2010/11 Stable Tours

gscully

Thought it might be useful to have all of these in the same place to help with the coming season.

Paul Nicholls

Nikki Henderson

Philip Hobbs

Alan King

Don McCain

Rebecca Curtis

gscully

No jumping trainer in recent memory has dominated the sport so comprehensively as Paul Nicholls.

He has simply cornered the market at every level from juvenile and novice hurdlers through to novice and handicap chasers at the highest level, consistently churning out Grade One performers in every discipline.

He goes into the 2010/11 season with the established brilliance of Kauto Star, Denman, Master Minded and the peerless staying hurdler Big Bucks.

But they are backed by a phalanx of exciting young performers ready to come through to centre-stage.

Here, Nicholls runs through those horses which in his opinion could prove leading lights in the season to come.


AL FERHOF
5yo grey gelding; Dom Alco — Maralta
“He did really well last season, winning his bumper and was a very good second in the Cheltenham bumper. He came back a bit later after the summer but I really like him and could be a leading novice hurdler — expect to see him towards the end of November.”

CARLICUE
5yo bay gelding; King’s Theatre — Woodville Star
“Won his only point-to-point start and looks a chaser in the making. He will stay hurdling this season, is potentially very useful and will be running before the end of October.”

CURRENT EVENT
3yo bay gelding; Muhtathir — La Curamala
“Ran second in his only race at Auteuil and although he hasn’t been here long is looking the part for juvenile hurdling.”

BIG BUCKS
7yo bay/brown gelding; Cadoudal — Buck’s
“He just gets better and better. Right now, he looks superb after his summer break and will take the same path as last year on the run to Cheltenham, starting at the Hennessy meeting. After that he'll go to Ascot, Cheltenham and Aintree. It’s not out of the question that he’ll try fences again one day.”

BRAMPOUR
3yo bay gelding; Daylami — Brusca
“Came from the Aga Khan for whom he won at Chantilly and was highly rated on the flat. He hasn’t done much here yet but look out for him in juvenile hurdles a bit later.”

CELESTIAL HALO
6yo bay gelding; Galileo — Pay The Bank
“There’s no point moving him into staying hurdles with Big Bucks about so he’s going to make his novice chase debut at Exeter on October 19. He is at the top of the market for the Arkle but I’ll be sorting his trip out over the next few months and it might not be two miles.”

CENTRE BLEU
3yo bay gelding; Le Fou — Arvoire
“He's had only one run when third at Auteuil. Long-term he'll be a chaser but is one to watch for over hurdles this season and will be ready around late December.”

DENMAN
10yo chestnut gelding; Presenting — Polly Puttens
“He seems in great order. He’ll have entries for the Betfair Chase and Hennessy Gold Cup and we’ll decide nearer the time. He’s carried top weight in the Hennessy before and he does like that flat out gallop. He’s a tremendous horse when he’s 100 per cent but getting him to that isn’t always easy.”

DOLATULO
3yo chestnut gelding; Le Fou — Le Perspective
“Won his one race on the flat and his only start over hurdles so is one for juvenile hurdles.”

DOMTALINE
3yo grey gelding; Martaline — Domna Noune
“He was third in a good race at Auteuil in May and has done very well since he came to me and I’d be very hopeful of him at Chepstow on October 9.”

EMPIRE LEVANT
3yo grey gelding; Empire Maker — Orellana
“Won three times on the Flat in France and was only beaten a short-head in a listed race. He has just been gelded so will be out towards the end of November and looks the part; we might start him off at the Hennessy meeting.”

ESCORT’MEN
4yo chestnut gelding; Robin Des Champs — Escortee
“He goes to Chepstow on October 9 for the four-year-old handicap hurdle and will go well. Came back in good form from his summer break and he’s got enough scope to jump a fence by the end of the season.”

FISTRAL BEACH
7yo bay gelding; Definite Article — Empress Of Light
“This horse has been unlucky to finish second so many times and was also unfortunate to unseat in the Racing Post Chase. However, the good news is that he starts the season on an attractive mark for staying handicap chases.”

HAWKESPOINT
5yo bay gelding; Kayf Tara — Mandys Native
“A brother to Alfie Sherrin and a winner of his only point-to-point. I hope he can do on the track what he’s been doing at home.”

KAUTO STAR
10yo bay gelding; Village Star — Kauto Relka
“It’s a simple path with him, the Nicholson chase at Down Royal which he won in 2008, then off to Kempton for a crack at a fifth King George before Cheltenham and the Gold Cup. You can hope and dream as much as you like but all I know is that he certainly seems as good as he was a year ago - but only the track will tell.”

MASTER MINDED
7yo bay gelding; Nikos — Haute Tension
“He’s benefited from a breathing operation in the summer. The plan is just one run at either Ascot or Cheltenham and then the Tingle Creek again.”

MINELLA STARS
5yo bay gelding; Accordion — V’Soke Gale
“Won two points and will be running before the end of October. He will start over hurdles but looks a very nice chasing prospect.”

MR HUDSON
5yo bay gelding; Old Vic — Esbeggi
“This horse won a point-to-point and a bumper and has taken very well to hurdling. He will be out before the end of October and is one to keep an eye out for.”

PLENTY POCKET
3yo bay gelding; Super Celebre — Alamadina
“He won two races in France for Elie Lellouche and is definitely a good prospect for juvenile hurdles.”

POLISKY
3yo bay gelding; Poliglote — Dusky Royale
“Finished second at Auteuil in September when Cedre Bleu was third and although he hasn’t been around long enough fpr me to really assess him he looks a very solid prospect.”

POQUELIN
7yo black gelding; Lahint — Babolna
“He has to go left-handed so the Old Roan Chase at Aintree is a good starting point. He looks as good as ever but he’ll need to be with a mark of 164. After Aintree he’ll go for the Paddy Power at Cheltenham.”

RANGITOTO
5yo bay gelding; Old Vic — Kendos Dream
“This horse wn his only point-to-point and has schooled well over hurdles although his long-term future is as a chaser.”

ROCK OF DEAVILLE
3yo bay gelding; Rock Of Gibraltar — Ruff Shod
“This horse can boast two wins from three flat starts in France and is going well enough at home to run in early November.”

ROCK ON RUBY
5yo bay gelding; Oscar — Stoney View
“He won two bumpers last year demonstrating that he has a decent engine and the form of both races is working out well. This season he'll be a decent prospect for novice hurdles.”

ROYAL CHARM
5yo black gelding; Cadoudal — Victoria Royale
“He won two novice hurdles very nicely on soft ground last season and it was only fast ground that stopped him running after February. He could be pretty smart over fences.”

ROYAL MIX
4yo grey gelding; Sagamix — Princess Irena
“I’ve always thought a lot of him and although he won his novice at Newbury in November he took a long time to acclimatise. He’s much better now and is a very interesting prospect that starts in a valuable four-year-old hurdle at Cheltenham’s first meeting.”

SAM WINNER
3yo bay gelding; Okawango — Noche
“Second all three starts at Auteuil; that form looks very smart and he is certainly one to keep on the right side in early November.”

SANCTUAIRE
4yo bay gelding; Kendor — Biblique
“He was probably over the top when he went to Aintree after winning the Fred Winter off a good mark at Cheltenham. He's done well both mentally and physically over the summer and starts in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham - after that I’ll have an idea if he’s Champion Hurdle class. In my view he could be anything.”

