskey
22-2
RPR 106h
She was second last season to Nicky Henderson's good horse Gran Luna and when we took her to Ayr for her first run over hurdles on really soft ground she ran a race full of promise. She'll be winning mares' novice hurdles for fun.

Wild Max
5g Maxios - Wildfahrte
Owners Group 036
114-41
RPR 133h OR 132h
He built on a promising return at Cheltenham to win a handicap at Huntingdon last week. I think he wants a flat track, so we may consider the Gerry Feilden next week.

Wise Glory
3g Muhaarar - Bint Almukhtar
Arron Banks
211302 (Flat)
RPR 91f 86f
Megan has always liked this horse and bought him for us at the sales. He's already been flying up the hill here and seems to enjoy it. We need to get him schooled and into our system. After we've done that we can think about a juvenile hurdle over Christmas or in the spring.

Worthy Farm
7g Beneficial - Muckle Flugga
Yolo
76112-3
RPR 138c OR 135c
He ran okay at Wincanton but pulled some muscles and came back a bit sore. We'll give him an entry in the Welsh National but before that there's a trial race at Chepstow on December 5, which should tell us if he's good enough to run in it. If he isn't, we'll go back to Wincanton for the race he won on Boxing Day last year. He really wants soft ground.

Yala Enki
10g Nickname - Cadiane
Hills of Ledbury Ltd
7/0313-2
RPR 164c OR 156c
He's a legend, a tough, genuine horse who stays forever. Had the Grand National been staged this year he would have run in it and he'll be entered again. He has been grafting since July 1 because it takes an awful lot of work to get him fit. He ran an awesome race at Cheltenham on Sunday and I'm now thinking of going for the Becher Chase. If he goes well there I'll take him to the Grand National as a fresh horse, maybe via the Taunton race he won last season.

Young Buck
6g Yeats - Pepsi Starlet
The Stewart Family
1/3-1
RPR 134h OR 133h
Andy Stewart has some lovely horses this season and this is another one. He's very much in the mould of Truckers Lodge, in that he gallops, stays and jumps. Following his win at Hereford I'll try to find another 3m novice hurdle and then decide if we should step him up in grade.

Zoran
3c Invincible Spirit - Filia Regina
Owners Group
2-42214 (Flat)
RPR 85f OR 81f
A scopey, athletic colt who did well on the Flat, improving throughout the year. We'll geld him and then get him over hurdles after Christmas.

Two for the tracker

I love Bravemansgame and think he's got huge potential. He won really well last time and should be a nice horse to follow. I'd say exactly the same about Threeunderthrufive.

Expert view

Has there ever been a better trainer of a chaser than Paul Nicholls? After 11 King George wins, six Champion Chases, four Gold Cups and a Grand National, if he isn't top of the tree then I don't know who is.

For the past few years he hasn't been quite as dominant in that sphere as he once was, but that didn't stop him winning the King George and Champion Chase last season and it would take a brave man to bet against him winning the big one at Kempton on Boxing Day again.

The dual winner Clan Des Obeaux is back for more but Cyrname is going to be a tougher nut to crack this year as he clearly wasn't himself after he'd beaten Altior at Ascot prior to Kempton.

Don't rule out Nicholls having the 1-2-3 because in Real Steel he has inherited a horse who looks tailormade for three miles around Kempton. Stop the video of last year's Gold Cup at two out and Real Steel looked sure to be involved in the finish.

The hugely admirable Politologue seemed to love the forcing ride Harry Skelton gave him in the Champion Chase and he will once again be underestimated, while it wouldn't be a huge surprise if recent Haldon Gold Cup winner Greaneteen improved into a legitimate candidate for that race too.

It's hard to know where to start when trying to pinpoint the next potential star among the young horses, although McFabulous is an obvious starting point. He looks to have real star quality about him.

Then there's Hitman, who couldn't have been more impressive when running away with a good novice chase on his debut for Nicholls recently, while Saint Sonnet ran a good deal better than the form book would suggest in the Paddy Power on Saturday. He will leave that form miles behind.

Don't for one minute underestimate the importance that Harry Cobden has had on the yard. He's the the nearest thing I've seen to Ruby Walsh in Britain for many years and the stable's conditional Bryan Carver isn't half bad too.

Part two

Ecco
5g Maxios - Enjoy The Life
Colm Donlon
13200-8
RPR 140h OR 133h
He needs to pull his finger out a bit. In his defence, he did win two races last season, one of them at Ascot, where he'll hopefully return this week. He's become a bit lazy and may need blinkers but is definitely capable of winning off 133. He wants good ground.

