The Betfair National Hunt Preview featuring Betfair Ambassadors Gordon Elliott, Paul Nicholls & Olly Murphy

Gordon Elliott - Stable Tour 2018/19

Apple's Jade

Verdict: She's been an absolute star for us with five Grade 1 wins. She started off last season in great style by winning her first three races and her defeat of Supasundae at Leopardstown over Christmas was possibly a career best effort. She was then beaten at Cheltenham and Punchestown and, while she ran creditably, I'm not convinced that she ran up to her best on either occasion. She's come back in from grass looking superb and will follow a similar route to last season with the Hatton's Grace Hurdle her big target before Christmas and then we'll be aiming for the Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Ben Dundee

Verdict: I'll speak to his owner Chris Jones about what direction we take with him this season but I would imagine he will be going chasing and I think there will be some good prizes to be won with him as a chaser. He ran quite well in a couple of big handicap hurdles last season but I'm not convinced that we saw the very best of him on his last few runs in the spring. He may not have the same profile as some of the others that we are sending chasing but he's still a horse of potential.

Black Tears

Verdict: I was really taken with how this mare progressed last spring and I'm hoping that she will develop into a contender for the good mares novice hurdles throughout the season. She won on her second start at Cork in March but did even better when finishing second in the Tattersalls Ireland Sales Bumper at Fairyhouse over Easter and when taking second in a Grade 3 mares bumper at Punchestown. For a four-year-old filly she was asked plenty of questions and I really like the way she progressed with every run. She's bred to make up into a very smart hurdler and I'd expect that we should have a good season with her.

Bless The Wings

Verdict: A remarkable horse who is going to turn 14 in a few month's time. He's finished second in two Irish Grand Nationals, been placed at three Cheltenham Festivals and he ran a huge race to finish third in the Grand National at Aintree in April. His owners would love to go back to Liverpool so that's the route we will look to take with him. We won't ask too much of him during the winter and he might stick to the cross country chases at Cheltenham before Aintree.

Blow By Blow

Verdict: Before he came to us he was a top-class bumper horse for Willie (Mullins) and it just took him a while to deliver on that promise last season. However, he came good in the spring to win a Grade 3 at Thurles and then the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham. He wasn't at his best on his final two runs last season but he had been busy enough to that point and he had probably had enough by the time Punchestown came around. When he puts it altogether he is a talented horse and he has the ability to make up into a very smart novice chaser from two-and-a-half miles and upwards. He looks as well as he's ever done so hopefully there's more to come from him this season.

Commander Of Fleet

Verdict: He looks an exciting sort for novice hurdles this season. Pat Doyle did a great job with him as he had him for most of last season and won a point-to-point in March. He then came to us for the Goffs Land Rover Bumper where he produced a very impressive display to win by eight-and-a-half lengths. Time will tell how good a race the Land Rover was but he couldn't have done any more at Punchestown and we're hoping he has a big future as a novice hurdler. He could well start out over two miles but I'd expect that he will eventually come into his own over longer trips. We might start him off in late October or early November if all goes well with him over the coming weeks.

Cracking Smart

Verdict: From the moment he came into the yard he looked like a horse that would excel as a chaser and he's one that I am particularly looking forward to sending over fences. He ended up having a relatively light campaign last season as he picked up an injury just before Cheltenham which ruled him out of action for the rest of the season. It's a pity he didn't get to run in the Albert Bartlett as I thought that his second to Next Destination in a Naas Grade 1 last January was a very good effort and his run that day suggested that he would do ever better when he moved back up to three miles. He is looking fantastic and a summer out on grass has done him the world of good. Hopefully he will start back around November time and I hope that he will be competitive in all those good novice chases from December onwards.

Champagne Classic

Verdict: Unfortunately he had to miss last season with some leg trouble but he is back in good shape and we are readying him to go novice chasing. He is a very likeable and tough horse who thrived on his racing in the 2016/17 season which ended with victories in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham and a three mile Grade 1 at Punchestown. When he won at Punchestown he beat Penhill and that form looks especially good now so if we can keep this horse right he should be able to hold his own in good company as a chaser. He seems to handle any ground and is effective from two-and-a-half miles upwards so we have plenty of options with him. He's another that should be starting out around November time.

Defi Bleu

Verdict: He's a lightly raced five-year-old by the same sire as Apple's Jade and it was never the plan to do too much with him last season. He won a Navan bumper in good style last December and then to give some experience over hurdles he ran in a Grade 2 at Naas in February when he finished at the rear of the field. However, I was actually quite pleased with how he ran as he had nothing like the same experience as the horses he was taking on and he will have learned so much from that run. I'd expect to see him holding his own in graded company this winter.

