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C O N N O C H I E
NATIONAL
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HORSES TO FOLLOW 2019 20 PROFIT OF
465.42 10 STAKE
30 INDIVIDUAL WINNERS IN 2019 20 INCLUDING SHISHKIN, THYME HILL, PIC D ORHY, CHANTRY HOUSE, NEWTIDE, THOMAS DARBY MCFABULOUS
BEAR GHYLLS (IRE) 5 br g Arcadio – Inch Princess Form: 1-1 Trainer: Nicky Martin Owner: Bradley Partnership This son of Arcadio created a very big impression when landing a bumper at Warwick last season by 19-lengths. He took a keen hold throughout before making strong headway a long way from home, he took the lead with 5f still to go, but it didn’t stop him pulling clear from his rivals. He looked quite green when in front that day and there’s no doubt he’d have learnt plenty from that experience. I’d have liked to have got this out before his reappearance at Lingfield recently, but it was good to see him make the perfect start to his hurdling career with an impressive performance. Like Warwick, he tanked through the race and found himself in front a long way out, but he kept-on nicely at the finish to win eased down after a slight mistake at the last. I think this horse could be potentially very good and definitely one worth following this season. When he settles better and gains more experience, he could be a very exciting horse for his connections.
BOB OLINGER (IRE) 5 b g Sholokhov – Zenaide Form: 11Trainer: Henry De Bromhead Owner: Robcour This son of Sholokhov was an empathic winner of his point-to-point start at Turtulla for Pat Doyle in November 2019, winning effortlessly by 15-lengths. He changed hands soon after that success, joining Henry De Bromhead’s team for £330,000. He made the perfect start to his career under rules with a very smooth success at Gowran Park in March, pulling 10-lengths clear of the Gordon Elliott trained Coqolino who was also an impressive point winner beforehand. Bob Olinger certainly looks a horse with a very bright future ahead of him and looks to have the credentials to make up into a very smart prospect over hurdles this season. It’s difficult to say what will be his optimum conditions this season as his Bumper win came over 2m2f but he’s a half-brother to Myska, who won her maiden over 2m f before landing a Listed Novices’ Hurdle over 2m. If I were to guess his trip, I’d say 2m4f will suit over hurdles this season but I’d definitely expect him to stay further in time, especially over fences.
CAP DU MATHAN (FR) 5 b g Kapgarde – Nounjya Form: 42/6331Trainer: Paul Nicholls Owner: The Stewart Family Cap Du Mathan improved with each run over hurdles last season for Paul Nicholls, winning at the fourth time of asking after a couple of good efforts at Chepstow in defeat behind some pretty useful types. He won in effortless fashion at Plumpton on his final start of the campaign, always travelling well in front before pulling clear after the final flight to win by 12-lengths. This lightly-raced five-year-old comes into the season with an attractive looking mark of 128 with novice chasing in mind, and I’m sure his trainer will waste no time in sending him over the larger obstacles. Cap Du Mathan was quite a keen in his races last season over hurdles, which resulted in the application of a hood and running over 2m, but I’m hoping he’ll settle better this season over fences, and once doing so should be able to be campaigned over 2m4f-3m.
CHAMPAGNESUPEROVER (IRE) 5 b g Jeremy – Meldrum Hall Form: 13Trainer: Olly Murphy Owner: McNeill Family & Patrick & Scott Bryceland This son of Jeremy was a seriously impressive winner on his racecourse debut at Ayr last season when cantering to a 16-lengths success. He then went on to finish third in a Listed bumper at Newbury on his next start, but couldn’t quite quicken after travelling into the race nicely. Olly Murphy also ran Brewin’upastorm to finish third in the same contest a couple of seasons ago after a similar bloodless victory in a bumper before developing into a high-class novice hurdler the following season. Although I’m not sure Champagnesuperover has the same ability and potential as what Brewin’upastorm had coming into his novice hurdling campaign, I think he looks a very bright prospect for his connections this season. Champagnesuperover should have enough gears to be winning over 2m this season before progressing into a smart 2m4f novice. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him win nicely on his hurdling debut before heading to the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury in December.
DARGIANNINI (IRE) 5 b g Fame And Glory – You Take Care Form: 1 Trainer: Harry Whittington Owner: Dominic Burke & Kate & Andrew Brooks This son of Fame And Glory is a half-brother to 153 rated chaser Keeper Hill, who was also a good bumper and hurdle winner. Harry Whittington has done very well with horses running in these silks in recent seasons with Saint Calvados, Rouge Vif and Simply The Betts all flying the flag with big race wins. Dargianini looked like another very smart recruit to the team when making an emphatic winning debut in a bumper at Sedgefield recently, winning by a growing 20-lengths. He travelled and then quickened like a very good horse that day in the style of a horse with a very bright future ahead of him. The plan will surely be to target a Listed bumper next and you’d have to hope he’d be getting competitive.