Eglantine Du Seuil
6m Saddler Maker - Rixia Du Seuil
Sullivan Bloodstock Limited
33540-5
RPR 150h OR 146h
A lot of Jared's horses had some time in pre-training with Noel Fehily, so they came to us a bit later than some others in the yard. She ran a nice race on her first start for us at Wincanton and she'll come on a lot for that. I do think she needs to come down a few pounds but if she does she could win a nice handicap.

Enrilo
6g Buck's Boum - Rock Treasure
Martin Broughton & Friends 4
1513-21
RPR 143c OR 140c
Kempton's flat track will play to his strengths and I'm looking forward to running him in the Kauto Star Novices' Chase, which will be his next run. He didn't have too many outings over hurdles, but he did well, and he's really taken to jumping fences. He's going to continue making physical improvement and could certainly be a horse for what used to be the RSA Chase, but it's worth stressing not every good horse has to go to Cheltenham.

Eritage
6g Martaline - Sauves La Reine
Mrs Angela Tincknell
/F5126-1
RPR 139c OR 136c
He was left in front when a winner at Ludlow but he was staying on at the time. Ideally he needs a more galloping track, so we're looking at the novice handicap chase at Newbury's Ladbrokes Trophy meeting. He'll get further than two miles once he learns to relax and I think he'll win plenty of races over fences.

Estelle Ma Belle
6m Air Chief Marshal - Ozalid
Sullivan Bloodstock Limited
2-1
RPR 120h OR 120h
She hasn't been the easiest to train but won easily at Ffos Las on her first start for us and is now being aimed at the Listed mares' novice hurdle at Newbury next week. Her jumping wasn't really up to scratch but Lorcan Williams has done loads of schooling on her, which is why he was in the saddle at Ffos Las. She's fragile and has to go left-handed but she has a huge engine.

Fabulous Saga
8g Saint Des Saints - Fabalina
Sullivan Bloodstock Limited
231177/
RPR 147h OR 145h
We're going to send him novice chasing. He's obviously had problems and we need to get him fit but he's a big, strong horse. He's six weeks off a run.

Famoso
4g Fame And Glory - Mucho Macabi
P K Barber and P J Vogt
4
RPR 87b
He started 8-11 favourite for a Chepstow bumper but disappointed us. I think he'll leave that form well behind and I'm now going to get him going over hurdles because I think he wants a trip.

Fast Buck
6g Kendargent - Juvenil Delinquent
Sullivan Bloodstock Limited
3/11258-
RPR 140h OR 142h
Another horse who's had issues and, once again, it's just a case of getting him fit. We may give him one run over hurdles – although I don't think he's particularly well treated off 142 – before he goes chasing.

Fidelio Vallis
5g Saint Des Saints - Quora Vallis
J Hales
7F11-24
RPR 136h OR 138h
He's quite a keen horse who loves to bowl along. I was mortified he got beaten in the Listed race at Kempton but the mare he was trying to give 7lb to, Mrs Hyde, went on to defeat Verdana Blue, which means the form now looks much stronger. He hated the track and ground at Cheltenham on Sunday and will now go novice chasing on flat tracks.

Flash Collonges
5g Saddler Maker - Prouesse Collonges
The Gi Gi Syndicate
1
RPR 119h
Last season he was a big, backward horse and always too heavy to run. He's needed all the time in the world and when he ran at Exeter I knew he'd be green, so we were pleasantly surprised not just that he won but travelled so well. There's enormous improvement to come from him and whatever he does over hurdles this season will be a bonus. He really is a chaser.

Flemenstide
5g Flemensfirth - Keep Face
P K Barber and P J Vogt
2
RPR 118b
He was so backward we could hardly train him last season and when he went to Sandown it was his first time away from here and his first time on grass. I was absolutely thrilled he ran so well, running green but staying on strongly. I'd like to give him one more bumper run but as he's going on six I think it will then be novice hurdles. He'll want two and a half miles over hurdles and will ultimately be a staying chaser.