Delta Work

Verdict: After winning his maiden hurdle very early last season he was thrown in at the deep end in some quality novice hurdles. He ran creditably throughout the winter before improving when he got the chance to tackle better ground in the spring. He was very good when he edged out another of our horses, Glenloe, in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham and he probably did better again when he was beaten just a neck by Next Destination in a three mile Grade 1 at Punchestown in April.

Everything about him says that he will come into his own as a three mile chaser and hopefully he's going to make up into a classy staying novice. He takes his racing well so we'll keep him on the go throughout the winter but his form would suggest that he will really come into his own when he gets on some decent ground at the spring festivals.

Diamond Cauchois

Verdict: He only came to us last season and I was delighted with how he progressed. He won a decent handicap hurdle at Navan in December and then held his own at graded level by winning the Grade 2 Boyne Hurdle at Navan in February. He enjoys soft ground so he will really come into own when we get into the winter and I probably wouldn't like to risk him on anything quicker than yielding to soft ground. I've spoken to his owners about what we will do with him as he has the option of going chasing but I'm more inclined to keep him over hurdles as I think he could do have another good season in graded races.

Diamond Turf

Verdict: He's an interesting horse who should make up into a useful staying novice hurdler. He's a typical Gigginstown horse who looks as though he will thrive when he goes chasing and I was anxious not to do too much with him last season as he was still big and raw. He was quite green when he got beaten on his debut at Limerick over Christmas and then he won nicely at Navan in January. On his two runs so far he has coped well with heavy ground which bodes well for him during the depths of the winter and I'm hoping to see him progress into a smart staying novice.

Doctor Phoenix

Verdict: For a horse that cost just £10,000 he did exceptionally well last season to win a €100,000 handicap and a Grade 3 chase and he also showed up well at Grade 2 level on a couple of occasions. He has progressed into a quality two mile chaser and we will look to campaign him in those good two miles conditions chases throughout the winter. Possibly he might start back in something like the Fortria Chase at Navan in December. He was also running very well in a two-and-a-half mile Grade 2 at Fairyhouse over Easter so that trip is also an option for him throughout the season. The two mile division in Ireland could be a little more competitive than it has been for the last couple of seasons but I'd be hopeful he might pick up a decent prize or two over the course of the season.

Dortmund Park

Verdict: He's an interesting novice chaser for the coming months. He came from France with a good reputation and he shaped up very well in the early part of the New Year before things went a little awry with him at Leopardstown in February and at Cheltenham. However, he came right back to his best to run out a ten length winner of a two-and-a-half mile Grade 1 at the Punchestown Festival. He was bought to be a nice staying chaser and I hope that he is what he is going to make up into this season. Anything from two-and-a-half miles to three will suit him well and his Punchestown effort would suggest that there are plenty of good races to be won over fences.

Felix Desjy

Verdict: A horse with a big engine and he could be very exciting when he gets to go chasing. Last season he won his first two bumpers so we put him away for Cheltenham and he ran very well to finish sixth to Relegate having probably done a bit too much through the race. He was again a bit too keen at Punchestown on his final start last season but I'm hoping that a set of hurdles in front of him will help him relax and we'll do plenty at home with him in that regard as well. He should be a good two mile novice hurdler.

Farclas

Verdict: We campaigned him in good company as a juvenile hurdler with the intention that he could have a second novice season over hurdles if he didn't win. As it happened he won the Triumph so he's going to have to step into the deep end this season. His one below par run last season came at Punchestown in April but I'd be happy to draw a line through that as some of our horses just weren't firing at the time. It's not easy for a four-year-old stepping into the Champion Hurdle division so we will look to bring him along steadily and try and keep him to a four-year-old only races through the first part of the season and if all goes well he could step into the big league at Christmas time. He's a quality horse who will improve further on what he has done so far and he will certainly get further than two miles in time.

Flawless Escape

Verdict: He's a lovely horse owned by a great supporter of the yard in Tim O'Driscoll. For a raw, chasing type he did plenty last season and his third to Total Recall in a good three mile handicap hurdle at Leopardstown in February was an excellent run. We didn't see the best of him when he was unplaced in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham but had been asked plenty of questions by that stage and the fairest thing for the horse was to let him off as we have always had a chasing career in mind for him. He's come back a stronger horse after the summer and he's got the size and scope to do well over fences. He's still only five so there's no rush with him but he's one that we are looking forward to.