SONOFVIC
5yo bay gelding; Old Vic — Prudent View
“He’s from a family I’ve done well with in the past including Forest Pennant. He's won a point-to-point but is immature and will stay hurdling this season.

TESHALI
4yo bay gelding; Anabaa — Tashiriya
“This horse won three times in France for the Aga Khan. He's been gelded and done particularly well for it as he's looking good now and the plan is to start in a two mile maiden hurdle.”

TOUBAB
4yo grey gelding; Martaline — Tabachines
“Did more than enough last season when running second to Soldatino then finishing off with a second in the Swinton Hurdle. He’ll be in the best class handicaps but the starting point will be the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton in early November.”

TATATIANO
6yo bay gelding; Sassanian — Rosa Carola
“He’s ground-dependent and doesn’t want it to come up soft. He’ll have a run somewhere first and will then probably be my third runner in the Tingle Creek — ground permitting. One for the autumn and spring.”

TCHICO POLOS
6yo bay gelding; Sassanian — Miss Saint Germain
“I think he’ll develop into a smart handicap chaser off 148 and will probably start in the Haldon Gold Cup. He’d get into that well although there’s a good option for him on the same Down Royal card in early November that Kauto Star will be appearing on.”

THE NIGHTINGALE
7yo bay/brown gelding; Cadoudal — Double Spring
“He doesn’t want the ground too quick but will probably to for a race at Down Royal and keep Kauto Star company. Two and a half miles suits and then he could go back for the John Durkan. He could be very good indeed.”

WHAT A FRIEND
7yo bay gelding; Alflora — Friendly Lady
“He’ll start in either the Betfair Chase or the Hennessy, depending what we decide to do with Denman. He isn’t as far forward as some because we gave him a breathing operation over the summer.”

TWIST MAGIC
8yo bay gelding; Winged Love — Twist Scarlett
“He’s going to the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter first and then the Tingle Creek. He’ll probably need that first run but I’m going to try and keep him right-handed as that's what he does best.”

ZARKANDAR
3yo bay gelding; Azamour — Zarkasha
“Won on the flat for the Aga Khan in July and he will be a gelding very shortly which means he won’t be out for a while, possibly Christmas, but he’s definitely got an engine.”

gscully

Nicky Henderson is on the brink of a great season. At Seven Barrows on the Lambourn outskirts he has the strongest team of jumpers ever assembled under one roof in the history of that famous training centre.

That comment is made with full respect of the likes of Fulke Walwyn and Fred Winter who had Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Grand National winners at any one time but never did they have the numbers and strength in depth that Henderson currently enjoys.

Indeed, just two more winners at Cheltenham in March will see him pass Walwyn and become the winning-most trainer in the history of the Festival.

Unlike the aforementioned duo, Henderson has yet to saddle a Gold Cup or a National winner but that might only be a matter of time.

He already has the reigning Champion Hurdle winner Binocular and in Long Run he has the right type of fast three-mile chaser to break the King George Chase stranglehold of Kauto Star.

When looking over his team it is easy to see why he is considered a serious threat by many to end the dominance of Paul Nicholls.

Here he talks about his pick of the team.


ACCORDINGTOJODIE
4yo bay gelding; Accordion — La Fiamma
“Won a Galway bumper in Ireland in August and is looking pretty smart.”

A MEDIA LUZ
3yo bay filly; Johann Quatz — Immensement
“Exciting filly from the flat in France but I am surprised that she’s at the head of the market for the Triumph. Was second in a Group Three before finishing sixth in the Prix Diane. One to look forward to in juvenile hurdles.”

BELLVANO
6yo bay gelding; Silvano — Bella Vista
“He finally learned to settle over hurdles where he was rated 141. Has a lot of scope and ability for two mile chasing.”

BE THERE IN FIVE
6yo bay gelding; Indian Danehill — Marwa
“Had a 136 hurdle rating and is lovely big horse that has always looked a staying chaser and has matured into a fine type.”

BINOCULAR
6yo bay gelding; Enrique — Bleu Ciel Et Blanc
“Things certainly didn’t go according to plan in the first part of last season but things seem fine now and I’m pleased with him. Everything will work around the Champion Hurdle again and it is possible that he’ll start again in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle. The Bula at Cheltenham where he’d have an 8lb penalty is a bit close to the Christmas Hurdle. Before the Champion he’d go for the same race as he did last year at Sandown.”

BOB’S WORTH
5yo bay gelding; Bob Back — Fashionista
“Although he will jump a fence he will certainly pay his way over hurdles this season.”

BURTON PORT
6yo bay gelding; Bob Back — Despute
“It was a big surprise to me the way he improved last season and his only defeat was in in the RSA Chase. He might not have been at his best at Aintree time but he still won. He's not big but has continued to develop which is important as an official mark of 152 will make things hard. However, if Denman were to run in the Hennessy it would certainly suit this horse. I might start him in the Brush Hurdle race at Haydock in which he was second to Diamond Harry last season to put an edge on him.”

CHABLAIS
5yo bay gelding; Saint Des Saints — Malandra
“Won his only Irish point-to-point, the form of which is very good. A very exciting prospect that will go straight into novice hurdles although he is a real chasing type.”

CUCUMBER RUN
5yo bay gelding; Oscar — Back To Roost
“Last season we had 22 individual bumper winners of which this horse was one. Half brother to Somersby. He won his third bumper and I think he is a very exciting novice hurdle prospect.”

FINIANS RAINBOW
7yo bay gelding; Tiraaz — Trinity Gale
“A high-class horse that did well over hurdles but was bought as a chaser and that’s what he’s going to do — very exciting at about two and a half miles and he has already schooled.”

FRENCH OPERA
7yo bay gelding; Bering — On Stage
“Won four out of five last season, never stopped amazing us for a novice winning three handicaps. It won’t be easy off 158 but he did show us that he handles soft ground and stays two and a half miles. He’s one of quite a few that look Ryanair material.”

GENERAL MILLER
5yo bay gelding; Karinga Bay — Miller’s Action
“I thought it was a top-class performance when he won at Aintree and I wouldn’t be surprised if two and a half miles turned out to be his trip over hurdles where he’s rated 146.”

GIORGIO QUERCUS
5yo bay gelding; Starborough — Winter Breeze
“Could be very interesting in novice chases, jumps well, and looked to be our Triumph Hurdle horse two seasons ago and had a year off which has really benefited him physically.”

GRANDOUET
3yo bay gelding; Al Namix — Virginia River
“Won over hurdles on his third start at Enghien but is still a novice over here for this season which is fortunate. He looks very exciting and very quick — the type that would be suited by Kempton.”

KID CASSIDY
4yo bay gelding; Beneficial — Shuil Na Lee
“Had always shown plenty of ability, won his bumper, third at Punchestown and a lovely big horse with a lot of class for novice hurdles.”

LARKS LAD
6yo bay gelding; Bab Back — Higher Again
“Did well enough over hurdles before cutting into himself at Ayr on his final start. He’s returned fine and has always had the make and shape to build into a very decent chaser.”

LIFESTYLE
4yo bay filly; Karinga Bay — Like Manner
“She’s talented but was too keen after winning her first bumper and it probably took its toll when she ran at Aintree. Could be a very decent hurdler.”

