Nicky Henderson (Racing Post) - Apologies for the amount of scrolling which'll be required but I can't post a link to a member's club item.
No Altior, no Santini, no chance? No way.
Nicky Henderson, by his sky-high standards, might have endured a trying time last season, but the bit is firmly between his teeth, as witnessed by the 42 winners he has already saddled this term.
That is 20 more than his tally by November 1 last year, so there is reason to be optimistic, despite the retirement of Altior and departure of Santini.
However, as if by magic, another star two-miler is in the ranks in the shape of the mighty Shishkin, who could be one of the best the Lambourn icon has trained. There is also confidence Chantry House – another leading novice chaser last season – can step up as a Gold Cup candidate alongside Champ, who, along with dethroned Champion Hurdle heroine Epatante, should feel the benefits of back surgery.
Cesarewtich winner Buzz and Buveur D'Air may be two intriguing darts to fire at the staying hurdling division, while the returning Angels Breath promises plenty if finding full fitness.
The young brigade aren't bad either. In fact, they have Henderson drooling, and Jonbon, I Am Maximus and Firestep should be high on any horses-to-follow list.
"Last year we said the novice chasers were our strength, but this year the novice hurdlers are extremely exciting," he said. "And they'll all be chasers in a year. You can't help but hope there are a few top ones in there."
Stable profile
Yard Seven Barrows
Where Lambourn, Berkshire
Started training 1978
Horses in yard 148
Members of staff 57
Second in command Charlie Morlock
Head lad David Fehily
Assistant trainers Billy Aprahamian, George Daly, Katie Croft
Travelling head lads/lasses Richard Nicholas, Sarah Shreeve, Jack Findlater
Jockeys Nico de Boinville, Jerry McGrath, James Bowen, Daryl Jacob, Aidan Coleman
Conditional Ben Ffrench Davis
PA Carolyn Harty
Accounts Marie McClure
Stable sponsor Unibet
Twitter @sevenbarrows
Winners in Britain
2020-21 103
2019-20 118
2018-19 141
2017-18 141
2016-17 154
Profit/loss to £1 stake
2020-21 -£134.62
2019-20 -£45.87
2018-19 -£14.75
2017-18 -£76.49
2016-17 -£113.50
Prize-money 2020-21
£1,490,241
Dark horse
Ahorsewithnoname
6m Cacique - Sea Of Galilee
DJ Burke & P Alderson
431/26-
RPR 125h
She's not the biggest but is sweet and kind with it. She was useful on the Flat before a respectable second on her debut over hurdles last year, but a few things went against her and she disappointed when last seen. The positive of that is she remains a novice.
Allart
7g Shantou - The Adare Woman
Ronnie Bartlett
F115/1F-
RPR 155c OR 152c
He's a quality animal and impressed on his debut over fences at Ascot, but we never got him back after he fell at Haydock and he suffered a serious, horrible injury over the summer. Celia Marr, who helped Sprinter Sacre out of trouble, has been great and he's cantering now and is getting there. He was a bit uncoordinated but has improved a lot. His owner deserves a change of luck.
Amazing Presence
5m Presenting - Tarla
Sharon Kinsella & Jane Allison
85-
RPR 95b
She has her quirks so we've had to go gently, but she ran a respectable race in her second bumper, jumps pleasingly and is stronger, so I'm confident her owners' patience will be rewarded over hurdles.
Angels Breath
7g Shantou - Mystic Masie
Walters Plant Hire & Ronnie Bartlett
1273/11/
RPR 158c OR 153c
We're holding our breath. He was a top novice hurdler and was brilliant in his first two outings over fences, but he severed a tendon on the last of those and has been off since. It's a long build-up, but so far so good and he must have done a million miles on our deep sand gallop. I'm finding it hard to get the weight off him, but I'm not going anywhere apart from that sand until it rains and we can get on the grass – there'll be no trips up the all-weather for him and his delicate legs. It'll be a crime if he doesn't make it and prove he's as exceptional as we think.
Another Brown Bear
5g Shirocco - Full Of Spirit
GB Barlow
8
RPR 60h
I was a bit disappointed with him at Uttoxeter, where he finished behind The Bomber Liston, another of ours. I know he's better than that and I didn't actually think there'd be much between them, although the other horse had experience under rules and this fella had run only in points, so he'll come on for it.
Another Venture
10g Stowaway - Hard Luck
Louise Daly & partners
263/1FP-
RPR 139c; OR 138c
Formerly with Kim Bailey, he's been bought with hunter chasing in mind and is quite a character. He's done plenty of roadwork with my assistant George Daly's family.
Balco Coastal
5g Coastal Path - Fliugika
Michael Blandford
17-
RPR 130b
He looked special in a bumper at Kempton but disappointed at Aintree in the Grade 2 edition there, although that's an impossible race for us. He's an exciting novice hurdler with bags of speed and a huge future.
Balkeo
4g Galiway - Hukba
Marie Donnelly
32-2
RPR 116h
He's gorgeous and reminds me of L'Ami Serge, an old favourite who also arrived here with solid Auteuil form. He looks a chaser but could be classy over hurdles first.
Ballycross
10g King's Theatre - Ninna Nanna
Oscar Singh & Priya Purewal
2/5344-3
RPR 140c OR 120c
He loves soft ground and Sandown's military races, which didn't take place last season because of the pandemic, will be his aim for our assistant Billy Aprahamian, who's a capable rider.
Barbados Blue
7m Getaway - Buck's Blue
Crimbourne Bloodstock
1/0424-3
RPR 127h OR 121h
She's a lovely, consistent mare. We schooled her over fences in the spring and she found them easier than hurdles, so we'll go chasing and she could take high rank in her division.
Barely Famous
5m Fame And Glory - Cause Celebre
Bridget Hanbury
52-12
RPR 116h OR 113h
She's likeable and did nothing wrong over hurdles, but I think chasing will come sooner rather than later – that's something we can look forward to. Three miles should suit.
Baron Nelson
5g Mount Nelson - Toolentidhaar
Michael Blencowe
602-34P
RPR 111h OR 103h
I thought he was a ready-made winner for his new owner, but he hasn't got the hang of things yet. However, his jumping has improved and stepping up in trip will help.