Folsom Blue

Verdict: Not the biggest of horses but he's got a huge heart and he relishes testing going and an extreme stamina test. He was unlucky in the Irish Grand National last season when he was promoted to fourth and that would be the long term aim once again. He also showed up well in good handicap hurdles at Navan and Sandown last season so I think there could yet be a good prize in him over hurdles. He'll mix it between hurdles and fences over the winter and he's one that won't be starting back until the ground softens up considerably.

General Principle

Verdict: He ended his novice chasing season with a good fifth in the Irish National and I thought that he was going to be a major force in all those good staying handicaps last season. He then seemed to lose his way a little last winter and he lined up in the Irish Grand National more in hope than expectation but he produced by far the best effort of his career to edge a blanket finish. He will be campaigned in the good staying handicaps this season and in the spring we will make a decision on whether he will head back to Fairyhouse or goes to Liverpool. It is very early days but maybe we might look at bringing him to Aintree in December for the Becher Chase to see how he takes to the National fences.

Glenloe

Verdict: A lovely horse who was must unlucky not to win the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham. JP McManus has been really patient with him and that has paid dividends as he developed into a classy handicapper last season. He deserves to win a good prize and hopefully one will come his way this season. In terms of plans it has yet to be decided if he sticks to hurdles or goes chasing and I'll speak to JP and Frank Berry to see what direction he will head in this winter.

Hardline

Verdict: He's a good, tough horse who did very well as a novice hurdler. He wasn't quite up to Grade 1 level but he did win a Grade 2 and he took his racing very well during what was a busy season for him. On his first couple of runs over hurdles he suffered a couple of falls but he is actually a very good jumper and I'm looking forward to him going chasing. Two miles is a good trip for him and there's no reason why he won't be at least as good over fences as he was over hurdles so I'd be expecting to have another good season with him. He should be ready to start off some time in October.

Jury Duty

Verdict: He has already started the season brightly by finishing a good third in the Galway Plate which was his first handicap chase outing. He could easily go down the route of all the major handicap chases but he won at Grade 2 level as a novice chaser and was also placed in a Grade 1 so it's quite possible that he might take in a few of those graded races from two-and-a-half to three miles over the next few months. In time he could be an Irish National horse but in the short term the Grade 2 for second season chasers at Down Royal in November would look a nice target for him.

Labaik

Verdict: I'm pleased to report that he is back cantering away and coming along nicely. He's been off the track since April 2017 when he suffered a serious leg injury in finishing fourth to Wicklow Brave in the Champion Hurdle at Punchestown. He was only beaten two-and-a-half lengths that day and for him to do that having picked up an injury shows how much ability he has. Since he's come back in we've taken things gently with him and that will remain the case for the time being but hopefully when he's back in work we'll see his old sparkle. His win over Melon in the Supreme Novices Hurdle looks like very strong form now and the hope is that he might yet make up into a Champion Hurdle horse but he still has plenty to do to get back to the track and hopefully we'll be able to iron out his issues at the start which have seen him leave a few races behind him in the past.

Lackaneen Leader

Verdict: She's a lovely mare who we we've always felt would come into her own as a chaser. Last season she made steady progress and improved with every run to eventually end up winning a Grade 3 hurdle at Limerick before chasing home Laurina in a Grade 1 at Fairyhouse. She has pace enough to win over two miles but anything from two-and-a-half upwards will be good for her. There is a great program of mares chases throughout the season and we would hope that she will be able to pick up some decent pots over the course of the season. I do think the switch to fences will see her improve on her hurdles form.

Mala Beach

Verdict: He gave us a great day in Navan last November when he won the Troytown and I would imagine that he will have some big staying handicaps on his agenda once more. He will start off the season higher in the weights that he was last season but he is a classy horse when everything falls into place and he showed in the Troytown that he was well able to carry weight. We just need to mind him a little in terms of the ground as he wants it soft at the very least and the ground will play its part in deciding where we go over the course of the season.

Master Of Tara

Verdict: He's a typical Gigginstown horse - a big, good looking type who looks as though he will come into his own as a chaser. I fancied him for a bumper at Leopardstown last Christmas and I couldn't believe that he was a well beaten sixth but I just don't think that was his true form. He then went to Navan in the middle of February and produced a nice effort to beat a smart horse of Oliver McKiernan's with the two of them finishing miles clear of the others. He's a horse with a good future and he should do well as a novice hurdler. He might start out over a trip short of two-and-a-half miles but I'd expect him to progress as he goes up in trip.