LONG RUN
5yo bay gelding; Cadoudal — Libertina
“There aren’t many horses that could drop back from three miles to two as he did when winning the Kingmaker Novices' Chase at Warwick before he went to Cheltenham for the RSA Chase. I achieved a lot for a five-year-old and I suspect his busy campaign in France might have caught up with him by the spring. He has returned from the summer an inch taller and much stronger and the Paddy Power God Cup - where he’d probably have top-weight with a mark of 158 - would be a possible starting point as Sam Waley Cohen can claim 5lb on him. The King George is his first main target and while I respect Kauto Star immensely I do know that Kempton suits Long Run as he showed when winning the Feltham Chase; when Kauto Star begins to quicken from four out, this horse will have the pace to go with him. Whether he can go past him is another matter. After that we’ll make further plans but there’s every chance he’ll stay further than three. He’s in very good form.”

LOOSE PREFORMER
4yo bay gelding; Luso — Out Performer
“Won a point in Ireland and we bought him at the Cheltenham Spring Sale. He is related to Bacchanal and I’ve really liked what I’ve seen and although he might go in a bumper I think hurdles are more likely.”

LORD RAGNAR
7yo bay gelding; King’s Theatre — Shaiymara
“He’s a big frame of a horse that has been crying out for fences and is maturing all the time. He could take very high order.”

MASTER FIDDLE
5yo bay gelding; Alflora — Fiddling The Facts
“Looked good winning his only bumper despite being big and weak and is one for hurdles.”

MAD MAX
8yo bay gelding; Kayf Tara — Carole’s Crusader
“He’s in absolutely brilliant form. He is enormous and likes to bowl in front so there’s a question about how far he’ll stay. Given his running style of attacking fences he could be the right type for the Paddy Power and long term the Ryanair.”

MASTER OF THE HALL
6yo bay gelding; Saddlers Hall — Frankly Native
“A very good horse that I hope will make a top class novice chaser having won twice in two mile hurdles despite seeming to need a lot further.”

MINELLA CLASS
5yo bay gelding; Oscar — Louisa’s Dream
“Won an Irish bumper before we bought him at Cheltenham and a gorgeous looking horse. Had a little peep on the gallops before he was turned away and very much liked what we saw. He jumps very well and will go straight over hurdles and could be quite special.”

MR GARDNER
7yo bay gelding; Deploy — Lady Padivor
“Missed last season with a tendon injury but looked smart over hurdles and liked to run from the front. We’ve always been looking forward to seeing him over fences.”

OSCAR WHISKY
5yo bay gelding; Oscar — Ash Baloo
“Rated 146, second season novice that I think is very good and will be aimed at the Welsh National Hurdle at Ffos Las which is owned by his owner, Dai Walters."

PETIT ROBIN
7yo bay gelding; Robin Des Pres — Joie De Cotte
“Won’t be easy to place off 163 but he does seem better going left-handed and he might be better at two than two and a half miles. He isn’t far off top class.”

PEVERIL
6yo bay gelding; Presenting — Starana
“His improvement surprised me all last season, winning his first three over hurdles, finishing fourth in the Martin Pipe Conditionals Hurdle at Cheltenham and ending with a 140 rating. An excellent jumper, will go novice chasing and should stay three miles.”

PRINCE OF PIRATES
5yo bay gelding; Milan — Call Kate
“I think he might be very good. He won a decent bumper first time and he jumps hurdles well and will be one to watch over two miles.”

PROBLEMA TIC
4yo bay gelding; Kapgarde — Atreide
“Impressive when winning an Aintree bumper under a penalty and has done some schooling and isn’t slow so will start in two mile novice hurdles.”

PUNCHESTOWNS
7yo chestnut gelding; Morespeed — History
“Did very well over fences and he came back sore after disappointing in the RSA Chase where we found he had a chipped bone in his near hind hock. He’s come back well from a box rest and a long summer and there will be plenty of graduation and intermediate chases for him. There’s a graduation chase at Sandown in early December over two and a half miles which gives me plenty of time. He’s not slow and if ever he went back over hurdles — which is unlikely — he would be sitting on Big Bucks tail rather than making it.”

PUNJABI
7yo bay gelding; Komaite — Competa
“Has come back looking bigger and stronger. He was slightly disappointing when defending his Champion Hurdle and at Punchestown after but he has now schooled over fences, taken to it very well and that’s now where his future lies. I'm pleased with what I’ve seen.”

QUANTITATIVEEASING
5yo chestnut gelding; Anshan — Mazuma
“A decent hurdler but I can’t help feeling three miles and fences are going to be his game.”

RIVERSIDE THEATRE
6yo bay gelding; King’s Theatre — Disallowed
“I think the pace of the Arkle probably found him out but he did stay on incredibly well up the hill. He will definitely be going over two and a half miles this season and I can only see him improving; he might start in a graduation chase at Kempton later in November.”

SOLDATINO
4yo grey gelding; Graveron — Malory Du Chenay
“For him to win the Triumph Hurdle with so little experience was amazing. He is highly strung and wears ear plugs and a hood every day at home which seems to relax him. He’s come back well and it’s simply a matter of seeing where he slots in as we have a very strong team of hurdlers, however he never stopped improving last season.”

SPIRIT RIVER
5yo bay gelding; Poliglote — Love River
“He’s another for novice chasers having been a very good handicap hurdler. Would have gone close in the Tote Gold Trophy at Newbury but for a mistake three out and was suited by two miles five when he won the Coral Cup. He has done very well during the summer, massive, and he is another I am excited about in novice chases.”

SPRINTER SACRE
4yo bay/brown gelding; Network — Fatima III
“Is a very good looking horse that was seriously impressive winning the second of his two bumpers at the Scottish National meeting. He has schooled very well and although he has a big frame he seems to possess plenty of pace. I would expect him to be a very good two-mile novice hurdler.”

STATE BENEFIT
5yo bay gelding; Beneficial — Gifted
“Very good looking and won his Irish point to point who looks the part and is one to note in novice hurdles.”

SURFING
4yo bay gelding; Califet — Hawai De Vonnas
“He’s already won over fences at Auteuil and has been placed in top class novice events. He is much along the same lines at Long Run last year and can still run in novice chases this season. He has a rating of 142 and has had a long break since he came over. Looks fantastic and is very exciting.”

TETLAMI
4yo chestnut gelding; Daylami — Tetou
“Won two bumpers, has plenty of pace for hurdling and has come back much bigger and stronger.”

TITAN DE SARTI
3yo bay gelding; Kapgarde — Copie Des Planches.
“Won two French bumpers and is ready made for juvenile hurdling.”

ZAYNAR
5yo grey gelding; Daylami — Zainta.
“He will have the same two opening races as he did last year at Ascot then the Cleeve at Cheltenham. I thought he did very well to come back and finish third to Binocular in the Champion Hurdle. He probably wasn’t quite right when he disappointed after that over two and a half at Aintree and he’ll almost certainly be headed for the staying hurdle division.”

gscully

Philip Hobbs is regarded by some as a pessimist but he would correct that by saying that he is a realist.

Never can Hobbs be accused of seeing a swan in place of a goose and for that reason his selection of horses to look out for in the season ahead is probably more significant that most.

Some apparently logical choices have been omitted and some less likely candidates included.

However the top-class novices of last year are discussed in some length while the potentially top class chasers such as Planet Of Sound are assessed.

Here are the trainer’s thoughts.



CAPTAIN CHRIS
6yo bay gelding; King’s Theatre — Function Dream
“It is quite amazing what he achieved in a short space of time last season; fourth in his bumper in mid-February then won his next three hurdles rounding off at Cheltenham in April off 146. We are absolutely delighted with him at home, everything’s gone well, and he’ll go to Kempton later in October with Menorah for a listed novice hurdle — because he won his first hurdle in March he’s a novice until November. After that we’ll decide if he’s going over fences or not. He hasn’t schooled yet and he should be better over two and a half miles but we haven’t run him over that yet! His chase target would be the Arkle but if he were to win easily at Kempton then I’d probably have to look at the Greatwood Hurdle. He copes with soft ground but better on good.”