Blairgowrie
5g Yeats - Gaye Preskina
Highclere Thoroughbred Racing
33-
RPR 111b
I've always liked this horse, who was third in competitive bumpers at Warwick and Newbury, and Nico feels the same. He's a gorgeous, strapping type, essentially a chaser, but has schooled in style over hurdles.
Blue Heaven
4f Blue Bresil - Spring Flight
The Queen
25
RPR 94b
That wasn't her true running at Ludlow in May, but she'd gone close at Fontwell before that and has always shown ability, so I'm looking forward to her over hurdles.
Blue Stello
5g Spider Flight - Benina
Owners Group 081
2- (point-to-point)
RPR 89p
His work in the spring was encouraging and he's returned from his summer break in great nick. He's a budding chaser, so beginning over hurdles is perhaps more likely than a bumper.
Bond's Lover
7m Flemensfirth - Courageuse
Bridget Hanbury
1/P3
RPR 122h OR 120h
We couldn't get her right, so last season was a fruitless one, but she's a strapping sort and has the makings of an up-to-scratch novice chaser. She loves soft ground.
Bothwell Bridge
6g Stowaway - Raise The Issue
Nick Mustoe & Vikki Dunn
22/131P-
RPR 134h OR 131h
He showed decent form over hurdles, albeit not at Aintree's Grand National meeting. I'll be disappointed if he's not a leading novice chaser this term.
Brave Eagle
9g Yeats - Sinful Pleasure
Robert Kirkland
180/5F-4
RPR 159c OR 149c
He's been great and is so consistent, winning five over hurdles and four over fences, but he injured his hock at Newcastle last year. I was thrilled with his run at Chepstow this month considering the time he'd been off. It was a splendid first run and I've thought about the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury.
Brilliant Present
5m Presenting - Ouro Preto
Mr & Mrs JD Cotton
61-5
RPR 97h
She took time, like her brother Gold Present whom we had here, but she won a Lingfield bumper and should have a productive time as a novice hurdler.
Burrows Edge
8g Martaline - La Vie De Boitron
Michael Buckley
6/23/F10/
RPR 137h OR 137h
He won the Lanzarote in 2020 but suffered a freak injury and missed last season when he should have been a high-class novice chaser. Hopefully he can make hay over fences with his problems behind him.
Broomfield Burg
5g Sageburg - Somedaysomehow
JP McManus
7-11
RPR 117h
I thought he'd win his first start for us but he was too keen. We rode him conservatively next time and he was different gear, before another easy win over hurdles when he jumped beautifully. There's no doubt he's a massive talent and an exciting novice.
Buttsbury Lady
6m Great Pretender - Ceilidh Royal
Rita Brown
54436-2
RPR 111h OR 109h
From a family we know inside out, she ran with credit over hurdles last season but didn't win, so we'll continue down that route as a novice, although she'd jump a fence if needed.
Buveur D'Air
10g Crillon - History
JP McManus
F2/12/24
RPR 171h OR 157h
He needs little introduction after winning two Champion Hurdles for us and the intention is to return this season after he suffered a leg injury in the spring. We wanted to try three miles at Punchestown with him before that problem and hopefully still can.
Buzz
7g Motivator - Tiysha
Thurloe For Royal Marsden Cancer Charity
4/31252-
RPR 157h OR 155h
The Cesarewitch was a plan hatched by the Stafford family, who founded Thurloe, while he was in the field, so we had to drag him in pretty quickly. He came in on July 12 and got to Newmarket on October 9 without time for a prep race, although he did have a single-horse gallop around Newbury. It was a remarkable performance as he couldn't afford to miss a beat the whole way through and I had to fire it at him, yet he won. We could start him at two and a half miles in the Coral Hurdle at Ascot next month, but there's also the West Yorkshire Hurdle at Wetherby this month and Newbury's Long Distance Hurdle – we'll wait for the rain as soft ground will make a huge difference to him.
Captain Morgs
5g Milan - Gold Dunn
The Albatross Club
21220F-
RPR 130h OR 125h
I like him a lot and thought he had a terrific chance in Sandown's EBF Final, but it was run on bottomless ground and then he had a silly fall at Kempton, when I wanted to end the season on a positive note. He'll be a chaser one day but could have unfinished business over hurdles.
Caribean Boy
7g Myboycharlie - Caribena
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
1/1347P-
RPR 156c OR 150c
He can blow hot and cold but was fantastic when winning first time out at Newbury last year, although his subsequent handicap mark made life tougher. I don't think he wants bottomless ground and his trip is probably 2m4f, maybe 2m6f. He'll win a big one when it all clicks.
Casablanca Mix
9m Shirocco - Latitude
Evan-Robert Hanbury
14/224-7
RPR 154c; OR 143c
She's a faultless jumper and consistent mare who has won twice at Listed level, but her reappearance at Market Rasen on Saturday suggests she probably wants three miles now. I'm optimistic she has more to offer over that trip, especially on a sound surface.
Cascova
6g Casamento - Sina Cova
Chelsea Thoroughbreds – Cascova
0/P/2P21-
RPR 132h OR 132h
He can be keen but has settled down and impressed over hurdles on his last appearance. He's a sizeable, quality horse and I don't think he'll have trouble making his mark as a novice chaser.
Star quality
Champ
9g King's Theatre - China Sky
JP McManus
11F1/2P-
RPR 170c OR 165c
No-one will forget his extraordinary win in the RSA, but he started late last season. His jumping was spectacular over two miles in Newbury's Game Spirit, which looked an ideal prep for the Gold Cup, but he's had back issues and they needed attention again after Cheltenham, when he literally couldn't jump. I'm sure he's a Gold Cup horse and hope the surgery can help prove that. He has a preference for going left-handed and we're eyeing the Betfair Chase at Haydock next month.
Star quality
Chantry House
7g Yeats - The Last Bank
JP McManus
3/13111-
RPR 167h OR 162c
He starred on his chasing debut at Ascot but didn't sparkle at Cheltenham, so he had surgery for kissing spines. He then produced another polished display at Wetherby before a superb performance in the Marsh at the festival. We upped him to three miles for the Mildmay at Aintree and he excelled again. I think his future lies in the staying division, although he's got the speed for shorter, and I hope he reaches the top. He's set to start in a 3m intermediate chase at Sandown next month, which we've won with Might Bite, Santini and Pym.
Chasamax
6g Jeremy - Peratus
International Plywood (Importers) Ltd
825-114
RPR 118h OR 118h
He's a consistent sort at his best when bowling along over two miles. He likes decent ground so will continue on that this autumn.