Mengli Khan

Verdict: He's one that I'm looking forward to going chasing with. He's a fine, big horse who looks as though he will relish fences and I'd hope that he will be able to make up into a high-class novice chaser at around two miles. He didn't win again after the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse in early December but I felt that he ran right up to his best when he was third in the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham. That sort of form would suggest that he has prospects of being a force at Grade 1 level over fences so we'll start him off with the intention of going down the Arkle route. He's strengthened up again since last season.

Mick Jazz

Verdict: He's a horse that surprised us a little last season as he took his form to a whole new level. When he won the Ryanair Hurdle at Leoparstown over Christmas it was hard to know what he achieved as the race did fall apart somewhat with Faugheen not running his race. We did wonder how he would fare in a top class Grade 1 like the Champion Hurdle but he ran a huge race at Cheltenham to be beaten just over three lengths into third. We will probably look to go down the Champion Hurdle route again provided all goes well with him. He is going to be coming back to us a little later than some of the others so we will probably be looking at starting him off around Christmas time. For a relatively cheap horse he has done really well.

Mitchouka

Verdict: He's a tough and reliable horse who took his racing very well during a busy campaign last season when he won four times. He was a couple of notches below the best juvenile hurdlers but he is a very solid sort and I wouldn't mind a few more like him. I've to discuss plans with Eddie and Michael but he's a horse we might go chasing with. The four-year-olds do get a very substantial weight allowance over fences and Clarcam utilised it to great effect a few seasons ago when he won twice at Grade 1 level. This horse was probably a very similar sort to Clarcam as a juvenile hurdler and let's hope that he can emulate his achievements in his first season over fences.

Monbeg Notorious

Verdict: He is an out-and-out stayer who will be right at home over three miles or even further on proper winter ground. Every now and again he can throw in an indifferent run but he is good when he puts his best foot forward as he showed when winning the Thyestes earlier this year. I was also delighted with his last run of the season at Punchestown where he finished well from way off the pace to chase home The Storyteller. The Thyestes and Punchestown's National Trial could be his sort of races and he'd be an interesting horse for the Grand National if we got some cut in the ground next April.

Outlander

Verdict: Over the last couple of seasons he's been a star for us with wins in the Lexus Chase and the JNwine.com Champion Chase. He's not getting any younger and is now ten-years-old so things might be tougher for him in those top-class conditions chases this season but he seems to adore Leopardstown and we will try to build his campaign around the two big chases there. Before then he will probably head back to Down Royal to see if he can win the big race there again. He doesn't seem to act around Cheltenham so I don't think we need to go back there with him.

Pallasator

Verdict: He has only been with us for the last year but he's already a firm favourite in the yard having won at Royal Ascot as well as picking up a Grade 2 over hurdles at Fairyhouse over Easter. He probably isn't in love with very deep ground so we won't ask him to do too much over winter and he'll probably be in action on the flat again this year before he goes back jumping. It's a long way off and he will have to improve but I wouldn't be shocked if he made it to Cheltenham next March to line up in something like the Stayers Hurdle. There's definitely more to come from him over hurdles and, even at this stage of his career, I wouldn't be surprised if he goes on to hold his own at Grade 1 level.

Samcro

Verdict: He ended last season with that fall at Punchestown when he looked be going nicely and prior that he had been brilliant in his novice hurdles. He did everything that was asked of him and more and his win at Cheltenham was definitely one of the highlights of last season. From very early on his career there has been a lot of expectation surrounding this horse and I really couldn't have asked for any more from him. It's a pleasure to have him around and you'd have to be excited about him.

Once he stays healthy and well I would hope that he will have a another good season. He's come back in after the summer in excellent shape and all is going well with him at the moment. Over the next few weeks I'll sit down with Michael and Eddie (O'Leary) and we'll have a discussion about what route he will go this season. He was bought to be a chaser so he could easily go down the novice chasing route but we do also have the option of staying over hurdles and seeing if he is Champion Hurdle class. Either way I hope it's going to be an exciting season with him.

Shattered Love

Verdict:From early in her career she has been a quality mare but fences really brought out the best in her last season. She twice beat the geldings at Grade 1 level and easily her best performance was when she won the JLT Novices Chase at Cheltenham. She's won at graded level over two miles but anything from two-and-a-half to three miles is probably her best trip. This season is going to be tougher for her as she will be stepping into open company against hardened top-class chasers but I'd expect that she will again be able to hold her own in top company. We'll be looking at all those good chases between two-and-a-half and three miles and she'll probably start off at Down Royal in either the JNwine.com Champion Chase or the Grade 2 for second season novices on the same card.