EASY AS THAT (IRE) 5 b g Sans Frontieres – Bell Storm Form: 11Trainer: Venetia Williams Owner: Kate & Andrew Brooks This son of Irish St Leger winner Sans Frontieres made a likeable winning debut in a bumper at Ffos Las last December before backing up that display with another very impressive performance at Musselburgh under a penalty. He seemed to gallop his rivals into the ground on both occasions, dictating things from flag fall. Easy As That is out of a 3m point-to-point winner that is a half-sister to Stayers’ Hurdle runner-up Time For Rupert, who was a good horse for Paul Webber over 2m4f-3m, including over fences. Trained by Ventia Williams, Easy As That looks a useful recruit to the novice hurdle ranks this season, and I’m hopeful he’ll be winning his fair share of races throughout the campaign. I think 2m4f should be his trip but he has the stamina in his pedigree to stay further if needed.
FAROUK D ALENE (FR) 5 b g Racinger – Mascotte D’Alene Form: 1/11Trainer: Gordon Elliott Owner: Gigginstown House Stud Farouk D’Alene was part of the ‘Point-To-Point Recruits’ last season and remained unbeaten after two runs under rules for Gordon Elliott and Jamie Codd. He created a very big impression at Down Royal (a track his trainer likes to run his more promising types) on Boxing Day, winning by 17-lenghts. He backed up the potential he showed on that occasion to win in game fashion on his next start at Naas to beat the smart Fire Attack by a head. I thought that was a very impressive performance as I think the runner-up was definitely the one more suited to the bumper sphere. This son of Racinger looks all about stamina and seems to have a real liking for soft ground. There’s no doubt that his long-term future will be over fences but he undoubtedly has all the right credentials to develop into a very smart novice over hurdles this season over 2m4f3m, and like I said, he may need cut in the ground to be seen to his best.
FEDELTA (IRE) 6 b g Flemensfirth – Old Moon Form: 13Trainer: Emma Lavelle Owner: Trevor Hemmings This son of Flemensfirth cost £115,000 as a three-year-old but wasn’t seen on a racecourse until January where he made a successful debut in a Larkhill point-to-point for Francesca Nimmo. He made his rules debut a month later for Emma Lavelle at Ludlow over 3m in seriously testing ground conditions, finishing a close second behind Southfield Harvest and Muckamore, who won easily on his next start. Fedelta may need to gain a bit more experience until we see him deliver his best on a racecourse but he looks an intriguing prospect for the season ahead for Emma Lavelle and Trevor Hemmings, who won’t be waiting long before they send this half-brother to Noble Endeavour over fences. 3m looks like it’ll be his trip and he’s definitely a horse to keep on the right side of.
FIVE O CLOCK (FR) 5 b g Cokoriko – Rodika Form: 32/2117Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: Mrs S Ricci Five O’Clock improved with each run last season for Willie Mullins, winning over an inadequate 2m at Limerick before staying on strongly at the finish to win a Grade 3 at Thurles on his next start, improving for the step-up to 2m5f. I thought this son of Cokoriko (a sire NH fans will be getting more and more familiar with) ran a remarkable race in the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, and was definitely one of the horses I took out of the meeting. He was badly hampered and nearly unseated his rider going into the bend that leads onto their final circuit, which resulted in him dropping into midfield. He was switched wide turning for home with a lot to do but stayed-on well up the hill to run an eye-catching race. The Martin Pipe is always a race that produces future winners and a lot of those future winners come over fences the following season. Five O’Clock always looked like a future chaser last season and always shaped like an outand-out stayer on each racecourse appearance. He looks like a horse that could take a big step forward this season and hopefully should develop into a high-class prospect over fences over 2m4f-3m for Willie Mullins and Rich Ricci.
FLINTEUR SACRE (FR) 5 b g Network – Fatima III Form: 21Trainer: Nicky Henderson Owner: John P McManus Flinteur Sacre is a full-brother to phenomenal two-time Champion Chase winner Sprinter Sacre, who’s brilliance will be remembered for years to come. Owned by JP McManus, Finteur Sacre created a very good impression when running a race full of promise on his debut in a bumper at Newbury last season, finishing a good second to Your Darling. He took a keen hold early-on, showed clear signs of inexperience, but he travelled into the race very nicely and it looked as if the penny started to drop at the finish. He put that experience to good use to get off the mark at the second time of asking with an impressive success at Kempton, a bumper his trainer does very well in. Flinteur Sacre will unlikely every reach the heights of his older sibling, but undoubtedly looks a horse with a very bright future ahead of him. 2m should be his trip over hurdles and I suspect he’ll be targeting that Novice Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing day his trainer loves to win.