City Chief
4g Soldier Of Fortune - Galant Ferns
Marie Donnelly
1
RPR 92p (point-to-point)
He's a striking sort who looked impressive in his point and is a fine prospect. He could begin in a bumper but will be hurdling soon.
Chives
7g Sulamani - Ceilidh Royal
Rita Brown
33-1131
RPR 115h OR 116h
He got off the mark at Bangor in May and has built on that, winning twice more over hurdles. He should stay well and is improving all the time.
Clean Getaway
4g Getaway - Dee Two O Two
Unique Financial Racing Partnership
5
RPR 86b
He's lively but is a great character. He didn't run as I anticipated in his bumper, but I'm confident he's considerably gifted and suspect we'll try to win a bumper before hurdling.
Colonial Dreams
9g Westerner - Dochas Supreme
CN Barnes
1/86/032-
RPR 138h OR 136h
He hasn't taken to jumping fences, so we stayed hurdling, which can make life tough as the handicapper has him. However, he's consistent and capable, as he showed when nearly winning a valuable prize at Haydock in April, and I'm optimistic he has a decent pot in him.
Commodore Miller
4g Blue Bresil - Milliegait
HP Racing Commodore Miller
8
RPR 60b
He was going nicely at home but failed to perform on his debut. He's a lot better than that, though, and should have a bright future.
Constitution Hill
4 Blue Bresil - Queen Of The Stage
Michael Buckley
2-
RPR 91b
He's a striking youngster who's come from the Barry Geraghty academy, which has produced the likes of Bobs Worth and Brain Power, so he's got a lot to live up to. He looks a nascent chaser, but Barry says he's not short of pace, so we can start him wherever.
Craignieche
7g Flemensfirth - Itsalark
Robert Kirkland
131/12-
RPR 143h OR 142h
He won a competitive handicap hurdle at Ascot in style before a fine second in the Coral Cup. Chasing is the plan and he stays two and a half miles strongly, so should get further. He's exciting.
Crystal Gazing
6m Sulamani - Crystal Princess
Harper Girls
8-414O14
RPR 111 OR 111
She's a fun summer horse who won at Bangor in July before following up at Warwick recently. She didn't run badly at Stratford on Saturday, but two miles on a track like that was just too sharp for her.
Dame De Compagnie
8m Lucarno - Programmee
JP McManus
11/1U9-7
RPR 147c OR 145c
She began last season with a comfortable win over fences at Ayr but, trying to find a route to the Mares' Chase at Cheltenham, we forced her into the Scilly Isles and she was badly hampered. I'm confident she can get her chasing career back on track and she handles any ground.
Dickie Diver
8g Gold Well - Merry Excuse
JP McManus
214/24-
RPR 145c OR 142c
He's undoubtedly talented but not the easiest to train. He was fourth to Monkfish at the festival and has serious potential as a novice chaser if we can keep him in one piece.
Docte Dina
7m Doctor Dino - Artofmen
Walters Plant Hire & Potter Group
P129-26
RPR 119c OR 117c
She went over fences in the spring but we could bring her back to perhaps win a maiden hurdle and then go chasing again. She's a big, sturdy mare and that's where her future is.
Doddiethegreat
5g Fame And Glory - Asturienne
Kenny Alexander
11-
RPR 121b
A dual bumper winner, he's one of our brightest lights for novice hurdling and has schooled smartly. He's going to be a chaser in time and is potentially top drawer.
Dusart
6g Flemensfirth - Dusty Too
Ronnie Bartlett
13-
RPR 146h; OR 141h
He's a half-brother to Simonsig, who was a star for us, and was flawless on his debut at Newbury 11 months ago, but an unfortunate injury required significant surgery. Amazingly, he got back for Aintree and I should have run him over two and a half miles, but he was a creditable third in the 2m Grade 1. He's strengthened considerably and is a chaser, but having had only two races he might want some more experience before he jumps a fence. Therefore, we'll likely kick off over hurdles and it would be super to find a nice, easy race, but God knows where that will be! He's in that horrible position of being an inexperienced non-novice, but he could be destined for major things.
Elusive Belle
7m Elusive Pimpernel - Soviet Belle
Annabel Waley-Cohen & family
25/5130-
RPR 144c OR 142c
She's gifted and won comfortably at Newbury after we switched her to fences last season. I'm sure she can progress again as a chaser before her second career as a broodmare.
Emir Sacree
7g Network - Altesse Sacree
GL Porter
222F/16-
RPR 131h OR 130h
He surprised us when winning a handicap hurdle at Ascot in December. He wants deep ground, so we put him away when conditions dried in the spring. He ran over fences in France and should be a useful novice chaser this winter.
Star quality
Epatante
7m No Risk At All - Kadjara
JP McManus
11/123-3
RPR 163h OR 154h
Everything looked in place for a similar campaign to when she won the Champion Hurdle in 2020 after her excellent reappearance in the Fighting Fifth, but she was beaten in the Christmas Hurdle and then finished third to Honeysuckle in the Champion Hurdle and at Punchestown. She's had a full MOT, with particular attention to her back, and I'm hopeful she can return to her sparkling best, when she's such a quick and accurate jumper. She'll head to Newcastle for Fighting Fifth again, although Honeysuckle will be a tough nut to crack later in the campaign.
Fable
6m Coastal Path - Toscane Des Fleurs
Owners Group 078
211-
RPR 123h OR 128h
She was a revelation last season as she didn't show much at home yet won twice over hurdles after finishing second on her debut. We have lots to look forward to and I'm tempted by a Listed race over hurdles to see if she's that level and to get some black type. Otherwise she's ready to go chasing, which I know Nico is keen on. She won't have any problem staying and relishes soft ground.
Fairy Rose
5m Martaline - Valleyofthedolls
Rose Tinted Glasses
534
RPR 83b
She's made the frame in two bumpers. She goes well at home and has ability, so it will be frustrating if she can't win a mares' novice hurdle, perhaps beyond two miles.
Falco Blitz
7g Falco - Ignited
Axom LXXVII
52142-7
RPR 147c OR 143h
He's a reliable performer who had a decent first campaign over fences and I'm confident he can improve in that sphere, although it might be helpful to stick to left-handed tracks.