The Storyteller

Verdict: He came a long way in a relatively short space of time over fences last season and I thought that he did exceptionally well to win his handicap at Cheltenham on what was only his fourth run over fences. He then ended the season with a very fortunate Grade 1 win at Punchestown although I think he would have been a very respectable third had the two in front of him remained in the race. He might be one to start off in the Grade 2 for second season chasers at Down Royal in early November and then we'll see whether he goes down the graded chase route or instead moves into valuable handicaps. For a long time I've thought he might be a horse that would be ideal for an Irish Grand National.

Tiger Roll

Verdict: He's been an amazing horse to go from winning a Triumph Hurdle to then giving us a second Grand National winner at Aintree last April. I suppose with any National winner the main aim is to get back to Liverpool the following year and that is what we will look to do. He doesn't want really deep winter ground so he probably won't run too many times before Aintree. We'll try to follow a route similar to last season and build towards the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival before striking on for Liverpool. He's an amazing little horse with an incredible attitude and he's a horse that we are especially fond of.

Tintangle

Verdict: She's another nice mare to go novice hurdling with. We had to bring her along steadily last season but she progressed very well with racing and she beat a decent mare of Willie's to win a Listed bumper at Fairyhouse last Easter before finishing third in a Grade 3 at Punchestown in which Black Tears was second. I think she will stay further than two miles and she is another who should be up to holding her in some of the better mares novice hurdles over the next few months.

Paul Nicholls - Stable Tour 2018/19

Ask For Glory

Verdict: A chaser for tomorrow who joined us after winning his four-year-old maiden point-to-point at Bartlemy in Ireland by ten lengths, showing a good blend of speed and stamina. We've given him plenty of time to develop and strengthen and while he has done very well we will not be in a rush with this newcomer as he is very much a chaser for the future.

Binge Drinker

Verdict: Beat Might Bite no less in his first Chase but has proved frustrating to train since joining us just over a year ago. We gave him plenty of time before sending him to Chepstow where he ran very well after a long lay off. Unfortunately he picked up another small injury there which put him back on the easy list again. While Binge Drinker clearly still retains his enthusiasm we are taking it one step at a time with him.

Brewers Project

Verdict: Has run just once, winning his point-to-point in Ireland, and this newcomer has the look of a staying chaser and does everything nicely at home. We will start him off in a novice hurdle this autumn.

Capitaine

Verdict: Has had surgery for a back problem which prevented him showing his best form after a bright start over fences. I am hopeful he can bounce back. He made a sparkling start over fences at Market Rasen but rather lost his confidence when coming down at the second last at Sandown when still in contention in the Henry VIII Chase. Capitaine had surgery for a kissing spine 11 weeks ago and we are hopeful he can bounce back and show his true form.

Captain Cattistock

Verdict: Won three times over hurdles last season, jumps soundly, looks really progressive and is a horse I am looking forward to running over fences. Captain Cattistock won his only point-to-point for Jack Barber in April, 2017, jumping soundly before joining us a year ago. He is a big horse by Black Sam Bellamy and definitely benefited from a season over hurdles last winter.

Casko D'Airy

Verdict: Has been nothing but heartbreak for his connections so far, twice suffering the same tendon injury and having to sit out the last two seasons. He has been back in training since July 1, is fine at the moment so we are hoping to have a clear run with him. Casko D'Airy's form in France was highly promising. He won his bumper well before finishing second in a decent four-year-old hurdle on his only start at Auteuil.

Chameron

Verdict: Had just the one run last season, finishing second to the classy mare Briery Queen at Exeter before little issues caused by his immaturity curtailed his campaign prematurely. He seems a different animal this autumn and I'm hopeful our patience can now start to pay off. Chameron's future lies over fences and gives every sign that he will want a trip to show his best.

Danse Idol

Verdict: Impressed when winning her sole point-to-point before finishing second to the subsequent Cheltenham winner Relegate in a bumper at Punchestown. Dream Idol is an exciting prospect and joins a list of smart Mares for Highclere Thoroughbreds at Ditcheat. She could be one to follow.

Dr Sanderson

Verdict: Bought by the Million in Mind syndicate after creating a good impression in winning on his debut in a bumper at Carlisle for Stuart Crawford. He stayed well that day for a hard-fought victory having travelled well throughout. He will go novice hurdling this season.

Easyrun De Vassy

Verdict: An athletic type who won two point-to-points in Ireland before we bought him at Cheltenham's April sale. A good moving sort who showed a really solid attitude in his races, he will start his career with us over hurdles.