Flic Ou Voyou
6g Kapgarde - Hillflower
Colm Donlon
222-111
RPR 137h OR 137h
We can pat ourselves on the back for placing him well to win three on the bounce. The Listed novice hurdle at Haydock on Betfair Chase day will be his next race. He could win a few more nice races over hurdles this season, but I'm definitely not saying he's going to be winning a Supreme, so we've not ruled out switching him to fences sooner rather than later. *

Star quality
Frodon
8g Nickname*-* *Miss Coun*try
P J Vogt
1/3314-1
RPR* *177c OR 169c *
I truthfully didn't expect such a wonderful performance at Cheltenham in October but he just loves that track and is so game. You can be sure he'll be heading towards the Gold Cup. I'm not shouting out that I think he'll win the Gold Cup but I do think he'll run a solid race and I could easily see him being in the frame. He gets into a rhythm around Cheltenham, which Clan Des Obeaux and before him Silviniaco Conti were never able to do. His next race will be the Many Clouds Chase at Aintree but he could also go to the King George, which I'm sure Paul Vogt would love to see. Once we get past Christmas we'll work back from the Gold Cup and maybe look at the Cotswold Chase along the way.



Gala De Corton
4g Secret Singer - Pour Le Meilleur
Gordon & Su Hall
3
RPR 102b
A backward half-brother to Black Corton who finished an encouraging third at Ludlow. Lorcan Williams said he had a job pulling him up, so he'll appreciate a stiffer track and softer ground.

Getareason
7g Getaway - Simple Reason
Sullivan Bloodstock Limited
370/07-3
RPR 139c OR 137c
We were thrilled with his run at Sandown and he'll improve for it. I think he'll have no trouble winning a novice handicap chase.

Getaway Trump
7g Getaway - Acinorev
Owners Group 023
33P-314
RPR 150c OR 144c
I think after his disappointing run at Cheltenham he wants two and a half miles and a flat track. He'll now go to Fakenham this week and at some point he'll win a nice race, although he could be braver when jumping, so I may try him in cheekpieces.

Get The Appeal
6m Getaway - Lady Appeal
Middleham Park Racing IX
D/176-0F
RPR 116h OR 111h
She'd have won at Exeter but for falling two out. There's a mares' handicap hurdle at Market Rasen this week that could be right for her.

Give Me A Copper
10g Presenting - Copper Supreme
Done, Ferguson, Mason, Nicholls & Wood
1/4F4/17-
RPR 150c OR 146c
We think he got cast in his box a week before the Badger Beers, which meant we had to miss that, although the ground would have been too quick for him anyway. I'll give him an entry for the Becher Chase and he can head there fresh, which is when he tends to be at his best. He could obviously be a National horse.

Glajou
4g Network - Toscane
Middleham Park Racing & Peter Lamb
5337-24
RPR 120c OR 125c
He has me scratching my head. He jumped brilliantly at Chepstow and looked sure to win but then started to look about a bit. I may try him on a flatter track at Southwell for a novice handicap chase. I think at some point he'll click and win plenty of races.

Gold Bullion
4g Fame And Glory - Tornade D'Ainay
Malcolm C Denmark
Unraced
He's out of a half-sister to the very good staying hurdler Crystal D'Ainay and should be ready to run at Christmas.

Golden Gift
6g Gold Well - Five Star Present
Mr & Mrs P K Barber, G Mason & Sir A Ferguson
22/3-U
RPR 118h
He'd have won at Wincanton last month but for coming down at the final flight. He's a decent sort who should win races over hurdles before developing into a nice staying chaser.

Grand Sancy
6g Diamond Boy - La Courtille
Martin Broughton Racing Partners
3341-13
RPR 157c OR 149c
He made a mistake down the far side in the Rising Stars and immediately started choking. I'd put a line through that. Next time we may run him left-handed, which I think suits him better over fences, and that could be in the Grade 2 novice chase over two and a half miles at the Ladbrokes Trophy meeting. After that he'll have to run in open company.

Great Gable
4g Fame And Glory - Mistress Mole
Owners Group 050
Unraced
He's ready to make his debut in a bumper. He's out of a half-sister to Mr Mole, who won some nice races for us.

Star quality
Greaneteen
6g Great Pretender - Manson Teene
Chris Giles
01114-1
RPR 158c OR 158c
He does everything so well at home and ended up winning the Haldon Gold Cup nicely, even though I thought he might be in trouble two out. He'll improve for that and now goes for the Tingle Creek. Unlike some in the 2m chase division, he's come through the handicap ranks, but he could keep progressing. I have a feeling he'll run a massive race at Sandown because he's a real staying two-miler and the faster they go the better it is for him.



Hacker Des Places
3g Great Pretender - Plaisance
Owners Group 068
3-12
RPR 117h OR 132h
He won in France over the summer but then on his first start for us he was beaten by one of ours, Viroflay, something I really couldn't see happening beforehand. He ended up getting a mark of 132 but I've absolutely no idea why – in my opinion it should have been more like 120. I think with time he should be okay.