Fantastic Lady
6m Network - Latitude
Evan-Robert Hanbury
4F1-5
RPR 127h OR 127h
She's an attractive mare who won over hurdles. It's no surprise jumping is her strength as she's closely related to Casablanca Mix, so we'll go chasing. The outlook is positive for her.
Farouk De Cheneau
6g Day Flight - Kardamone
Owners Group 049
2717/
RPR 128h OR 127h
A leg injury has limited him to one run for us, but we like him a lot and he's fully repaired now so, touch wood, he retains potential.
Father John
6g Secret Singer - Oudette
Middleham Park Racing XI
1/8-5P1
RPR 112h OR 121h
He's had a terrible time of things. He won his bumper and we held him in high regard, but then he had a couple of trying years. At least he got back on the winning trail at Worcester recently, although the handicapper has overrated the race by miles; it wasn't a strong contest and fell apart, but he's the option of novice hurdles.
Firestep
5g Mahler - Springinherstep
Charles Dingwall & The Infamous Five
11-
RPR 117b
He's exciting and won bumpers at Southwell and Chepstow. He has the scope to make a classy chaser one day, but there's work to be done over hurdles first and I'll be gutted if he doesn't excel at that. He might go up to two and a half miles and has schooled brilliantly.
First Street
4g Golden Horn - Ladys First
Lady Bamford & Alice Bamford
22115
RPR 130h OR 132h
He'd done everything right but was too free in the Persian War at Chepstow the other day, so we've cauterised his palate as we think that's what was causing him to run too keenly. He might want some cut in the ground anyway and will be back shortly.
Fix Sun
6g Al Namix - Quelly Bruere
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
2/07-1P5
RPR 136h OR 137h
He won his first two for us but has been lightly raced since. He remains capable and will run until the autumn, with fences a possibility.
Follow The Bear
9g King's Theatre - Mrs Dempsey
GB Barlow
112P/44-
RPR 132c OR 132c
He's a four-time winner over hurdles who prefers a sound surface. He hasn't won over fences but jumps tidily and should be able to go on before a winter break.
Fred
6g Cokoriko - Veribelle
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
3311/40-
RPR 137c OR 140c
We had high hopes for him as a novice chaser last term but rather lost him. He had minor issues after running in the Betfair Hurdle, so he's had a long break. We could go back over fences and fingers crossed he can regain his 2019-20 form.
French Crusader
8g Kapgarde - Largesse
Robert Kirkland
21/2/8P8
RPR 141h OR 124h
He's been plagued by niggling problems since his stellar second to Epatante in the 2019 Gerry Feilden. He still has time on his side but is struggling to recapture that form and we're investigating his breathing.
Fugitives Drift
6g Yeats - Shebeganit
HP Racing Fugitives Drift
10653-1
RPR 116c OR 129c
A productive hurdler, he won over fences at Cartmel in May, although I was slightly nervous as that was two miles on a tight track. I think he wants two and a half miles and he should have a lucrative chasing career.
Full Of Light
5g Leading Light - Scartara
Deva Racing Full Of Light
1
RPR 113b
He's a good-looking grey who won a bumper in Ireland in May. He's likely to go hurdling and looks the type we can get on with.
Fusil Raffles
6g Saint Des Saints - Tali Des Obeaux
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
1P12P-2
RPR 161c OR 156c
He's one of the most likeable horses you could come across. He was a Grade 1-winning juvenile hurdler and went novice chasing last term, winning three before finishing second to Chantry House at Cheltenham. He ran a great race in impossible conditions giving 12lb to Bravemansgame at Newton Abbot this month – sometimes you've just got to get a race under their belts at this stage of the season. He might be hard to place but I'm convinced he has more to give.
Gallyhill
6g Getaway - Tanit
Claudio Michael Grech
12P-
RPR 138h OR 136h
He's a handsome horse and an out-and-out three-mile chaser in the making. He goes over fences after showing the right signs as a hurdler last season, when he won a large-field Newbury novice.
Gipsy De Choisel
5g Great Pretender - Beautiful Choice
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
135F-
RPR 132h OR 130h
He ran with credit on his first start for us at Ascot last year but suffered a heavy fall when last seen at Ffos Las in April and might not be out until later in the campaign.
Glynn
7g Winged Love - Barnish River
Owners Group 039
1/2PP-2
RPR 137h OR 135h
Things haven't been easy since his fabulous debut in January 2020 and we did every test under the sun before an encouraging second at Hexham in June. We've schooled him over fences and that's been excellent, so we can look forward to novice chasing.
Go Chique
5m Crillon - Similaresisoldofa
Middleham Park Racing CX
152841-
RPR 117h 113h
She's a sweet mare who won a bumper first time out and stepped up to three miles to win at Southwell in April. I'm confident she can progress a long way as a stayer.
Go Sacre Go
5g Network - Altesse Sacree
GL Porter
P/5-
RPR 88h
He's a big, beautiful gelding and the summer has been the making of him. He should show up in decent novice hurdles before chasing in a year's time.
Goodbye Stranger
4g Kapgarde - Romaneda
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
13-
RPR 125h OR 126h
He won cosily at Newbury and didn't do much wrong when third at Warwick, but he picked up an injury that day and won't be out for a while.
Gran Luna
5f Spanish Moon - Coppena
Surrey Racing (GL)
1/131-
RPR 122h OR 121h
She's lovely. Things went wrong last season, but she ended it by winning at Chepstow and has considerable talent. She can still go a long way over hurdles but is big enough for fences if need be.
Grand Mogul
7g Presenting - Oligarch Society
Bridget Hanbury
P6/152-1
RPR 141c OR 132c
He jumped magnificently on his chasing debut at Kelso in May, confirming what we knew – he's a chaser in the making and, with luck, a smart one over three miles.
Hamilton's Fantasy
6m Mount Nelson - Romantic Dream
The Queen
205-
RPR 98h
She's not the luckiest but is big and strong and has ability. She showed that in a bumper first time out and, with a clear run, she can do the same over hurdles.
Haul Away
8g Stowaway - Lisacul Queen
Robert Kirkland
131611
RPR 128c OR 127c
He's an admirable horse who has won four of his last six during quite a busy summer. We could take him to Cheltenham on Saturday and try to get him qualified for the Pertemps Final and then give him a holiday before coming back in the spring.