Ecco

Verdict: Has smart form on the flat in Germany where he was unloaded in their Derby on second start. He joined us early in September and looks a classy recruit to the yard.

El Bandit

Verdict: Made a glittering start to his chasing career in May 2016, jumping exuberantly at Warwick, then picked up a minor injury pre-season last year. He has since been given the necessary time and remains an interesting prospect over fences. I am considering aiming him at a graduation and then the Badger Ales Chase at Wincanton in November.

Envoye Special

Verdict: A lovely prospect who won over hurdles by a wide margin at Compiegne in France and was also placed twice over fences. A good looking gelding, he was a touch keen when he arrived, but has done very well since joining us.

Eritage

Verdict: Finished strongly when winning on his only start at Pornichet in France in July, pulling away from his field in powerful fashion in the last quarter mile. He has had a little break to freshen him up since arriving here and and now goes novice hurdling.

Give Me A Copper

Verdict: Already decent but was unable to run again after suffering a minor injury in winning his novice chase at Kempton in October. He was brilliant round there which was not a surprise as he had already won a bumper and point-to-point in Ireland before winning twice for us over hurdles. He is a model chaser and is another who should soon be making up for lost time. Give Me A Copper is a top staying prospect who could start off in a graduation Chase before a possible tilt at the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury.

Malaya

Verdict: A smart mare who showed a decent level on the flat in France before switching to hurdles there in the spring of 2017, winning two of her three starts. She then enjoyed a successful juvenile season for us despite being a bit keener than ideal at times. Malaya has a high cruising speed, is more relaxed with experience as she showed with a stylish success under top weight at Ascot in March. She should make up into a well above average novice chaser and is pencilled in for a novice chase at Newton Abbot where her four-year-old allowance will be a bonus.

Mont Des Avaloirs

Verdict: A big, powerful, imposing horse who is a half-brother to Le Prezien. He has always shaped like a chaser and should be a force to be reckoned with over fences now that he is a bit more settled. I have always liked everything about him and am so pleased he has now reached the point where he can fulfil his undoubted potential. Twice a winner over hurdles last winter he relished soft ground and demonstrated excellent battling qualities on a number of occasions. Novice Chaser

Movewiththetimes

Verdict: A talented horse who has yet to win over fences after contesting some hot novice chases last season. I am hoping he can make up for lost time now as there is no doubting his ability. Movewiththetimes was really smart over hurdles, winning at Fontwell and Wincanton in fine style before finding only Ballyandy too good for him in the 2017 Betfair Hurdle at Newbury. The experience of a good first season over fences should help his confidence this winter.

Peak To Peak

Verdict: A powerful horse who ran with great promise when a close third to Court Minstrel in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow, form that proved to be gilt edged. But a small injury then ruled him out for the rest of the season. Although he was bred for the flat he has the make and shape of a steeplechaser and that encourages me to believe his future lies over fences.

Posh Trish

Verdict: I cannot wait to see this imposing mare jump hurdles this season as she has scope, power and plenty of ability. A runaway point-to-point winner in Ireland she dug deep to won on her debut for us in a bumper at Aintree, then landed a Listed bumper at Cheltenham impressively. Posh Trish has summered fantastically well, has always schooled enthusiastically, just wants to please and looks sure to give her owners, Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, plenty more fun.

Quel Destin

Verdict: Won well on his fourth start over hurdles at Auteuil, staying on stoutly at the four night. He has summered well and given his experience he looks a nice juvenile for this season.

Silver Forever

Verdict: Won an Irish point-to-point on soft ground in May when a fast jump three out out her seal on the race before she pulled clear in eye-catching style. She has done very well since joining us, showing plenty of promise and should win her novice hurdle this autumn with the minimum of fuss.

Some Man

Verdict: Made a promising start for us when travelling and jumping nicely at Worcester before being outgunned over two miles. He then ran well to be fifth in a hot race at Cheltenham. Some Man missed the rest of the season with a little injury so we have have given him time. He has done very well done well and while tends to be a bit keen he should progress this winter.

Tamarac Du Mathan

Verdict: Another likeable recruit from France, he won on his debut at Angers in April, quickening nicely from the last when asked for his effort. He jumps well, shows a professional attitude, and is an interesting contender for juvenile hurdles.

Touch Kick

Verdict: I was really starting to think I was beginning to get to the bottom of this horse and he was starting to go the right way when a setback at Christmas in a race at Kempton forced us to draw stumps for the season. There is more to come from him over fences as he steps up in trip. Touch Kick was a bit headstrong over hurdles but he is more mature now and chasing could be the making of him.