COCKNEY TRUCKER
8yo bay gelding; Presenting — Kiltiernan Easter
“Still lacks confidence over fences despite having won his last two chases and there is still a tendency to jump right. He is without doubt a horse with plenty of ability and he’s a possibility for the Haldon Gold Cup if he got in because it’s a 20lb handicap. The other thing with him is that he does need good ground and not soft. The next novice chase options are at Kempton and Huntingdon in the middle of November. Looks as though he’d stay further than two but never seems to get home.”

DARE ME
6yo bay gelding; Bob Back — Gay Chatelaine
“The only reason he’s only run in bumpers — he was second in the big one at Aintree — is that he was due back last Autumn but had a colic problem which delayed him so hurdling was put on hold. He's a gorgeous horse that schools well but is particularly robust and holding a lot of condition. He’ll probably run in the maiden hurdle at the first Cheltenham meeting over two even though he’ll want further — he still has plenty of pace.”

DUNRAVEN STORM
5yo brown gelding; Presenting — Foxfire
“He’s one of those rare horses that has nothing wrong with him, conformation or healthwise. I don’t think he wants softer ground than he got at Exeter when he made a winning reappearance on October 7 and I would have been devastated if he’d got beaten. I think he's very useful under the right conditions.”

DUKE OF LUCCA
5yo bay gelding; Milan — Derrvarragh Native
“His first target is the Tote Silver Trophy at Chepstow at the end of October and if he won that with a rating of 148 he’s virtually into conditions hurdle class. If he didn’t win then I’d have to re-think and consider novice chasing. Not the most robust horse and you wouldn’t want to run him every week.”

FOYNES ISLAND
4yo bay gelding; Presenting — Lucy Lodge
“Second in a Worcester bumper in September and he will definitely improve a lot for that because he was very green and the race was run too slow. He will want three miles in time.”

GO ALL THE WAY
5yo bay gelding; Milan — Kings Rose
“Has a great attitude and showed plenty of promise when he was second in his bumper for John Kiely at Punchestown last April. He doesn’t hold condition very well which means he can’t be worked as hard as you might like. He’ll run in a bumper at the first Cheltenham meeting and make a plan after that.”

MENORAH
5yo bay gelding; King’s Theatre — Maid Of Adventure
“He’s another one that I’m not quite sure which way we will be going. We are going to explore the Champion Hurdle route but both he and Peddlar’s Cross were apparently the joint lowest top-rated leading novice hurdlers for many years. I do think Menorah is going to improve because he wasn’t the most robust last season. I’m likely to start him at Kempton on October 17 and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he were beaten first time because of a small field and lack of pace — they were the reasons he got beat last season. It wouldn’t be the end of the world because he could then run in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham where he’d be guaranteed pace.”

NICENE CREED
5yo bay gelding; Hernando — First Fantasy
“Second in a Punchestown Festival bumper for Thomas Mullins before we bought him at the Brightwells May Sale. He does everything very, very well at home but I wouldn’t be surprised if he got beat first time because he’s quite stuffy and green and he’ll want two and a half over hurdles. In the long-term I think he could be pretty good.”

PERSIAN SNOW
4yo bay gelding; Anshan — Alpine Message
“Fell three out when travelling well in his only Irish point-to-point; a race that has worked out fantastically well. He’ll go straight over hurdles and has certainly done everything very well at home.”

PLANET OF SOUND
8yo bay gelding; Kayf Tara — Herald The Dawn
“The only time he’s ever disappointed in his career was in the Ryanair at Cheltenham and he choked — which he’d never done before. We put a tongue tie on when he beat War Of Attrition next time at Punchestown and he’ll be wearing one in future. It’s in the back of my mind that it could have been affecting him in other races. He stayed three miles very well and his first target is the Betfair Chase at Haydock but if it were heavy — which he doesn’t want — it would be the Amlin Chase at Ascot the same day though he’s disappointed there before. All going well it would be the King George after that. The other thing to remember is that he best form has been on galloping tracks.”

QASPAL
6yo bay gelding; Subotica — Une Du Chatelier
“Won’t be running till late November and we will start over hurdles and see how we get on before making any decision about fences. However, if would be getting a bit late if we got to December and had to make a decision. I’d probably be favouring hurdles and he’s as good over two as he is at two and a half miles.”

STORMY GALE
4yo bay gelding; Presenting — Christines Gale
“Gorgeous horse that is a bit slow and thick at the moment and he’ll take a fair bit of time. Will only run in a couple of bumpers this season but remember him.

TARABLAZE
7yo bay gelding; Kayf Tara — Princess Hotpot
“He’s been off for 18 months and has had trouble breaking blood vessels but at long last he’s healthy. He’d have been good enough to run in the three-mile novice hurdle at the Cheltenham two seasons ago but had a bad scope. When he came back last season he had a heart issue which I’m told can make the bleeding worse. He’s been really good up till now. I think he’s a good horse and will go three mile novice chasing.”

WISHFULL THINKING
7yo chestnut gelding; Alflora — Poussetiere Deux
“He would have gone very close when he fell in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham and he was wrong after disappointing at Aintree after that - he struck into himself and came back lame. Had a rare thing in that he had to have a tiny chip taken off his fetlock joint. He’s more than alright now and goes to the first Cheltenham meeting in a two and a half mile novice chase.

finbarrk

I thought you meant actual stable tours.

gscully

It would be reasonable to say that last season was at best a hit-and-miss one for Alan King.

For a trainer who had enjoyed success at the top level over the previous four seasons, the most recent one was a relative disappointment.

Sound veterinary reasons have been found for the dip in form and the trainer explained: “They were never really right. Their immune systems were low and there was a problem with muscle enzymes. We have changed a few things and although it is an extra expense, we are now using Canadian hay.”

Despite those travails which saw his winners drop from a high of 136 to 76, King can count himself unfortunate on several fronts, principally with the setback to Mille Chief that stopped the ante-post favourite for the Triumph Hurdle making it to Cheltenham.

However, everything seems back on track at Barbury Castle with the yard bristling with talent and here the trainer gives us his thoughts on the campaign to come.

AMERICAN LADIE
4yo bay filly; Monashee Mountain — Dounine.
“She got injured schooling and couldn’t run last season but had good form in France. She has stacks of pace for two mile hurdles.

AWESOME BELLA
3yo bay filly; Karinga Bay — Awesome Aunt.
“Related to Awesome George, she looks pretty smart and might be the best of the family so far and will go for a junior bumper. She can really work.”

BALERINA
3yo bay filly; Della Francesca — Santa Marina.
“A Listed-class filly in France, she was bought in the spring, given a school and turned away for the summer. She’s come back and schooled on grass in early October. There’s a fillies maiden hurdle at Uttoxeter at the end of October that will suit her, for three-year-olds and up and she gets 10st 1lb. She’ll handle soft ground.”

BATONNIER
4yo chestnut gelding; Spadoun —La Bazine.
“A horse we liked last season and he was odds-on when he won his bumper at Fontwell. He was green when he got in from but he’s more than alright and will have at least one more bumper run before hurdling. He’s schooled well; is a bit keen but good.”