Heross Du Seuil
4g Rail Link - Tulipe Du Seuil
Marie Donnelly
112-2
RPR 121h OR 125h
I was mindful to keep him out of the deep end last season as I think he's a horse with a ton of improvement in him. He's grown into an imposing individual, but he's only four so will probably stay over hurdles. The future's bright.
High Worth
4g Universal - High Benefit
Middleham Park Racing XCV
27-
RPR 104b
He disappointed last time, but a few of ours did that day. He's a big, striking youngster who jumps fluently, so I'll be miffed if he doesn't shine over hurdles.
Hob House
4g Walk In The Park - Tante Sissi
JP McManus
1-
RPR 106b
He's closely related to Epatante. He was a handful but has settled down and won a Southwell bumper in style. He'll be more than adequate over hurdles, but chasing is his game.
Hooper
5g Rip Van Winkle - Earth Amber
Pump & Plant Services Ltd
116U20
RPR 141h OR 137h
He's already played a blinder in 2021 with five wins. He likes decent ground, so is due a holiday, but I'm glad to say his three-year-old half-sister Luccia, who is by The Gurkha, is on her way to appear in bumpers when the time is right.
Horn Cape
4g Fame And Glory - Capstone
JP McManus
617-
RPR 86b
He showed plenty and we fancied him for a Newbury bumper last season, but he didn't fire. However, he has the size, scope and ability to put that right over hurdles.
I Am Maximus
5g Authorized - Polysheba
Claudio Michael Grech
1-
RPR 125b
He's one of the most exciting prospects we've had for a long time. He won a Cheltenham bumper last year, beating the top-class My Drogo, but we couldn't run again after niggly problems, although that wasn't a big deal. He's bigger and stronger for hurdling now and is all schooled up. We don't know how good he could be, so just dream he can live up to expectations.
Ile De Jersey
3f Night Wish - Zenita Des Brosses
Owners Group 094
21
She's sweet with lovely big ears and arrives here having won over hurdles in the provinces in France. She's likeable and I reckon we could have some fun with her in juvenile hurdles.
Impulsive One
3g Union Rags - Hokey Okey
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
112
RPR 116h OR 127h
An ex-William Haggas inmate, he produced two slick displays to win at Plumpton and Huntingdon and lost little when second at Kempton on Sunday. He was conceding weight to the winner, who also had a claimer on board. Our guy loves fast ground, so might run again this side of the winter.
Indian Glory
6m Fame And Glory - Real Papoose
International Plywood (Importers) Ltd
9/5-7
RPR 45h
She's a likeable mare but was disappointing at Bangor three weeks ago. As my old school master might have said to me on occasions, she's got to do better.
Italian Legend
6g Fame And Glory - Alannico
Robert Kirkland
303-
RPR 111h
I've always thought highly of him and, despite some problems, he's shown promise, including when third at Warwick in April. Maturity can help him develop into a capable novice hurdler and then chaser.
Janika
8g Saddler Maker - Majaka
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
42/950-6
RPR 167c OR 153c
He's been a stalwart for us but took ages to sparkle last winter. However, he ran a blinder when fifth in the Coral Cup when we tried to exploit a lower hurdle mark. Not for the first time, we had to cauterise his palate following his run at Chepstow recently, when he went well for a long way but something was stopping him and Daryl said he'd gone back to making noises. That procedure won't take long to get over and he's a great jumper, so we've put him in the Grand Sefton over the National fences next month.
Jen's Boy
7g Malinas - Friendly Craic
Middleham Park Racing CV
2P-3384
RPR 115h OR 110h
He isn't the biggest so we went back over hurdles at Hereford last week and he's another who needs to do better. He won't be seen in the depths of winter.
Jonbon
5g Walk In The Park - Star Face
JP McManus
1-
RPR 124b
He's Douvan's brother and we'd like to think he's special. He demolished his rivals in his point before joining us and did everything right in his bumper at Newbury, quickening in style. He's done magnificently over the summer, jumps neatly and has a cracking attitude. He's one of our major arrows for novice hurdling.
Keen On
7g Kayf Tara - Romantic Dream
The Queen
21140/
RPR 133h OR 133h
He missed last year with a problem, but he showed more than enough over hurdles and it's brilliant to have him back. He should make a smashing chaser.
Kimmins
6m High Chaparral - Tinagoodnight
JP McManus
43-23
RPR 103h
She's a beautifully bred half-sister to Santini. She hasn't made headlines but has grown over the summer and can figure in mares' novice hurdles.
Kincardine
4g Kayf Tara - Side Step
The Queen
1
RPR 101b
Like Keen On, he's exciting for the Queen and created an enormous impression when winning his bumper at Southwell. He'd like cut in the ground and is a wonderful prospect for hurdling.
King Ottokar
5g Motivator - Treasure
Susan Roy
56-0376 (Flat)
He was a high-class horse on the Flat and adores soft ground. He's with Henrietta Knight learning to jump at the moment and enjoys it, so he could be exciting.
Lady D'Arbanville
3f Authorized - Miracle Maid
DJ Burke
Unraced
We liked what we saw of her in the spring and she has lots going for her, being related to plenty of winners including Katchit. She's likely to start in a bumper and is up to winning one.
Lecale's Article
7g Malinas - Brookville
Marie Donnelly
123-
RPR 123h
He had some time out but recorded respectable form over hurdles last season. Chasing is undoubtedly the name of the game now and he has the size, shape and scope to distinguish himself.
Lelantos
5g Presenting - Western Focus
Middleham Park Racing XCI
05-5258
RPR 99h OR 95h
He enjoys decent ground and three miles should suit him. He could go chasing as he jumps proficiently.
Lilly Pedlar
6m Yeats - Mathine
Hot To Trot Jumping
2323P-1
RPR 122h OR 123h
She's a lean machine who carries no condition. She was third in Newbury's mares' final before winning comfortably at Ffos Las. She has the scope for fences, so I suspect that's what we'll do before she retires at the end of the season.
Lust For Glory
8m Getaway - Maisie Presenting
Annabel Waley-Cohen & family
1413P6-
RPR 136c OR 129c
Her wins over fences came on soft and heavy last season, but I don't think she minds any ground and it would be marvellous if she could strike again before joining the Waley-Cohen family's broodmare band. She has a similar profile to their Elusive Belle but stays further.