Trevelyn's Corn

Verdict: Created a good impression in winning on his debut in an Irish point-to-point for Colin Bowe. It was notable that he was the only newcomer to win in all four maiden races that day. While we will start him off in a novice hurdle his long-term future will be over fences.

Truckers Lodge

Verdict: A winner already of a point-to-point and a bumper he was sent to us this summer by Gordon and Su Hall after his first success over hurdles at Southwell in May, so remains a novice for this season. I liked the way he stayed on strongly at Southwell, he jumps well and will probably make his debut for us in a two-and-a-half mile novice hurdle in October.

Olly Murphy - Stable Tour 2018/19

Angel of Harlem

Verdict: Being a daughter of Whoops A Daisy means she is very well-bred. She has won three times now since joining me, most recently in a novice hurdle at Southwell in early September. She had that race sewn up early in the straight before just idling a little when she got lonely out in front. I was happy with her performance in Southwell next time out (finished second in early October) and she will continue to pay her way. Ultimately we will be aimed her at the G2 Mares' National Hunt Novices Hurdle Finale in Newbury next spring.

Ballinslea Bridge

Verdict: Is a remarkably consistent horse who unfortunately picked-up a knock at the back end of last season so he won't be seen until after Christmas. He was a progressive horse last year and with a rating of 129 he is well capable of winning a nice handicap hurdle this year.

Blazer's Mill

Verdict: £160,000 purchase at the Goffs Aintree sale after he finished second in a point-to-point in Tyrella. He looks a tough horse and will start off in a bumper before going jumping hurdles.

Bubbles Of Gold

Verdict: Won a point-to-point first time out at Lingstown - in Ireland - by 8L and he is a proper staying chaser in the making. Big and athletic, I'll start him off in a novice hurdle in the autumn. He'll want soft ground to be seen at his best.

Calipso Collonges

Verdict: He has won four of his five hurdle races since joining me from Tommy Cooper's yard in Ireland and in the process short up the handicap by a combined total of 33lbs. I plan to go novice chasing with him this term and will look at a beginner chase in the coming weeks. Absolutely loves heavy ground and should win plenty of races.

Collooney

Verdict: Was trained by Denis Murphy when second in his only point-to-point start in Ireland and the winner that day, a horse of Edward O'Grady's called At The Acorn, was subsequently sold for €150,000. He is a real likeable sort who I am looking forward to starting off in a bumper over the coming months before going novice hurdling later in the year.

Craigmor

Verdict: Won his first start over fences when beating Alexander The Grey in Stratford but was subsequently pulled-up when favourite for a handicap chase in Bangor. You can forgive that run as he got a fright that day so I got him home and we have given him a few weeks off with a view to preparing him for a winter campaign. He is more than capable of winning races this term.

Doncesar De Pretot

Verdict: This is my first horse for Jared Sullivan of Sullivan Bloodstock. A fine son of Saddler Maker he was second in a three-runner hurdle race in Vichy last September and then bought privately. He looks a very exciting prospect and I'll start him off in a maiden hurdle in the autumn. Obviously, Jared's team has a very decent record buying these horses so hopefully this guy will prove money well spent.

Dorette

Verdict: She beat a horse of Philip Hobbs called Chapel Rock by four lengths when she won her bumper first time out at Newton Abbot, which was very pleasing. I then ran her under a penalty in a mare's bumper in Fontwell where she finished third. I wasn't too despondent with that as it is sometimes difficult for a mare to carry their penalty in bumpers. I'll give her a little break now and bring her back for a novice hurdle campaign.

Finawn Bawn

Verdict: This five-year-old son of Robin Des Champs won a bumper in Ayr by eight lengths on good ground back in May. I'm not sure as to the strength of the form but he did it very well that day and does everything quite easy at home. He is bred to stay further - a real staying type - and has schooled very well. Another who will start back in a novice hurdle over 2m4f.

Fresh New Dawn

Verdict: Has been given a wind-op since he came back into training. I thought he was very unlucky not to win a race last year and as a result I think he is probably well handicapped over hurdles with a rating of 108. We will start him over hurdles before going novice handicap chasing.

Georgiator

Verdict: Looked an exciting prospect when winning his bumper at first time of asking in Ffos Las last July. I am going to aim him at a bumper at Cheltenham in October and take it from there. He wouldn't want the ground too soft.