DHAAFER
3yo bay gelding; Nayef — Almurooj.
“Came from William Haggas and schooled well on grass in early October His flat form is alright over a mile but he doesn’t show me that much pace and the further he goes the better. He’s settled well and will be out towards the end of October.”

HIGH BENEFIT
5yo bay mare; Beneficial — Higher Again
“A very good winner of her bumper at Haydock and a pleasing third at Punchestown after that. Perhaps she will have one more bumper run then go hurdling but I do think she’s very good.”

FRANKLINO
3yo chestnut gelding; Gold Away — Amour Fatal.
“I love him. Won a couple on the flat in France, bought him early from the same trainer as Mille Chief and Walkon. Every bit of work he’s getting better, improving all the time and jumps very well. Very likeable, great attitude and handles soft ground. Will be out pretty early in the season.”

HURRICANE MILLY
4yo bay filly; Milan — Winnowing.
“She looked very good winning her bumper and has done particularly well this summer. I think she is one to watch out for in mares-only novice hurdles which should be a formality for her.”

INVICTUS
4yo bay gelding; Flemensfirth — Clashwilliam Girl.
“Won his point-to-point and cost a bit at the Cheltenham sale in April. Didn’t come back quite so early so he's not as forward as some and he’ll probably go straight over hurdles and miss bumpers. I think he would want two and a half miles-plus. What impresses me is that he has a huge jump in him and looks a stayer.”

LIDAR
5yo chestnut gelding; Take Risks — Light Wave.
“Had a freak accident on his hurdling debut at Cheltenham and split a hind hoof which we let grow out. Came back and won at Towcester in April when he was only just ready for a run. Next time out he found two miles at Aintree too sharp. He might go to the opening Kempton meeting for a two and a half mile National Hunt novice hurdle even though he has an attractive handicap mark of 122.”

LAKE LEGEND
6yo bay gelding; Midnight Legend — Lac Marmot.
“Like a lot of mine, he wasn’t right after he ran at Cheltenham in the Coral Final in March. Put him away after that, schooled over fences in early October and very happy with him. Start at two and a half miles-plus and it’s probably coincidence that his winning form has been on flat tracks. I’m hoping he’ll do very well.”

MANYRIVERSTOCROSS
5yo brown gelding; Cape Cross — Alexandra S.
“It’s becoming a struggle to get him ready for the Cesarewitch but I think he’s going to be a very interesting horse over jumps this season — I don’t know how he stood up when he was seventh to Peddlar’s Cross at Cheltenham. If he didn’t get to the Cesarewitch it’ll probably be the November Handicap then back over hurdles in valuable handicaps over two or two and a half. I won’t mess up a decent mark for five grand. I’ll be looking at the big hurdle at Ascot before Christmas and the Tote Gold Trophy at Newbury. I do think he’s improved for a good break.”

MEDERMIT
6yo grey gelding; Medaaly — Miss D’hermite.
“He’s going straight over fences, he’s schooled and — touch wood — is very quick and very good. Could go to the first Kempton meeting because he’s coming pretty quickly.”

MILLE CHIEF
4yo bay gelding; Ski Chief — Mille Flora.
“He’s come back really well from the setback that stopped him running in the Triumph and the only problem I have is that I’ve nothing that can lead him — he laughs at everything on my gallops. I might run him at the first Cheltenham meeting in a four-year-old hurdle. I am aware that he has a fair mark on 136 for handicaps. He grew a lot through the summer and I couldn’t be more pleased with him.”

NO SUBSTITUTE
5yo bay gelding; Definite Article — Kindly Light.
“He showed plenty of promise without winning two bumpers and although he’s schooled well might have another run in a bumper before hurdling. We hold him in high regard; he has a great attitude and is extremely likeable.”

PANTXOA
3yo bay gelding; Daliapour — Palmeria.
“Won his hurdle debut in France and comes from the same trainer as My Way De Solzen who apparently never has a first time out winner, which tells you something about this.”

PATSY FINNEGAN
8yo bay gelding; Sir Harry Lewis — Bampton Fair.
“Was three from three in 2009 at around two and a half miles but got a leg and missed last season. He's back now doing long, steady work and will go straight over fences around December and could be a good horse — he was very progressive before the injury.”

PRIDE IN BATTLE
5yo bay gelding; Chevalier — Afasara.
“Placed in his three bumpers, he shows a lot of ability and we certainly haven’t see the best of him. Will go straight over hurdles starting at two but might want two and a half. I'd like to think he’d be one of my better novices.”

RAYA STAR
4yo bay gelding; Milan — Garden City.
“I was nervous of the very soft ground when he won his bumper debut at Uttoxeter in March. He handled it well but seems he could be better on better ground. Wasn’t the biggest last season but has done well through the summer and will have another bumper run before hurdling.”

ROMULUS D’ARTAIX
4yo bay gelding; Sassanian — Kadisha.
“Disappointed at Hereford after showing promise at Cheltenham in a Listed bumper but the horses were all wrong at the time plus the ground was horrible. He had always worked like one of my better bumper horses and he’ll have one more run in them before hurdling. I do like him.”

SALDEN LICHT
6yo bay gelding; Fantastic Light — Salde.
“Had been on the go a long time and has done well for a break. He was wrong after he finished third in the Dovecote Hurdle at Kempton in February. He was much better at the Cheltenham April meeting when he probably made his ground too quickly and was beaten by Captain Chris. He’ll run in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham and might have a spin on the flat before that. After that I’ll decide whether to stay hurdling or go over fences.”

SMAD PLACE
3yo grey gelding; Smadoun — Bienna Star.
“Ex-French horse, second over hurdles and the winner has bolted up twice since. Very lean when he came over and just starting to pick him up now but will be ready in November.”

SOLADOUN
3yo grey gelding; Madoun — Solador.
“A big, rangy three-year-old who has won a race then finished third having come from the same source as Mille Chief. He’s schooled well on grass but he has the scope that stops me thinking of him as just a three-year-old hurdler. Should be out by the end of October.”

SQUADRON
6yo bay gelding; Sakhee — Machaera.
“Has only just come back in but has done plenty of preparatory work with Adrian Wintle. He hadn’t done as much schooling as most of mine in the spring because of the firm ground when he was fourth at Huntingdon in early May but he really warmed to it as the race went on having been tailed off at one stage. With a proper preparation on soft ground over two and a half miles he’ll improve a fair bit on that.”

STONEY’S TREASURE
6yo chestnut gelding; Silver Patriarch — Stoney Path.
“Lovely horse that I’m as excited about as anything in the yard because he’s an absolute natural over fences. Because he’s got such a decent hurdle rating, 113, I’m going for a novice chase for horses not rated above 115 — if not a handicap 0-120. One thing's for sure; he's certainly much better than his current handicap mark of 113.”

SWEET IRONY
4yo bay gelding; Laveron — Medicis.
“We’ve always thought he was very good and he did disappoint on his debut at Warwick. He ran much better and was not knocked about when he was third at Ascot. He pulled too hard on his latest run when he was nailed on the line after going clear. He’ll go over hurdles now because I think they’ll help him to settle. I think he’s good.”

THETWINCAMDRIFT
8yo bay gelding; Humbel — Air Hostess.
“I never got a decent preparation into him last season. I didn’t want to lose his novice status hence the one run over fences. We’ve changed a few things and he’s much better now and needs two miles six furlongs-plus. Doesn’t have the best of lungs so lives in an open shed but he’s better than 121.”