Marie's Rock
6m Milan - By The Hour
Middleham Park Racing XLII
111/73-
RPR 136h OR 138h
She's extremely talented and miles better than she showed last season. She's had a favourable summer, looks great and, with a bit of luck, she should get back to winning ways.
Marmalaid
4f Martaline - Miracle Maid
DJ Burke & P Alderson
5-
RPR 91b
She didn't run as I expected on her debut, but the ground was probably quick enough and dried further before we could run again. She's done brilliantly over the summer, jumps well and is bigger and burlier for hurdles, possibly over two and a half miles.
Mengli Khan
8g Lope De Vega - Danielli
Michael Blencowe
417220-
RPR 155c OR 143c
It's amazing given his size that he began as a juvenile on the Flat and he doesn't behave like an eight-year-old now, so I have faith he can give his enthusiastic owner some fun this term.
Mill Green
9g Black Sam Bellamy - Ceilidh Royal
Rita Brown
6/547-1F
RPR 143c OR 138c
He was productive over hurdles, winning three, and did it nicely on his chasing debut at Ffos Las before falling at Worcester. The handicapper has him high enough, but he can still progress over fences.
Mind Sunday
5m Never On Sunday - Mind Master
Walters Plant Hire
00/10-
RPR 113b
She was highly thought of but disappointed in Ireland. She corrected that for us when strolling home at Newbury, although she failed to act in Aintree's mares' bumper at the National meeting. She jumps well and we can't wait to see her over hurdles.
Mister Coffey
6g Authorized - Mamitador
Lady Bamford & Alice Bamford
12/1374-
RPR 142h OR 138h
He's handsome, imposing and talented. He bolted up on his first appearance last season, but the handicapper took note and we were forced up in grade, although he didn't fare badly. His game has always been chasing and he could be Cheltenham material in the spring. He has the speed for two miles.
Mister Fisher
7g Jeremy - That's Amazing
James & Jean Potter
4/P1PU2-
RPR 168c OR 162c
We've always adored him. He won the rearranged Peterborough Chase at Cheltenham but unseated when trying 3m1f in the Bowl at Aintree. I'm keen to try that trip again, especially as he was a neck second over 2m6f in the Oaksey Chase at Sandown. Wetherby's Charlie Hall could be an option, although it might come a bit soon.
Monte Cristo
5g Montmartre - Rylara Des Brosses
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
41/8109-
RPR 148h OR 144h
He's a grand type blessed with raw potential. He went up 12lb after storming home at Kempton on Boxing Day and it was a rush to get him to Cheltenham after a setback, but he would have run a cracker in the Coral Cup if he hadn't been hampered. I'm desperate to see him chasing.
Moonlight Flit
5g Getaway - Dreaming On
Thurloe 57
79-2
RPR 106h
He showed his true colours when second over hurdles at Warwick in the spring. Two and a half miles on soft ground will be his thing. He has a bright future over hurdles and then fences.
Morning Vicar
8g Beneficial - Mary's Little Vic
The Parishioners
2178U1-
RPR 142c OR 140c
He's a great character and one we're fond of. He's consistent but didn't stay in the Kim Muir and then unseated over the National fences in the Topham, although I'm keen to try those obstacles again. There are more fun days ahead.
Mot A Mot
5g Martaline - Gaily Zest
Walters Plant Hire & Potters Group
410-
RPR 113h
It was remarkable how he won at Chepstow after the rein broke, but James Bowen did a fantastic job. Aintree's bumper didn't suit him, but he's grown into a magnificent horse. He'll get further than two miles and loves soft ground, so should be a leading prospect for hurdling and chasing down the line.
Mount Pleasant
4g Mount Nelson - Polish Belle
Michael Blencowe
Unraced
Drying ground prevented a run in the spring, but the time will benefit him and he's developed pleasingly since. He could start in a bumper before hurdling and has a fine future.
No Ordinary Joe
5g Getaway - Shadow Dearg
JP McManus
14-11
RPR 132h OR 133h
A chaser in the making, he ran over hurdles last season and was an encouraging fourth behind My Drogo at Ascot, but we didn't run him until the new campaign and he won as he liked at Southwell and Worcester. We'll look at decent novice hurdles over two and a half miles and he should go a long way down that road.
On The Blind Side
9g Stowaway - Such A Set Up
Alan Spence
221365-
RPR 154c OR 152c
You wouldn't find a nicer horse and he's part of the furniture. He's probably not Grade 1 level but is admirably consistent and won twice over hurdles last season. We could go back chasing or mix and match to keep him amused.
Overpriced Mixer
4g Harbour Watch - Chincoteague
Owners Group 051
1U86-
RPR 118h OR 122h
A lameness issue meant he didn't run after March, but he won first time out over hurdles and I'm looking forward to his return. I believe he can progress for his passionate owners, although maybe not on deep winter ground.
Paris Dixie
6m Champs Elysees - Last Of The Dixies
Owners Group 037
1/2577-0
RPR 112h OR 110h
She's a charming, not overly large mare, but she didn't reproduce her second on her first outing for us and I don't know why. She remains a maiden and we can rectify that.
Parisian Blue
5m Getaway - Another Evening
Crimbourne Bloodstock
3-6
RPR 96b
She showed promise in her bumpers and is a lovely, scopey sort so will be going over hurdles for the Verdana Blue team. Hopefully she can be as much fun.
Paros
4g Masterstroke - Soft Blue
Middleham Park Racing CXXV
14815-
RPR 123h OR 135h
He had a tendency to go right and pull quite hard, so taking him to Musselburgh and making all was the right decision and he showed how capable he was. There wasn't much left so we went for the Grade 1 juvenile at Aintree and I think we've sorted why he was hanging. He's done incredibly over the summer and is open to improvement over hurdles.
Patroclus
5g Shirocco - King'sandqueen's
Walters Plant Hire & Potter Group
211P-
RPR 129h OR 129h
He's a gorgeous, big chasing type. He won nicely over hurdles at Exeter and Doncaster and ought to have many important days over fences ahead.
Pentland Hills
6g Motivator - Elle Galante
Owners Group 031
111/529/
RPR 157h OR 156h
He was our Triumph winner in 2019 but had to have last season off. He's a spectacular jumper and I wonder whether he could go chasing one day. He might be back a little late for that, in which case we'd stay over hurdles and then go chasing in the new season in May; there'd be no point going over fences in February, for instance.