GALOPIN DES CHAMPS (FR) 4 b g Timos – Manon Des Champs Form: 1Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: Mrs Audrey Turley Galopin Des Champs won on his only start in France when landing a sixteen runner conditions hurdle at Auteuil in May. He made very good headway turning for home before nicely coming clear after the last hurdle to win going away under Thomas Coutant, beating three previous winners in the process. He was purchased shortly after that impressive success to join the Willie Mullins battalion for the upcoming season, and will remain a novice for the season ahead, which obviously will things easier for this exciting four-year-old. There’s no doubt that Galopin Des Champs is a name everyone will be hearing in March with the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle clearly the target, but he’ll certainly stay further if needed.
GENTLEMAN DE MEE (FR) 4 b g Saint Des Saints – Kouer De Mee Form: 22Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: John P McManus Gentleman De Mee ran well on both occasions in France for top handler Guillaume Macaire finishing runner-up on each start. The form of both those efforts look pretty strong, most notably his second start behind the Francois Nicolle trained Magrudy, who has showcased the form well since including in Grade 3 company. Subsequently purchased by leading owner JP McManus, Gentleman De Mee has joined Wille Mullins for the season and looks a high-class novice hurdle prospect for the season ahead. He’s a half-brother to the Paul Nicholls trained As De Mee (hurdle/chase winner between 2m-3m2f), Gentleman De Mee will likely start off over the minimum trip over hurdles but should have 2m4f within his compass.
GRAN LUNA (FR) 4 b f Spanish Moon – Coppena Form: 1Trainer: Nicky Henderson Owner: Surrey Racing (GL) Gran Luna made the perfect start to her career with a very promising debut success in what looked a pretty smart Bumper at Newbury. She travelled well in midfield before making smooth headway in the straight under Nico de Boinville, picking up nicely late-on to fend off the well-related Whiskey Lullaby inside the final furlong. It’s worth mentioning she was receiving 9lb weight for age from the second on that occasion, but she was always in control at the finish. This filly looks a very interesting recruit to Novices’ Hurdles this season for Nicky Henderson, who does well with this type of filly. Gran Luna a daughter of Spanish Moon, a sire that has done very well with his NH runners in recent seasons, and is the sire of Cheltenham Festival winner Laurina. Gran Luna will look to follow in Laurina’s footprints this season with the 2m Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham likely to be the dream for her connections. Whether she’s good enough to take up that engagement will soon be revealed but she certainly is a filly to keep a firm eye on this season for Nicky Henderson.
HAPPYGOLUCKY (IRE) 6 br g Jeremy – Mydadsabishop Form: 2/1334Trainer: Kim Bailey Owner: Lady Dulverton This son of Jeremy returned from 328 days off the track to win a 2m6f maiden hurdle at Stratford last October, beating a pretty useful subsequent winner by 11-lengths. He went to Cheltenham the following month for a Grade 2 contest, he ran a nice race in third but was no match for Grade 1 winner Thyme Hill on the day. He seemed to find the ground too soft on his next start at Sandown when soundly beaten by Enrilo in another Grade 2 contest, but still plugged on well enough in third. He wasn’t seen again until running a fine race in fourth in the Martin Pipe at the Cheltenham Festival, he looked certain to finish closer had he not been hampered by the fall of Column Of Fire. Happygolucky shaped like a horse that would make up into a very useful chaser last season and he should be seen in a much better light once stepping up to 3m for the first time. He achieved a mark of 13 over hurdles but I’d be more than confident that mark will go north over the larger obstacles this season.
HEART OF A LION (IRE) 5 b g Yeats – Lady Secret Form: 1Trainer: Alan King Owner: John P McManus Heart Of A Lion was a very impressive winner of his bumper in July 2019, pulling clear inside the final furlong to win by 7-lengths. Unfortunately, a small injury and the cancellation of racing meant he missed the whole of the 2019/20 national hunt season but he’s back in training ready for the new season ahead. This son of Yeats half-brother to 2m-2m4f hurdle winner Glorious Lady, who found herself in the winning enclosure on three occasions last season. I’d be more than hopeful Heart Of A Lion will also be winning his fair share of races this season for Alan King, and might just be an interesting horse amongst the novice hurdle ranks.