WALKON
5 gr g Take Risks — La Tirana.
“A very decent juvenile two seasons ago who is now back after missing last term through injury. He's cantering now, still a bit heavy but starting to sharpen up and he’ll stay hurdling because I don’t see him being ready till Christmas and I don’t want just three months novice chasing with him."

gscully

It was only a matter of time before Donald McCain got his hands on a potentially top-class young horse and last season it arrived in some style in the shape of Peddlers Cross.

Unbeaten in five starts — he also won his only point-to-point in Ireland — the five-year-old progressed to become the leading two and a half mile novice hurdler of his generation when completing the Cheltenham/Aintree double in the spring.

Last season was a landmark for the trainer in that he achieved a new personal best of 88 winners — each term since he took over from his father his totals have improved — and he also produced other quality novices such as Wymott.

His chasers were bolstered by the Cheltenham Festival win of Ballabriggs, unbeaten in his last three outings, while Ernst Blofeld developed into an above average staying novice.

Galway Hurdle winner Overturn has already won the valuable Northumberland Plate on the Flat for the trainer and is yet another that bolsters a strong side, the pick of which he discusses below.


ALEGRALIL
5yo bay mare; King’s Theatre — Lucy Glitters
“Things didn’t just happen for her last season, not her fault, but things did come very easy to her because she’d won her first four races. She frightened herself when she made a mistake three out at Doncaster in a grade two hurdle in February. She didn’t like the soft ground when she was fifth in the mares final at Newbury. She’s back, very well and goes to Wetherby at the end of October for the listed mares hurdle — she will jump fences in time but we want black type over hurdles this season.”

ANY GIVEN DAY
5yo grey gelding; Clodovil — Five Of Wands
“Just got mugged on the line on his comeback in a three mile hurdle at Kelso, his first run since he finished midfield in the County Hurdle. The pleasing thing was that he got the trip well at the first attempt. That gives us options and I haven’t yet schooled him over fences but I’d like to think there’s a three mile handicap hurdle somewhere. Handles soft but wouldn’t want it over three.”

BALLABRIGGS
9yo bay gelding; Presenting — Papoose
“Has always been a good horse but took a long time to get there. Everything will be geared around the Grand National and I’ll keep him over hurdles until the weights are out. That’s not because we think he’s well in, rather that he’s 150 now and wouldn’t want any more. Plus, he’s still a novice over hurdles.”

CHAMIREY
7yo bay gelding; Cadoudal — Guigone
“A useful staying handicap hurdler that finished third in last season’s Pertemps for Alan King. Has schooled over fences and is one for staying novice chases.”

CHARMINSTER
4yo bay gelding; Broadway Flyer — Monteleena
“Won his only point for Richie Harding who won on Ballabriggs at Cheltenham and recommended this horse. He schools exceptionally well.”

COOL MISSION
6yo chestnut gelding; Definite Article — Mettlesome
“Has never showed us a lot at home. All he wants is a distance of ground and a big, galloping track. Recently schooled over fences and taken to it nicely enough so he’ll be going long distance novice chasing. Fairly well forward, like the majority of them, and should be out end of October. Might not want it heavy and better ground wouldn’t do any harm at all.”

DRILL SERGEANT
5yo bay gelding; Rock Of Gibraltar — Dolydille
“Rated 108 on the Flat for Mark Johnston and won at Royal Ascot last year. McCoy liked him when he won on his hurdle debut at Worcester but he’ll be better over two and a half miles and could end up in the better novice hurdles later on.”

DUNOWEN POINT
4yo bay gelding; Old Vic — Esbeggi
“We bought him from the same vendor as Peddlers Cross and he would have won the same point-to-point which that horse won the previous year but for unseating his rider. He works very well and wants soft ground.”

EDGE OF TOWN
6yo bay gelding; Witness Box — Hackler Poitin
“Was quite immature but really wants a fence and he schooled over them last season and was grand. A big, strong horse that wouldn’t want fast ground.”

ERNST BLOFELD
6yo brown gelding; Flemensfirth — Estacado
“Quite a talented horse that caught us out when he won second time out over hurdles in December 2008 because he was immature. Everything’s still a joke to him and he is generally very switched off which is probably why he fell over fences at Cheltenham in January but his form’s pretty solid over them having won twice and been second twice. Goes on soft ground so will be a useful staying handicap chaser.”

FABALU
8yo bay gelding; Oscar — Lizes Birthday
“I couldn’t get to grips with him at the start of last season when he wasn’t finishing his races. Came back and won really well at Bangor in February and I really fancied him for the four miler at Cheltenham when he finished sixth because the ground was too quick. Needs plenty of give, stays really well and will start in the Becher Chase at Aintree. The Welsh National has always been on the agenda.”

FIENDISH FLAME
6yo chestnut gelding; Beneficial — Deenish
“A very good sixth in the Jewson at Cheltenham and was probably unlucky that he was taken on in the lead and went a million miles and hour. Some days he’s not as keen as others but he is happier in front. He’s probably between two and two and a half miles and he’ll have a run over hurdles first before going back over fences just to get the fizz out of him. If he goes to the second Cheltenham meeting I’d almost prefer him over two miles around there.”

GLENWOOD KNIGHT
7yo chestnut gelding; Presenting — Glens Lady
“Should probably have won the fixed brush hurdle final at Haydock off 118 but wasn’t 100 per cent straight and is now 122. Looks every inch a chaser and jumps well.”

INVENTOR
5yo bay gelding; Alzao — Magnificent Bell
“A grand horse but with his current mark he might be the type to do better later in the season in better class handicaps with a lower weight.”

LUCKY LANDING
4yo bay gelding; Well Chosen — Melville Rose
“Third and second in his two Irish points and has grown a lot during the summer but has a very taking way of doing things.”

OVERTURN
6yo bay gelding; Barathea — Kristal Bridge
“Won the Northumberland Plate but he’s not a bad hurdler having won five times and is now rated 159 after winning at Galway. The only disappointment was when he was second in the Swinton Hurdle and probably should have won. He’s done really well but I can’t have it that he’s 8lb better than Peddlers Cross — which is what the handicapper thinks. It would seem that better ground suits his style of racing but he has won on slightly softer. He’s had a very good break, is still away and wouldn’t be running till possibly the New Year.”

PEDDLERS CROSS
5yo bay gelding; Oscar — Patscilla
“He’s scarily good and has a different gear to anything we’ve dealt with. Although he’s won his two best novices over two and a half miles, on what he does at home I can’t get my head around him wanting three miles. We still believe that he’d have won the two mile supreme novices at Cheltenham if he’d gone for that instead. Before Cheltenham we sent him with three fairly useful horses to work on the Flat at Bangor. It was only really to get him settled but they were going a fair old rattle in the gallop and Jason was quite a way back. But he quickened so well that it reminded me of one of the gallops I used to see at Newmarket when I was with Luca Cumani. That’s how good he is. He’ll go to Newcastle for the Fighting Fifth and that will give us some idea what we’re going to do. It might be an issue settling him over three miles because he is a bigger, stronger horse this season.”

PREDICTIVE
7yo grey gelding; Smadoun - Dacca De Thaix
“A decent hurdler who is rated 131. He's schooled well and is going novice chasing. Like last season he’ll be going to Uttoxeter plenty because his owner lives near there. Looks a very solid staying novice chaser. Handles any ground.”