Pistol Whipped
7g Beneficial - Holiday Time
A & M Speelman
0/2011-2
RPR 160c OR 154c
There's no doubt good ground is important for him and possibly smaller fields too. We thought about the American Grand National, which we won with Brain Power a few years ago, but the prize-money meant it wasn't viable. There are some options in Japan and he's due more success after improving last term.
Progressive
4f Nathaniel - Graduation
Alan Spence & John Connolly
4429-51
RPR 116h OR 121h
I got a kick out of her winning at Chepstow recently because it was a plan that came off, and I always fancied a crack at that race, which used to carry some prestige. She was worth a shot at it and we gave her a Flat spin to get ready at Yarmouth, which paid off. I don't know how much better she can get, but it was a neat prize to win.
Queens River
5m Kayf Tara - Follow My Leader
JP McManus
1- (point-to-point)
RPR 83p
She's a mouthwatering prospect. She has all the credentials and did everything we asked in the spring without making the track. The summer has done her the world of good and she's ideal for mares' novice hurdles.
Quickbuck
4g Walk In The Park - Buck's Blue
Michael Blencowe
7-3
RPR 93b
He shaped with encouragement on his last bumper run. He's grown and filled out since and has the ability to go far over hurdles.
Rapid Flight
5g Midnight Legend - Spring Flight
The Queen
53-F106
RPR 104c OR 113c
We'd been waiting an eternity for some cut in the ground and in the end I let him go to Huntingdon last week for his chasing debut. He jumped well but wants softer ground and probably further than two and a half miles.
Rather Be
10g Oscar - Irish Wedding
Eventmasters Racing
12/B59P/
RPR 153c OR 143c
A super individual, he has bags of talent but needs some luck to go with it having been off for more than two years. His owners have been incredibly patient and I'd love to reward them by getting him back. He's getting there, albeit slowly.
Royal Ruby
9g Yeats - Close Harmony
Rita Brown
3/557/13
RPR 125c OR 116c
Being off for more than 500 days didn't stop him jumping wonderfully and winning over fences at Stratford in the summer, although that caught the handicapper's attention. That said, I'm sure he can progress as a chaser.
Russian Ruler
4g Sholokhov - Hot Choice
Unique Financial Racing Partnership
1
RPR 98b
We like him a lot and he beat another of ours – Surrey Quest – on his debut, so I'm sure the form is solid. He's a fantastic individual set for a fruitful time over hurdles.
Scarpia
7g Sans Frontieres - Bunglasha Lady
Mrs T Brown
24/74415-
RPR 110h OR 116h
He'd been consistent over hurdles before winning at Fontwell. He should still have improvement in him and could easily jump a fence, but he might have more to offer as a hurdler first.
Star quality
Shishkin
7g Sholokhov - Labarynth
Marie Donnelly
1/11111-
RPR 174c OR 169c
Switching to fences was the obvious thing to do after he won the Supreme and he never put a foot wrong – he was exemplary all the way through to winning the Arkle and a Grade 1 at Aintree. He's done phenomenally over the summer, growing and strengthening in every area. He looks completely different from last term, which suggests he can improve, which might be needed as the two-mile chase division is going to be strong. We'll go for the Tingle Creek and then down the Champion Chase route, and the hope is he's our next superstar. He has a long way to go fill the boots of Sprinter Sacre and Altior, but he has all the attributes and is the most spectacular horse.
Son Of Camas
6g Creachadoir - Camas
Ever Hopeful
P/P304-4
RPR 132c OR 127c
He has ability and I seriously like him, but I'm just not sure what trip is ideal. He's a competent jumper and has made the frame over fences. He's still a novice and I hope he can give his new connections enormous fun.
Steal A March
6g Mount Nelson - Side Step
The Queen
4/36P12-
RPR 125h OR 124h
He's always jumped well and was consistent as we stepped him up in trip over hurdles, but switching to fences could be something to savour.
Storm Of Intrigue
9g Oscar - Storminoora
Oscar Singh & Priya Purewal
10/3/
RPR 129h
Things haven't gone his way, but he was a heartening third in a hot race at Newbury when last seen in March 2019. We've got to get him back, but I don't think that's far off and he could develop into a fine novice chaser as he's a fantastic, substantial horse.
Sunrise Ruby
7m Sholokhov - Maryota
Blunt, Breslin, Duffy, Slattery
1083-67
RPR 122h OR 119h
She never lets us down. She could still go on over two and a half miles on a sound surface, but chasing is definitely an option if needed.
Surfman
5g Kingman - Shimmering Surf
Peter Winkworth
31/138/ (Flat form)
A beautiful, big horse, he ran in the Prix du Jockey Club for Roger Varian two years ago and is one to note, particularly if he can be as successful over hurdles as he was on the Flat. He's spent time with Henrietta Knight and is coming along, but won't go anywhere until the rain arrives.
Surrey Quest
4g Milan - Roztoc
Surrey Racing (sq)
2
RPR 94b
He was second at Warwick to Russian Ruler, a horse we think a huge amount of. He's grown and should mature into a terrific novice hurdler.
Swapped
4g Sinndar - La Bezizais
A & M Speelman
Unraced
He showed plenty in the spring and almost ran but pulled some muscles. We put him away and that won't have done any harm. He looks the part and will make his debut any second now.
The Carpenter
5g Shantaram - Just Another Penny
The Owners Group 086
2-
RPR 111b
He was second in an Irish bumper and is every inch a class act. He'll likely start over hurdles but looks a cracking chaser in the making.
The Bomber Liston
5g Yeats - True Britannia
JP McManus
32-31
RPR 112h OR 122
He was entitled to win at Uttoxeter this month, but I think the handicapper has overrated the race. Admittedly, he won easily and can carry on down the novice hurdle route.
Theatre Glory
4f Fame And Glory - Native Beauty
Canter Banter Racing 2
1
RPR 93b
She's an attractive filly who was a cosy winner of a Worcester bumper. She's come on over the summer and should go far in mares' novice hurdles.
Tweed Skirt
4f Martaline - Theatre Girl
Just Four Men With Rose Tinted Glasses
136-
RPR 106b
She's stunning. She ran a creditable sixth in the mares' bumper at Aintree but is better than that. She schooled splendidly in the spring, so fingers crossed she can take high rank as a novice hurdler.
