My Ten to Follow for the National Hunt season.


NEW LITTLE BRIC – Paul Nicholls’ well-related six-year-old is probably well-handicapped after a below-par run at the Cheltenham Festival. There is better to come from this six-year-old, who surely be laid out for a top handicap and probably take a couple of other races as well.

CHIEF DAN GEORGE – The apple of Jimmy Moffatt’s eye, the Chief is the Cartmel yard’s big hope for a major prize and after winning at Aintree it will take something good to beat him. Witchita Lineman was behind him and who’s to say that form will not be confirmed by a horse which could be top drawer wen sent chasing.


ACCORDING TO JOHN – Cumbrian trainer Nicky Richards might a crack lined up at the Hennessy with this talented staying chaser, whose third to Denman in the Sun and Alliance at Cheltenham read like very good form. He may be another Monet’s Garden for the stable.

HEEZ A DREAMER – Venetia Williams’ seven-year-old chaser beat Paddy Power winner L’Antartique last year, which is a clear pointer to his ability. He was fifth to Joes Edge at Cheltenham and can feature in some of the best handicaps with a bit of give in the ground.


ANOTHER PROMISE – An accomplished jumper, Ferdy Murphy’s charge has a chaser’s pedigree and some form over two miles – including a fifth to My Way de Solzen – that he can surpass over when upped in trip. It will be very disappointing if he does not take a big one.

NOLAND – Missed all last season with tendon trouble, but the Supreme Novices Hurdle winner of two seasons ago, can make up for lost time, especially if, as mooted, he is put over fences by Paul Nicholls. The patience shown can be rewarded.

HARD ACT TO FOLLOW – The Shernazar gelding could be the surprise package of the season for Howard Johnson. The County Durham handler skated up at Wetherby on his jumping bow after two hurdle wins and improvement can be expected now as he is an unexposed sort.

HELTORNIC – A tumble when going easily behind Joe’s Edge at Cheltenham could be a blessing in disguise for Michael Scudamore’s stable star. He has been primed with a run over hurdles and will surely be placed to good effect by his canny handler when the mud is flying.

STEADY TIGER – Never off the bridle to win a Bumper race at Kelso, this five-year-old Presenting gelding is held in high regard in Nicky Richards’ yard and could run up a sequence over hurdles this year.

BLYTHE KNIGHT – The Selkirk gelding won the Lincoln and a turn of foot will always be a useful asset on a flat track. He may be no Sea Pigeon but John Quinn has probably got a couple of good races lined up for him.