IMPERIAL ALCAZAR (IRE) 6 b g Vinnie Roe – Maddy’s Supreme Form: 23/1221Trainer: Fe gal O B ien Owner: Imperial Racing Partnership 2016 Imperial Alcazar was a game winner on his hurdling debut last season to defy the highlyregarded Coconut Splash by the narrowest of margins after looking held jumping the final flight. Sent-off favourite for his next start, he couldn’t quite defy a penalty but ran a decent enough race to finish second behind Prince Kayf, staying on at the finish. He went to Cheltenham for his next run, running a great race to finish second behind Protektorat in a 2m4f Listed contest. His final start of the campaign came in novice hurdle at Leicester, giving weight all round to win nicely in the end after a couple of minor jumping mistakes along the way. The form of that race looks pretty smart with the runner-up winning since and the third also tasting success. Imperial Alcazar looks a very interesting prospect for novice chasing this season, and shapes as if a step up to 3m will unlock further improvement. He comes into the campaign on a mark of 140, which I think has scope for further improvement throughout the season. He’s certainly a horse to keep on the right side of and will undoubtedly be placed to win races.
INDIANA JONES (FR) 4 b g Blue Bresil – Matnie Form: 2Trainer: M F Morris Owner: Robcour Indiana Jones finished second on his only start in France as a three-year-old for David Cottin when chasing home Onestepforward in a conditions hurdle at Auteuil. The winner has won again since and is trained by Guillaume Macaire, who holds him in very high-regard so the form of that contest could prove to be very good. Bought for €2 0,000 by Robcour since. He looks a potentially very good prospect for novice hurdles this season for Mouse Morris, who also trains his half-brother that won over 2m2m4f last season before running well in a Grade 3.
KEPAGGE (IRE) 6 b g Getaway – Miracle Lady Form: F111Trainer: David Pipe Owner: Mrs Sarah Ling Kepagge was a faller on his only point-to-point start at Tallow before joining David Pipe shortly afterwards. He got off to a strong start for his new connections with a dominant success in a Bumper at Chepstow on Soft ground, making all the running to win by 4lengths. He then went to Leicester for his hurdling debut, winning as the 2/9 favourite, but that certainly doesn’t tell the story. He jumped the first very slowly before nearly shoving Tom Scudamore on the floor on the approach to the second. His jumping eventually did get better on the way around but was always far from perfect. Kepagge was given a short-break (and presumably a lot more schooling) before his next start at Doncaster where I thought he looked very good. He jumped better and travelled strongly before staying-on very well after the last, pulling 9-lengths clear of Firak, who came into that contest with some useful form to his name. This son of Getaway was certainly purchased with a career over fences in mind and I’d imagine his connections will waste no time in sending him chasing this season. He’s a halfbrother to 3m-3m6f chase winner Catching On and 3m Chase winner Streets Of Promise (stayed 3m4f). Kepagge certainly showed he’s a horse with a serious engine last season and he has the scope and pedigree to excel over the larger obstacles this season. He could develop into an interest National Hunt Novices’ Chase prospect for David Pipe.
KESKONRISK (FR) 5 b g No Risk At All – La Courtille Form: 1Trainer: J e h Pa ick O B ien Owner: Claudio Michael Grech Keskonrisk is half-brother to Grade 2 winning Grand Sancy, he made an impressive winning debut in a bumper last season at Fairyhouse, pulling over 4-lengths clear of Favori De Champdou, who won nicely next time. Then trained by Timmy Hyde, Kesonrisk changed hands for £370,000 after that impressive debut success and has joined Joseph O’Brien to run in the colours of Claudio Michael Grech. Keskonrisk seemed to enjoy the sounder surface when winning at Fairyhouse and that’s definitely something to keep in mind as it’ll be interesting to see how he will fare on a deeper surface. He looks an exciting prospect for novice hurdles between 2m-2m4f.
MAROWN (IRE) 6 b g Milan – Rosie Suspect Form: 1/11Trainer: Nicky Richards Owner: Trevor Hemmings This son of Milan travelled nicely before keeping on strongly to make a likeable winning hurdling debut at Ayr in January with subsequent easy winner Sirwilliamwallace back in second. Marown followed up the promise of his debut success when following up over course and distance in March with a very dominant display under a penalty. He also travelled like the winner before readily streaking clear on the run-in under Brian Hughes. Marown undoubtedly lacks the experience of most, especially those he’ll be competing against in novice chases this season, but he looks a horse that hopefully will take a huge step forward this season for Nicky Richards. He clearly handles soft ground well but there should be no reason why he won’t handle a sounder surface. 2m4f-3m should be his trip over fences.