RUSSINRUDI
7yo bay gelding; Rudimentary — Lady Of Grange
“The biggest horse I’ve ever had, fell on his debut but won his next two points in Ireland. Both were big fields and won them by big distances. He's done everything well and has the size to be very good or very slow.”

STORMING GALE
4yo bay gelding; Revoque — Dikler Gale
“Won an Irish point-to-point by a distance and got very good reviews but he’s going to be a bit behind the others. That said, he will be worth waiting for.”

TARA ROYAL
5yo bay gelding; Kayf Tara — Poussetiere
“We bought him at the same sale as Peddlers Cross and this was the other horse I wanted to come home with. He did well for us over hurdles but I spent most of last season trying to make him a three miler and I think I was doing the wrong thing. I now think he’s best around two to two and a half miles and he won his chase debut over the latter trip at Haydock in May. He’s got, quicker, keener and sharper in his work and being dropped in suits him.”

THUMBS UP
5yo grey gelding; Intikhab — Exclusive Approval
“Only just stays two miles over hurdles but jumper very well on his chase debut at Cartmel in late May. He’s only just back from a break but handles soft ground well.”

TORNADO BOB
5yo bay or brown gelding; Bob Back — Double Glazed
“Won and Irish bumper and come with a good reputation and although he hasn’t been here very long we are very much liking what we see.”

WYMOTT
6yo bay gelding; Presenting — Tanya Thyne
“I’ve never had an RSA Chase horse but if ever I’m going to have one this could be it. He got a slight knock after he won his three mile hurdle at Haydock in February and although he was OK we decided not to go to Aintree. Was schooling over fences all last season because he wouldn’t respect hurdles but was very good. I think he probably wants decent ground.”

Nulty

One of the real success stories of last season was the rise of Rebecca Curtis and her partner Gearoid Costelloe.

In her first real season in 2008-09 Miss Curtis sent out eight winners but left that behind last term when she saddled 25 winners at a healthy strike rate of 23 per cent.

This season has started even better and by mid-October she had trained 16 winners at a 29 per cent strike rate.

Her success has attracted the patronage of one of the big names in jump racing, J P McManus and with that comes the services of Tony McCoy who is often on the Curtis horses not owned by his principal employer.

Last season, one of the better horses to come out of the Newport yard was Black Jack Blues who reached a mark of 137 over hurdles while the bumper and hurdle winner Adams Island has risen to 133.

When we talked to her in February, Miss Curtis was enthusiastic about the unraced Fishoutofwater who won first time out at Hereford on March 1. Captive Audience was another that hadn't run for her and won first time.

Clearly, anything she says about the horses discussed below must be remembered.

ADAMS ISLAND
6 b g Beneficial - Eoin's Orchestra.
Useful staying novice hurdler last season winning at Newbury in January having won a bumper the previous month and finished threequarters of a length second of five to Hopeful Start over three at Ffos Las in March. Debut rating of 133.
"We're really looking forward to him in three mile novice chases. He's won Irish point to points and he's good. Last season he was weak and he's really strengthened. It was a bonus that he got to a mark of 133 over hurdles. He's ready to run now and we're just waiting for some rain. If it came there's a beginners chase at Chepstow on October 23 if the ground were ok."

BACH PROTECTOR
4 b g Bach - Cappamore Girl.
Encouraging bumper debut when 14 lengths sixth of 12 to Spe Salvi at Newton Abbot in July.
"He disappointed us in his bumper, we expected more, but his coat wasn't right and he just went weak on us. We turned him out and he'll be back later in the season - we loved him at home."

BLACK JACK BLUES
7 b g Definite Article - Melody Maid.
Progressed throughout last season winning two bumpers and two hurdles over two miles when rated 124. Best run when second off 132 in two and a half mile listed handicap hurdle at Aintree won by Sir Harry Ormesher in April. Fell and pulled up next two starts and won reappearance in two mile Ffos Las handicap Hurdle October 10 beating Exulton nine lengths off 137.
"Quite a small horse but very tough and it's now a case of waiting to see what the handicapper does with him. If he went to 150 he'd be taking on the likes of Menora but we won't know how good his is until he runs in a big race. I'd say he's improved from last season. Just wants decent ground and he'll be entered for the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham just to see what it's like. In top class hurdles they might have too much speed for him later in the race as he likes to go from the front, flat out. He does stay two and a half which is an option and he has been schooled over fences and if he went too high we'd save him for novice chases in the spring."

CAPTIVE AUDIENCE
7 b g Saddlers Hall - Silent Run.
Won Irish bumper last season then two novice hurdles, the second by 25 lengths from Cool Mission at Bangor in April when upped to three miles. Rated 140 on that and well beaten in haddock handicap hurdle final start. Jumped well in the main on chase debut at Cheltenham October 16 when weakening after three out to finish well beaten fourth of six to Kilmurry over inadequate two miles.
"We were delighted with him at Cheltenham last time, jumped really well. He's a galloper that needs further but it was his first run back and a good place to take him. He'll go over further next time but not three miles straightaway. He'd probably handle any ground except bottomless."

CHASING ACES
4 ch g Definite Article - Daprika.
Hampered after halfway in sole Irish bumper and finished well beaten for Tom Taaffe. Yet to race for present yard.
"I don't think the stable's horse were right when he ran in his bumper. He's working really well at home and we like him and he'll start for us in a bumper."

COURT RED HANDED
5 ch g Flemensfirth - Desert Gail.
Maiden hurdler last season, mostly around two miles and ended with rating of 102. Broke maiden on latest start when beating Armenian Beauty a length and a half in two mile five handicap hurdle at Ludlow October 6 and now up eight to 110.
"Really narrow, weak horse that's 17 hands and we know we won't see the best off him till he goes over fences. Tom O'Brien came back after winning on him at Ludlow last time and said he was only playing with hurdles but I think he can still win another hurdle off his mark. We do like him and he'll stay three miles."

FISHOUTOFWATER
6 ch g Old Vic - Frost Bound.
Won bumper debut at Hereford in March and very encouraging fourth of 20, beaten 13 lengths by Megastar in grade two bumper at Aintree in April.
"I think he's a very, very good horse and he's still in Ireland and will be coming back before the end of October. He's not slow but he'll stay three miles and I'd expect him to be in staying novice hurdle in the New Year."

GUS MACREA
6 b g Accordion - Full Of Surprises.
Useful bumper winner who finished length second to smart Bellvano on hurdle debut at Newbury in February before beating Mr Syntax three and a half lengths in two mile novice at Hereford in March. Rated 131 and overfaced in both subsequent starts at Cheltenham in March and an Aintree handicap hurdle in April. Now 128.
"Last season was a mess up for him, not right early on then he won his bumper and after that his novice hurdle. Cheltenham and Aintree came much too quick, but we knew that whatever happened last season he was always going to be a three mile chaser. I can't wait for him to go over fences - he's been good schooling - and he might be top class in novice chases. He came in a bit later so he won't be out till late November. He'll start low key over two miles on a staying track."

MADE IN TIME
5 b/br g Zagreb - No Easy Way.
Won Ffos Las bumper in January then second to Al Ferof in grade two event at Newbury the following month and sound ninth of 24 in Cheltenham Festival bumper won by Cue Card.
"Very hopeful for him in novice hurdles but he is another that will be a better chaser. He'll start over two and a half miles and he's been absolutely brilliant schooling over hurdles, one of the best novices we've got jumping. Softer ground would suit him."