Dark horse

Hell Red
3g Martaline - Queen Margot
Sir Martin Broughton & Friends 6
2-1P
RPR 118h
At this stage I have no idea what happened on Saturday. It's a mystery. He had done nothing wrong since he won at Chepstow and had worked brilliantly on Tuesday. He wasn't distressed after the race and scoped 100 per cent clean. I've told the owners to put a line through the run.

Highland Hunter
7g Subtle Power - Loughine Sparkle
Thomas Barr
135/81-2
RPR 136h OR 133h
He struggled with his breathing last season, so I thought the wind op would help him, but I still expected him to need the run at Ayr, where he ran very well. He could go chasing straight away or we could be tempted by the 3m handicap hurdle at Haydock on Saturday. He loves soft ground and stays forever.

Dark horse

Hitman
4g Falco - Tercah Girl
Mason, Hogarth, Ferguson & Done
2O1-1
RPR 153c OR 141c
We gave him lots of time after he came over from France and expected him to go very well on his chasing debut at Ffos Las, even though it looked a very good race. I was a bit nervous because he'd run only three times over hurdles at Pau and lacked experience, but aside from galloping into the second-last he jumped beautifully. I believe he's a very nice horse and I'm thinking now of going for the Henry VIII at Sandown. He's still only four and I don't want to give him too hard a season, so he'd need to be one of the favourites for the Arkle for me to think about running him in it.

Jeremy Pass
5g Jeremy - Toulon Pass
John Dance
F/35-
RPR 105b
He'd have won a point-to-point but for falling at the final fence and then ran well in a couple of bumpers for us. Having had a wind op, he's now ready to go in novice hurdles.

Kandoo Kid
4g Kapgarde - Scarlett Du Mesnil
Michael Geoghegan
Unraced
I'm planning to give him his bumper debut at Ascot on Saturday. He's out of a half-sister to Politologue and we like him.

Kapcorse
7g Kapgarde - Angesse
John P McManus
61/7117/
RPR 146c OR 138c
He hasn't run for a long time but should make his comeback at Newbury later this month. We have him in the Ladbrokes Trophy but I suspect we'll run him in the Sir Peter O'Sullevan Memorial Handicap Chase, which he won two years ago. He has plenty of ability and should win a nice race somewhere.

Knappers Hill
4g Valirann - Brogella
P K Barber and P J Vogt
1
RPR 110b
Who knows what he beat at Chepstow but Harry Cobden couldn't pull him up afterwards. He may head to Wincanton on Boxing Day before one more bumper run in the spring and then we'll put him away as he needs to develop.

Kumara Plough
4g Milan - Back To Loughabera
The Stewart Family
Unraced
He's a big, strong chasing sort who's ready to make his debut.

Laurina
7m Spanish Moon - Lamboghina
Sullivan Bloodstock Limited
14/1PP3-
RPR 158h 150c OR 157h
Our system is completely different to the system she knew when trained by Willie [Mullins], so part of the job with the horses who have joined us is getting them used to how we do things. She's a bit of a challenge but the most important thing is she looks fantastic. She beat Minella Indo over fences on her chasing debut but I believe she then bled twice. We gave her a wind op over the summer and in the last few weeks she's been coming along beautifully in her training alongside Politologue and Next Destination. We've had no problems with her and she's in a happy place after enjoying some schooling over hurdles and fences. The Ascot Hurdle on Saturday will be her first run for us. That's just a starting point and should guide us as to whether she then runs over hurdles or fences. The new mares' chase at the Cheltenham Festival could obviously be perfect for her.

Lucky One
5g Authorized - Lady Anouchka
Sullivan Bloodstock & Hughes Crowley
22/4-72
RPR 121h OR 124h
He could be all right and just needs to settle. There's plenty to come from him and he may go back in distance.

Magic Saint
6g Saint Des Saints - Magic Poline
Mr and Mrs J D Cotton
2/517-61
RPR 160c OR 152c
As was the case last season, he needed his first run but he travelled well and bolted up at Cheltenham on Friday. He's going to be hard to place but I'm going to enter him for an open handicap at Ascot on Saturday. After that we'll probably have to look at conditions races.

Malaya
6m Martaline - Clarte D'Or
Mrs Johnny de la Hey
0/3602-2
RPR 142h OR 139h
She ran nicely at Ascot but is handicapped up to her best. I'd be keen to run her in a Listed race over two miles and one day she may go chasing again, although probably not this season.