MCFABULOUS (IRE) 6 b g Milan – Rossavon Form: 12411-1 Trainer: Paul Nicholls Owner: Giraffa Racing McFabulous is far from a ‘dark horse’, especially after his dominant display in the Grade 2 Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow on his seasonal return recently, a win that has propelled his rating to 153. I thought he was brilliant when landing a competitive handicap at Kempton last season, travelling and jumping like a horse in a completely different league to his rivals, which he was. There’s no doubt that he was visually impressive at Chepstow on his return, but I don’t think we learnt anymore about him as it was a pretty straightforward task on paper. This son of Milan still looks to have a huge amount of untapped potential over hurdles and the sky really does look the limit for him in the 2020/21 season. As I mentioned, he’s currently rated 153, which is probably only 10lbs away from being a live contender for the Stayers’ Hurdle. I’m hopeful there’ll be more to come once stepped up to 3m this season.
PAPA TANGO CHARLY (FR) 5 ch g No Risk At All – Chere Elenn Form: 1/7224Trainer: J nj O Neill Owner: M Tedham Papa Tango Charly came from the point-to-point sphere with a big price tag and an even bigger reputation, but he failed to get his head in front in a handful of runs last season for Jonjo O’Neill. He did though run a few eye-catching races in defeat including when finishing second to Igor at Ascot and The Big Breakway at Newbury. He was seriously disappointing when sent-off favourite at Doncaster on his final start where it was reported he lost a hind shoe on the way around, but I’m not sure that was enough for him to run so below par. Bought as future staying chaser, Papa Tango Charly should appreciate the step up to 3m this season and the experience he gained over hurdles last season certainly won’t be lost on him. Only a five-year-old, he remains a novice over hurdles this season so I’m sure connections will keep him over hurdles for the time being where he’s rated 12 , which looks workable. I’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t win races this season.
SIZABLE SAM (GB) 5 ch g Black Sam Bellamy – Hala Flora Form: 21Trainer: Jeremy Scott Owner: The Hopefuls & Kelvin-Hughes This son of Black Sam Bellamy was narrowly denied on his racecourse debut at Wincanton last season, headed in the final strides by the Paul Nicholls trained Confirmation Bias. He was always up with the pace and was strongly challenged a long way from home so I thought it was a very good run to only be denied on the line. Sizable Sam got off the mark at the second time of asking with a very likeable success at Warwick on his next start, beating a fancied runner trained by Dan Skelton that had some useful form to his name beforehand. Sizable Sam looks a very interesting recruit to the novice hurdling scene this season and should stay well based on his two bumper runs last season. He looks a gelding with a very bright future ahead of him and he should be more than capable of winning races this season with 2m4f-3m. Being a son of Black Sam Bellamy, he should handle testing conditions well.
TEDHAM (GB) 6 b g Shirocco – Alegralil Form: 217/637Trainer: J nj O Neill Owner: M Tedham Tedham ran some eye-catching races last season when sent-off favourite in some competitive handicaps for Jonjo O’Neill. He ran well at Haydock over 3m in a Grade 3 handicap, staying on pretty well at the finish to grab third late on. I thought he was seriously unlucky at Warwick on his final start of the season in a Pertemps qualifier when getting hampered at an early stage. The plan is to send this horse chasing this season where he’s be schooling nicely, but he will first target the 3m Grade 3 handicap hurdle he ran well in last season again before he jumps a fence in public. I think he’s a very well-handicapped horse off his current mark of 131.
THE EDGAR WALLACE (IRE) 5 b g Flemensfirth – Annalecky Form: 321Trainer: Kim Bailey Owner: P J Andrews The Edgar Wallace looks a very interesting recruit to novice hurdles this season for Kim Bailey, who looks to have a very nice team to go to war with this season. This son of Flemensfirth built on his debut effort at Exeter to chase home Adrimel at Doncaster on his next start at Doncaster. That was a very good effort in defeat against a horse that was thought good enough to run at the Cheltenham Festival on his next start. The Edgar Wallace made it third time lucky with a dominant success at Hereford on his final start of the campaign, making all the running to win by 8-lengths. This son of Flemensfirth in a half-brother to Cheltenham Festival winner Black Hercules, who stayed very well. The Edgar Wallace looks a very nice staying novice hurdler in the making for Kim Bailey this season. He looks certain to win races.