MANIKON EROS
5 b g Old Vic - Cloughan Girl.
Ten length winner of five runner bumper at Ffos Las in April.
"I think he's very, very good and McCoy absolutely loved him at Ffos Las. Although there weren't many runners the time was good because they went a flat out gallop. Still a big, green horse that won't be rushed so one for later in the season over hurdles."

NATIVE TAIPAN
8 b g Taipan - Ryansnative.
Ex-Irish maiden pointer and some ability in both bumper starts 2008. Won hurdle debut over 22 furlongs at Ffos Las in late April in three-runner event. Much better effort next start at Worcester in May when two and a half lengths third of eight to American World and rated 115 on that.
"Although his form isn't outstanding I really like him. He's not slow, just a big old galloper and might be a Welsh or Aintree National horse in time. He'll be going over three miles and fences which he's already jumped well. Ready now, just waiting for some rain."

OLD WIGMORE
5 ch g Old Vic - Wigmore.
Won last of three Irish points in April. Unraced for present yard.
"Doing well and will probably run in a three mile novice hurdle at Chepstow on October 23. Shows enough to win one and they are due some rain."

PRAXITALES
6 b g Saddler's Wells - Hellenic.
Won two mile Aintree novice hurdle in May by ten length off 128, dropped to 127 after defeat and won latest start by ten lengths from Apache Dawn over two miles at Ffos Las in June. Stays on 127.
"Hopefully he'll progress over hurdles. We had trouble with his wind which has been operated on so hopefully that will help him. He should handle anything up to good to soft over two miles."

SCOTER FONTAINE
4 b g Sleeping Car - Blanche Fontaine.
Fourth of 20 in Punchestown bumper in April and won British debut nine days later at Hereford beating Edlomond 16 lengths.
"I think he's one of the best we've got. I know this is saying a lot but I'd be hopeful he could be a Supreme Novice Hurdle horse. Both runs he was still green and he's come in much, much stronger for his summer break and has improved a lot. He just does everything so easy and one of the quickest you'd see over his hurdles. He's already been entered to run but he won't go until we get some rain."

SUNSALVE
6 ch g Definite Article - Mrs Battleaxe.
Won Irish point in March 2009 and showed ability in bumper debut at Uttoxeter in June when fourth of 11, beaten 16 lengths, to Seam Of Diamonds.
"Shouldn't really have run in his bumper because it was too quick, definitely wants soft ground and three miles. He was one of the highest-rated five-year-old pointers in Ireland but although he needs fences he'll stay over hurdles this season over two and a half or more and should be capable enough. He's not far off a run if we get some rain."

TEAFORTHREE
6 b g Oscar - Ethel's Bay.
Irish point winner and third in bumper before British bumper debut October 16 when ten lengths fourth of eight to Lets Get Serious.
"Lack of pace didn't suit him at Cheltenham which was 15 seconds slow and turned into a sprint. He wouldn't be the quickest and needs a stamina test and softer ground but I really do like him and he'll be fine in staying novice hurdles which is probably where he'll go next."

THE MERRY GIANT
4 b g Curtain Time - Laughing Lesa.
Stayed on well to win 13 runner Worcester bumper by half a length from Railway Diva in May.
"Big horse that did well to win a bumper and will win his novice hurdles. He's not too far off a run now but needs better ground. Stays and is another that will be even better over fences."

GALLANT OSCAR
4 b g Oscar - Park Wave.
Unraced
"He'll be ready to run by early November and should certainly win his bumper then go over hurdles."

GROVEMERE
5 b g Beneficial - Holly Grove Lass.
Unraced
Half brother to Albertas Run that we bought at Doncaster sales from Malcolm Jefferson because he was considered too slow but Jonjo O'Neill said Albertas Run was just like that at home. On what we've seen I'd be hopeful he can win a bumper and he's nearly ready."

Un-named
4 b g Flemensfirth - Sila Venture.
Unraced
"Getting ready to run by early November and going well - very nice."

The knowledge
ADAMS ISLAND: is expected to make his mark in staying novice chases.
CAPTIVE AUDIENCE: will be better when he goes further in novice chases.
GUS MACREA: could be a bit special when he goes novice chasing.
MADE IN TIME: has been flying on the schooling ground.
SCOTER FONTAINE: is already looking out of the ordinary and could be anything.
GALLANT OSCAR: is going nicely and one to keep on the right side in bumpers.

Nulty

Can I suggest that a moderator* edit the original post and add hyperlinks to each post?

Example:

Rebecca Curtis






*:D

convert

Nulty wrote: »

Can I suggest that a moderator* edit the original post and add hyperlinks to each post?

Example:

Rebecca Curtis






*:D

But that requires effort... from me....



:P

Nulty

convert wrote: »

But that requires effort... from me....



:P

I know its tough con but you gotta struggle on like the rest of us...I hate posting in here but you don't hear me moaning

convert

Nulty wrote: »

I know its tough con but you gotta struggle on like the rest of us...I hate posting in here but you don't hear me moaning

Ha!

I'll try do it tomorrow - it's a little windy and wet outside and the internet is objecting to working in these kind of conditions. Hopefully it'll feel a little more inclined to help me out tomorrow...

gscully

Nulty wrote: »

Can I suggest that a moderator* edit the original post and add hyperlinks to each post?

Example:

Rebecca Curtis






*:D

Thanks... I would've done so, but attheraces website is blocked in work, so I was getting all the info from the cache, and couldn't verify the link.

convert

Ok, I've added in links to each post, so hopefully it worked - net still doesn't want to perform to its full potential in the wet and windy weather!

UrbanSea

Don't think it worked convert,still the same from my angle,unless she takes a few minutes to kick in.

Nulty

I mean put the links in the first post

supremenovice

In relation to Paul Nicholls, there is some notable absentees from the list i.e Noland, Neptune Collonges and Taranis.
Any idea what going on with them?

UrbanSea

Neptune Collonges was meant to be coming back this year wasn't he? Haven't heard anything about him in a while,and haven't a clue what the story is with the other two.

convert

Nulty wrote: »

I mean put the links in the first post

Sorry - I thought I had added them for each post, but the net stalled when I was doing it... And then I got slightly side tracked by Punchestown yesterday, so only getting around to doing it now!

Should be working now, though!

gscully

convert wrote: »

Sorry - I thought I had added them for each post, but the net stalled when I was doing it... And then I got slightly side tracked by Punchestown yesterday, so only getting around to doing it now!

Should be working now, though!

Thanks! Can you now clean the thread by removing all of Nulty's incessant ranting?

convert

gscully wrote: »

Thanks! Can you now clean the thread by removing all of Nulty's incessant ranting?

Don't tempt me!

I'd toyed with the idea for a while, but then decided to leave it there as incriminating evidence which may come in useful in the future! :pac:

Nulty

Hey! I just saw this now...:o

Nulty

gscully wrote: »

Thought it might be useful to have all of these in the same place to help with the coming season.

Paul Nicholls

Nikki Henderson

Philip Henderson

Alan King

Don McCain

Rebecca Curtis

Phillip Henderson :P

convert

Nulty wrote: »

Phillip Henderson :P

Ssshh... Or soon everyone will want their name changed to Henderson! :pac:

convert

Nulty wrote: »

Hey! I just saw this now...:o

Pj!

convert wrote: »

Ssshh... Or soon everyone will want their name changed to Henderson! :pac:

Who's Nikki Henderson?

UrbanSea

Pj! wrote: »

Who's Nikki Henderson?

See Johnny Murtagh left Aidan Henderson's stable today.
I'd love to see him ride for John Oxx under the Aga Henderson's colours.