Manorbank
Arcadio - Kind Word
Owners Group 065
1-
RPR 105b
He should be ready to have his first run for us around Christmas. There was lots to like about his Kelso bumper success in January and we're looking forward to running him in novice hurdles on soft ground.

Master Tommytucker
9g Kayf Tara - No Need For Alarm
A G Fear
F/1FF-21
RPR 157c OR 147c
He's been frustrating because he has so much talent, so it was great to see him put in a clear round and win easily at Huntingdon last week. Before I put him back into a proper race I'd like to give him one more run in a graduation chase, possibly at Haydock on Saturday, although there's a similar race at Ascot next month.

Star quality
Mcfabulous
6g Milan - Rossavon
Giraffa Racing
1/2411-1
RPR 154h OR 153h
A lovely horse who just took a bit of time last season, when he wasn't always the bravest jumping at home or on the racecourse. He ended up handicapping himself very well and won the EBF Final before hosing up in the Persian War. He'll now go to Newbury for the Long Distance Hurdle. If it looked like he wasn't going to be good enough for the Stayers' Hurdle he could go chasing – but I have a sneaking feeling he'll be right in the mix in the Stayers'. We'll know more by next weekend.

Mick Pastor
4g Meshaheer - Mick Oceane
John P McManus
1610-F
RPR 132c 138h OR 137c 137h
He was a bit unfortunate to come down at the final fence at Fakenham, but for which he'd probably have won. We have to get some experience into him and he needs to learn to settle.

Miranda
5m Camelot - Great Artist
Owners Group 034
11P/813-
RPR 135h OR 136h
I think she's just about ready to win again over hurdles. She twice ran well on the Flat last month but she was also good enough to win a handicap hurdle at last year's Kempton Christmas meeting.

Modus
10g Motivator - Alessandra
John P McManus
0370/6-1
RPR 158c OR 150c
To see him win at Aintree after so long off the track was thrilling. Jonjo O'Neill gave him a brilliant ride. I told him he wouldn't blow up and he rode him accordingly. I'm now thinking about the Grand Sefton.

Mon Frere
4g Pour Moi - Sistine
Elite Racing Club
7/54112- (Flat)
RPR 80f OR 75f
Some of the horses who went jumping having raced on the Flat for Sir Mark Prescott have done incredibly well and we're hoping this lad can shine over hurdles in the new year. He hasn't run for a while but he had a progressive profile in staying handicaps when last on the track.

Monmiral
3g Saint Des Saints - Achere
Sir A Ferguson, G Mason, J Hales & L Hales
1-
RPR 120h
This is a lovely horse and one I think we're entitled to be excited about because on his only start in France he beat Hell Red. The plan is to give him his first run in Britain at Exeter a week on Sunday before a run in one of the two big juvenile hurdles at Cheltenham or Doncaster in mid-December.

Mondora
3f Montmartre - Clarte D'Or
Mrs Johnny de la Hey
Unraced
We bought her from France, where she never raced. If I don't run her in a three-year-olds' bumper I'll give her a first start in the Listed juvenile mares' hurdle they stage at Aintree on Becher Chase day. She's a half-sister to Malaya.

Mr Glass
4g Sholokhov - Maryota
John Dance
3
RPR 103b
We probably should have made more use of him first time out as all he did was gallop. He's a beautiful horse who should be a lovely prospect for novice hurdles this time next year. It's good to have John Dance as an owner in the yard.

My Way
6g Martaline - Royale Majesty
Chris Giles
4266-14
RPR 141c OR 127c
It wasn't the plan to make the running in the Badger Beers but he jumped off a bit free and was always doing too much out front. When he turned into the straight I thought it was going to be a long way home and he didn't quite finish after the final fence. I'll look for a beginners' chase now and I'm sure there's a nice race in him.

Next Destination
8g Dubai Destination - Liss Alainn
Malcolm C Denmark
11131/2
RPR 152h OR 149h
We've had to treat him with kid gloves as he's had problems. He came into the yard in the middle of June and did lots of steady work before his comeback at Wetherby. I thought it would have been amazing if he finished fourth or fifth but he surprised both Harry and me, running a blinder to finish second. Given he'd been off for a long time, we won't rush to run him but he could possibly go to Newbury for the 3m Grade 2 novice chase on November 28. He could be a really smart novice chaser over a trip if he stays sound. We just need to mind him and not be greedy.

Jockey change, DANNY COOK not turned up at course for ride.