WETLANDS (IRE) 5 b g Westerner – Un Jour D Ete Form: 41Trainer: Nicky Richards Owner: Trevor Hemmings Wetlands built on his debut effort at Newcastle to get off the mark at the same track at the second time of asking with a likeable performance under Brian Hughes. He ran green under pressure and hung left inside the final furlong, but he stayed on well to win going away at the finish. I’m not sure how strong that race was but I think this son of Westerner won with plenty in hand considering he wouldn’t have been a bumper horse. Trained by Nicky Richards, Wetlands should be more than capable of winning races over hurdles this season for Trevor Hemmings, who undoubtedly will be counting down the days until this horse goes chasing. It’s unlikely he’ll be highly tried over hurdles this season, but he should win his fair share of races between 2m-2m4f before going chasing next season.
WINNGSEVERYTHING (IRE) 6 b g Flemensfirth – Baliya Form: 134/11Trainer: Harry Fry Owner: Jago And Allhusen Unbeaten in two starts over hurdles last season when running in the colours of Paul & Clare Rooney, Winningseverything created a very good impression when readily winning on his hurdling debut at Southwell by 5-lengths. He didn’t jump brilliantly on his next start at Market Rasen when sent-off a short-priced favourite, but it didn’t stop him winning by 11lenghts under Richard Johnson. Winningseverything looks an interesting recruit to the novice chasing ranks this season with 2m4f likely to remain his trip over the larger obstacles. Rated 135 on his hurdling form, I’ll be disappointed if that mark isn’t higher by the end of the season.
C A L L U M
C O N N O C H I E
POINT-TO-POINT RECRUITS ISRAEL CHAMP 16 1 CHELTENENHAM WINNER IN 2019 20
PLUS: FERNY HOLLOW, SPORTING JOHN, THE BIG BIG BREAKAWAY FAROUK D ALENE ALL WINNERS IN 2019 20
AMARILLO SKY (IRE) 4 b g Westerner – Bag Of Tricks Form: 1Trainer: Colin Tizzard Owner: J P R man Ta l
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Winner of his only point-to-point start at Borris House for Colin Bowe in March, this gelding by Westerner fetched £280,000 at Cheltenham soon afterwards to join the Colin Tizzard team. Amarillo Sky was ridden with plenty of confidence and jumped well throughout under Barry O’Neill. He kept on well to beat the equally likeable Tag Man with the pair pulling 15lengths clear of the third horse. This four-year-old looks an exciting recruit for the season ahead and I think he showed enough gears on his point win to suggest he’ll be capable of landing a bumper this season for Colin Tizzard. He should prove relatively versatile regards ground conditions.
BRANDY LOVE (IRE) 4 b f Jet Away – Bambootcha Form: 1Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: An easy winner of a 2m4f 4yo maiden at Cragmore in February in heavy ground by 8lengths. Bought by Willie Mullins for £200,000 at the Cheltenham sales soon afterwards, Brandy Love looks a mare with a very bright future ahead of her. As mentioned, her point win came on heavy ground, but her family all seem at home on a quicker surface so I think her class got her through it that day. This daughter of Jet Away, who looks a NH sire worth following in the coming seasons looks certain to win a bumper this season for Willie Mullins. There’s a good programme for mares like herself in Ireland so I’m sure her trainer will have a plan for her.
CHOSEN PORT (IRE) 4 b f Well Chosen – Despute Form: 1Trainer: Olly Murphy Owner: This daughter of Well Chosen was a pretty comfortable winner of her point at Ballycahane in March for Colin Bowe in pretty testing ground conditions. Bought by £115,000 soon afterwards to join the Olly Murphy team for the season ahead, she’s a half-sister to triple Grade 2 chase winner Burton Port and a full-sister to 140 rated chaser Burtons Well. There’s no doubt this mare will be better suited to staying races over obstacles in time, but she’s joined a yard that have an excellent strike rate in bumpers so I’m more than hopeful she can win races this season. She seemed to handle the testing ground conditions well in her point success, but her siblings have proven to be pretty versatile.
FISHKHOV (FR) 5 ch g Sholokhov – Kavalle Form: 2Trainer: Harry Fry Owner: Masterson Holdings Limited Second on his only point start for Robert Tyner in December 2019 behind Vanillier, Fishkhov subsequently joined Harry Fry for £115,000. The son of Sholokhov did nothing wrong in his sole point run and just seemed to get outbattled after the last by a horse that was ridden prominently and had previous experience. This five-year-old will likely be seen in a bumper relatively early in the campaign with the way he runs there dictating if he sticks to bumpers or goes novice hurdling. He’s an interesting recruit for Harry Fry.