Valsheda
6g Milan - Candy Creek
Richard & Lizzie Kelvin-Hughes
21-
RPR 117h
Patience has been the name of the game with this handsome chap, who's big and maybe even still growing. He had two runs over hurdles but screams chaser. There should be a vast amount to come.
Walking On Air
4g Walk In The Park - Refinement
Doreen Tabor
2-
RPR 111b
He caught the eye at home before a second on his debut at Kempton behind what I think was a decent horse [Shallwehaveonemore]. A touch of colic meant he didn't run again, but that wasn't a problem and he'll appreciate a trip and soft ground. He should make an awesome staying novice hurdler and then chaser down the line. I love him.
Wave The Wand
4g Gentlewave - Magic Score
The Queen
Unraced
I have lots of time for him. He was big and on the leggy side but learned the ropes in the spring despite being unlikely to make the track. He's summered wonderfully.
Westwood Ryder
4g Flemensfirth - Beeverstown Girl
The Albatross Club
2
RPR 93b
He can only improve from his debut second at Huntingdon as he was on the weak side, but time is essential with Flemensfirths. He's grown and undoubtedly has it in him to make a smart novice hurdler.
Will Carver
6g Califet - Rock Angel
Owners Group 064
932-11
RPR 134h OR 132h
He missed some time but showed what he was capable of last season and in the new campaign when he won twice over hurdles, leaving him a novice this term. That could be useful, but I'm convinced he'll be better as a chaser.
Wiseguy
5g Fame And Glory - Sunset Queen
Sue Magnier & Linda Shanahan
1-
RPR 113b
He needed time but will be worth it. He won his bumper in smooth fashion so is all set for novice hurdling, and I'll be dismayed if that isn't lucrative for him.
For the future...
We've done some constructive business in the summer transfer window and have assembled an exciting bunch I hope will become familiar names over the next few years.
Major Sting was here last year and his claim to fame is being related to Amtrak Express, our first ever winner from Seven Barrows, while of the four-year-olds Bridal Knot has a link to our past being a Walk In The Park half-sister to Might Bite and Beat That. She goes nicely, developed over the summer, is nearly ready and one to look forward to. So is Fishcake, Monkfish's racy half-sister by Mahler.
Rudy Caprice, a powerful Sholokhov, nearly ran in the spring and has grown considerably, so will probably go for a bumper before hurdling, which would also be the blueprint for Scarpered, a handsome son of Getaway with a lovely temperament.
Hyland, who is by Turgeon, has also improved over the summer so could follow that route too. I Am Rocco is an athletic Kayf Tara who spent time with Henrietta Knight and should be a smart novice hurdler, as should Hurricane Le Dun, a giant Doctor Dino gelding who has ability, a great attitude and may swerve a bumper.
Middleham Park Racing have a handful of promising youngsters including a well-related son of Blue Bresil called Kingsand Bay and the well-educated Propelled, who is also choicely bred and just missed running in the spring when the ground dried. He's by Kapgarde, the same sire of their Hana Collonges, a pretty filly who should win a bumper, which is also the case for Hello Baloo, a daughter of Flemensfirth related to Oscar Whisky, who was such a firm favourite here a few years ago.
The Waley-Cohen family will lease an exquisite unnamed Blue Bresil filly to the Turf Club, while Firestep's Leading Light half-sister is for sale and very forward, so should be ready before Christmas, and we think the world of her older brother.
Iolaos Du Mou is also for sale and is a Coastal Path who won't take long. He's strong, advanced and really nice – a smart prospect. The same goes for Royal Max, who was irresistible at the sales and appears an early, precocious son of Maxios.
Peace Of Rome, by Jukebox Jury, is smashing and another three-year-old in the mould of being early, while we've an unnamed Sixties Icon, who is also quite advanced.
Pat Pugh has a lovely gelding by Mahler, a sire we like, who is distantly related to Altior, although that's not the reason we bought him.
Other three-year-olds to note include a stunning grey by Sholokhov called Benefact, Boom Boom, a cracking Califet, Hands Off, a Getaway stamped with class, and Wind Of Fortune, who is by Shirocco and has the size and scope to shine.
Brave Jen is a beautiful Kayf Tara and touchingly named, and Meadowsuite – a robust daughter of Spanish Moon – is named in honour of Meadowsweet, a Ludlow bumper winner in December who suffered a fatal accident.
Two for the Tracker
A couple of dark horses. I'm really excited about Kincardine for the Queen, and I love Walking On Air.
Expert view
A lot was said about how Irish trainers dominated the big races last season and that was particularly true at Cheltenham. However, the one British trainer who is best equipped to compete with Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott and Henry de Bromhead is Nicky Henderson.
There were seven odds-on favourites at last season’s Cheltenham Festival and six were trained in Ireland. Only three won, but they included the one British-trained odds-on chance, who was trained by Henderson. That proves that when Henderson has the horse, he delivers.
Shishkin is the star in question, of course. He never looked in any danger when slamming his rivals at 4-9 in the Arkle and, following the retirement of Altior, Shishkin is the key horse for the Henderson stable this season. He will bid to dominate the two-mile chase division.
Speed is often a big asset shared by Henderson-trained runners. Purely in terms of strike-rate, runners from Seven Barrows excel over trips short of 2m4f and, since the start of 2018, the yard is 28 per cent with all representatives in jump races over 2m3f or shorter. However, the market is on top of the angle and a £1 bet on them all would have yielded a loss of £101.58.
Moving on to jockeys and it goes without saying that Nico De Boinville gets the pick. He has a 26 per cent strike-rate on Henderson-trained runners in recent seasons, but it’s also worth taking note when Aidan Coleman rides. Coleman is 11-52 for the yard since 2018 started.
Henderson’s local track Newbury is always a happy hunting ground and a 24 per cent strike-rate there in the last three years is no surprise. But look out for when his runners go further afield. Six winners from eight runners at Wetherby in that short period is a remarkable strike-rate and six winners from just nine runners at Newcastle doesn’t look too shabby, either.
The final thing to look out for is horses returning from long absences. Most trainers excel with horses who have run recently, but Henderson’s string is an exception. They are better off a break and the longer the absence, the better they usually run. Fitness is rarely any issue.
If you’d backed all Henderson-trained runners who were returning from absence of at least 150 days since the start of 2018 you’d have had 83 winners from 353 runners (24 per cent).
Graeme Rodway
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Originally Posted by Maxbet