FISTON DES ISSARDS (FR) 5 bb g Buck’s Boum – Saboum Form: 1Trainer: Gordon Elliott Owner: Noel Moran / Mrs Valerie Moran Good winner of his point at Loughanmore in yielding ground conditions in October 2019, he defeated the strongly fancied Boothill by over 3-lengths with that effort already taking a boost with Boothill impressively landing a bumper for Harry Fry earlier this year. The fourth that day Smurphy Enki was also an 18-length winner of a bumper on his rules debut for Chris Gordon. Fiston Des Issards changed hands for £255,000 to join Gordon Elliott from Colin Bowe, the same source as the trainers multiple Grade 1 winners Samcro and Envoi Allen. This son of Buck’s Boum is expected to win a bumper this season for his connections and he should have a very bright future ahead of him.
GALLYHILL (IRE) 5 b g Getaway – Tanit Form: 1Trainer: Nicky Henderson Owner: Claudio Michael Grech Gallyhill was a commanding winner of a 4yo maiden point at Kirkistown in November 2019 for Jamie Sloan. He was always going nicely and quickened clear before the last to win going away. He changed hands for a mouth-watering £450,000 to join Nicky Henderson for Mike Grech, who is bang in the game with a bang since the ‘Grech & Parkin’ ownership came to an end. Gallyhill is seen as a strong stayer and a horse that’s expected to dine at the top table when tackling fences next season. He’ll go straight over hurdles and there’s no doubt that he’s a horse that will have a bright future ahead of him.
GERRI COLOMBE (FR) 4 b g Saddler Maker – Ruse De Guerre Form: 1Trainer: Gordon Elliott Owner: Robcour This son of Saddler Maker was a narrow winner of his point at Lingstown for Colin Bowe, battling on well under Barry O’Neill to hold off Lakota Warrior and Jamie Codd. Gerri Colombe jumped nicely under pressure that day and the first two home picked up well in a slowly run contest. Gerri Colombe was picked up for £240,000 afterwards to join the growing team of Robcour and has gone into training with Gordon Elliott. He’s expected to win a bumper this season but seen as a long-term prospect. His point win came on soft ground but he should be fine on a sounder surface.
HOLLOW GAMES (IRE) 4 b g Beat Hollow – I’m Grand Form: 1Trainer: Gordon Elliott Owner: Hollow Games was an emphatic distance winner at Turtulla in heavy ground in March, he travelled well throughout behind the leader before taking up the running at the second last fence. This son of Beat Hollow changed hands for £255,000 at the Cheltenham Festival Sale shortly afterwards and has joined Gordon Elliott. Described as “a lovely big horse” by his trainer, he should be winning a bumper this season and it would be no surprise if he developed into one of the better bumper horses his trainer has for the upcoming season. He’s a very interesting prospect.
KILLER KANE (IRE) 5 b g Oscar – Native Idea Form: 1Trainer: Colin Tizzard Owner: J P R man Ta l
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Along with spending £280,000 on the previously mentioned Amarillo Sky at the Cheltenham Festival Sale his owners also splashed out £300,000 on this son of Oscar. This half-brother to triple Grade 1 hurdle winner Go Native and created a very favourable impression when winning a point at Ballycahane for Donnchadh Doyle in March. Killer Kane is likely to go straight over hurdles and should be seen to best effect over 2m4f3m for Colin Tizzard this season. It would be no surprise if he developed into a leading player for one of the Cheltenham novices in March.
MAGIC TRICKS (FR) 4 b g Davidoff – Cadoubelle Des As Form: 2Trainer: Gordon Elliott Owner: John P McManus Half-brother to Grade 1 hurdle winner Abacadabras, Magic Tricks finished second in a point at Borris House in March behind Gars De Sceaux, who like this horse has joined Gordon Elliott. Smaller than his half-brother, Magic Tricks shaped as if he’ll be better suited to a sounder surface and looks more than capable of landing a bumper this season for JP McManus.
ONLY THE BOLD (IRE) 5 b g Jeremy – Cloghoge Lady Form: U1Trainer: Evan Williams Owner: Mr & Mrs William Rucker This son of Jeremy unseated on his point debut at Borris House in December but made amends with a commanding 9-length success at Tyrella a month later, quickening away from his rivals in a pretty smart time. Only The Bold changed hands for £215,000 soon afterwards and is a half-brother bumper winner and Grade 3 chase winner Westerner Lady. He’s joined Evan Williams who may waste little time in sending this horse over the larger obstacles as that is no doubt where his future will be.
RED LION LAD (IRE) 4 b g Flemensfirth – Hotline Form: 1Trainer: David Pipe Owner: Well-bred; Red Lion Lad is out of a winning half-sister to former Champion Chase winner Master Minded. This son of Flemensfirth lived up to his pedigree when landing a 4yo maiden point at Ballyarthur by 10-lengths for Colin Bowe in March. Red Lion Lad has since joined David Pipe in a private sale after being led out unsold at the sales. He looks an interesting prospect for bumpers this season for his connections, who done well with Israel Champ last season.
SHIROCCO S DREAM (IRE) 5 b m Shirocco – Dream Function Form: 21Trainer: Colin Tizzard Owner: J.P. Romans Ta l
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Another expensive purchase that like Amarillo Sky and Killer Kane will join the Colin Tizzard team. She was the most expensive mare sold from the 2019/20 point-to-point season when fetching £260,000 after her victory at Borris House for Donnchadh Doyle. She had previously chased home her new stable mate Rose Of Arcadia on her debut, who went on to win a bumper for Colin Tizzard last season. Shirocco’s Dream is out of a winning half-sister to multiple Grade 1 chaser Captain Chris and is expected to win her fair share of races over obstacles this season. 2m4f will likely be her trip but it wouldn’t be surprise if she starts off over 2m to begin with.
SIR GERHARD (IRE) 5 b g Jeremy – Faanan Aldaar Form: 1Trainer: Gordon Elliott Owner: Chevely Park Stud Gordon Elliott and Chevely Park Stud have already had great success together since teaming up in the last couple of seasons, mainly down to the brilliance of Envoi Allen. Like Envoi Allen, Sir Gerhard was an emphatic winner of his point last November and has joined Gordon Elliott for a mouth-watering £400,000. Sir Gerhard was due to run in a bumper in the spring but obviously the season came to an early end. The extra time may just be a blessing in disguise and he looks more than capable of winning bumpers this season. He looks to have plenty of gears and should have a very bright future ahead of him.
NATIONAL HUNT HORSES TO FOLLOW 2020/21 BEAR GHYLLS (Nicky Martin)
HAPPYGOLUCKY (Kim Bailey)
BOB OLINGER (Henry De Bromhead)
HEART OF A LION (Alan King)
CAP DU MANTHAN (Paul Nicholls)
IMPERIAL ALCAZAR (Fergal O’Brien)
CHAMPAGNESUPEROVER (Olly Murphy)
INDIANA JONES (Mouse Morris)
DARGIANNINI (Harry Whittington)
KEPAGGE (David Pipe)
EASY AS THAT (Venetia Williams)
KESKONRISK (Joseph O’Brien)
FAROUK D ALENE (Gordon Elliott)
MAROWN (Nicky Richards)
FEDELTA (Emma Lavelle)
MCFABULOUS (Paul Nicholls)
FIVE O CLOCK (Willie Mullins)
PAPA TANGO CHARLY (Jonjo O’Neill)
FLINTEUR SACRE (Nicky Henderson)
SIZABLE SAME (Jeremy Scott)
GALOPIN DES CHAMPS (Willie Mullins)
TEDHAM (Jonjo O’Neill)
GENTLEMAN DE MEE (Willie Mullins)
THE EDGAR WALLACE (Kim Bailey)
GRAN LUNA (Nicky Henderson)
WETLANDS (Nicky Richards) WINNINGSEVERYTHING (Harry Fry)
POINT-TO-POINT RECRUITS 2020/21 AMARILLO SKY (Colin Tizzard)
HOLLOW GAMES (Gordon Elliott)
BRANDY LOVE (Willie Mullins)
KILLER KANE (Colin Tizzard)
CHOSEN PART (Olly Murphy)
MAGIC TRICKS (Gordon Elliott)
FISHKHOV (Harry Fry)
ONLY THE BOLD (Evan Williams)
FISTON DES ISSARDS (Gordon Elliott)
RED LION LAD (David Pipe)
GALLYHILL (Nicky Henderson)
SHIROCCO S DREAM (Colin Tizzard)
GERRI COLOMBE (Gordon Elliott)
SIR GERHARD (Gordon Elliott)
NATIONAL HUNT
HORSES TO FOLLOW 2020
21
NATIONAL HUNT HORSES TO FOLLOW 2019 20 PROFIT OF
465.42
10 STAKE
INCLUDING CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL WINNERS SHISHKIN
6 1
FERNY HOLLOW
11 1
PLUS: PIC D'ORHY 33 1 BETFAIR HURDLE GRADE 3
PLUS: PIC D'ORHY
33 1
BETFAIR HURDLE
GRADE 3