Hunters Call

Verdict: He gave us our biggest win to date when landing the prestigious 'Racing Welfare' handicap (formerly known as the Ladbroke) in Ascot last December. Unfortunately, he picked up an injury which subsequently ruled him out of his spring targets at Cheltenham and Aintree. He is in really good form at present and, as I think he is still on a decent mark, I'll be aiming him at the Greatwood Hurdle in Cheltenham on the Sunday of their Open meeting.

I Know U Too Well

Verdict: Is another recent addition to the yard owned by Mr and Mrs Rooney. Undefeated in two bumpers when trained by Jonjo O'Neill he is a horse I'm really looking forward to starting off in novice hurdles.

Imperial Knight

Verdict: Is a likeable six-year-old son of Mahler. He was very unfortunate not to win a bumper last year having been just caught on the line when looking a winner at Bangor in April. I'll be starting him off in a novice hurdle this autumn and think he will win plenty of races.

Itchy Feet

Verdict: He comes from a good French family and I was delighted with his introduction at Fontwell as he was quite green that day before finishing well in second. I elected to give him another run in a bumper, which he won impressively by 14 lengths in Stratford. I was delighted with the way he went about his business there. He then won a novice hurdle in Southwell where he jumped adequately. He is a very sharp four-year-old who has loads of gears. Definitely more to come from him and I'll look to step him up in company next time.

It's O Kay

Verdict: She got off the mark at the third attempt in a Sedgefield bumper when beating Dollys Destination, who has since gone on to win a bumper in Hexham since. Owned and breed by my father Aiden and his good friend Alan Peterson I'll start her out in a mares' novice hurdle. There is a really good programme for these mares now - that wasn't always the case - so we are keen to support the races when possible.

Just Minded

Verdict: Is an ex-Sue Smith inmate who has recently joined us here at Warren Chase. He is a half-brother to Diamond King and currently has a rating of 122 over hurdles and 118 over fences. On what he shows me at home he could be very well handicapped in both spheres. We will probably start off in a novice handicap chase in the coming weeks.

Knockgraffon

Verdict: Is another horse owned by Barbara Hester. He won a good handicap chase in Musselburgh on New Year's Day but is not an easy horse to place with his handicap mark. Having said that, he is a game type and has the ability to win a decent handicap chase this season.

Miles To Milan

Verdict: Won a beginners' chase on his final start last season and we will start this season off in a novice chase under a penalty. He is somewhat ground dependent and wouldn't want it too soft.

Monbeg Zena

Verdict: She won a mare's maiden point-to-point in Ballinaboola and was subsequently sold to Jared O'Sullivan for £110,000 at the Tattersalls Cheltenham festival sale. A fine, big, strong mare, she will start off in a bumper this autumn. A very exciting prospect who will win races.

Oxford Blu

Verdict: He is a horse which I quietly fancied for the Fred Winter at the Festival last year. Unfortunately, he got brought to a virtual standstill at the first flight down the back straight and that seemed to dent his confidence. I have given him a wind-op and a mark of 123 seems fair to me. I'll look to start him off in a handicap hurdle in the autumn.

Peachey

Verdict: Ran well for us in a bumper on his only racecourse appearance in May. He has summered really well and I'm looking forward to starting him off in a maiden hurdle in the coming weeks. He has had a wind-op and is certainly a horse to keep on the right side of.

Perfect Man

Verdict: We bought him at the Goffs Horses in Training sale in the spring - relatively cheaply at £12,000 - and he immediately rewarded connections when winning on his first start for me in Market Rasen. I didn't think the Newton Abott track suited him so I wasn't disappointed with his third-place finish that day. He is still only a seven-year-old and on a decent mark so I'll look for a nice handicap on a big galloping track for him. Should be up to winning more races with a bit of give underfoot.

Piri Massini

Verdict: It was a bit of a shock when Piri Massini beat his better fancied stablemate, Rio Quinto, first time up in Fakenham last January and he finished the season by running second to a nice horse of Lucinda Russell's in Newcastle. He will go novice chasing this term and a staying trip on soft ground is what he wants. Ideally, if he's up to it, I'll be aiming him at something like the 4 mile race at the Cheltenham Festival.

Robin Roe

Verdict: Another who has joined me from Dan Skelton and it is well documented that he's been hard to train since picking up an injury for his former connections. On his last start, he fell in the Grade 1 'Challow Hurdle' at Newbury when going well so he's obviously a very smart horse. Certainly not an easy horse to train though but we'll look at starting him off in a hurdle race in late autumn. If I'm able to get him back on the track then he has the world at his feet.

Sausalito Sunrise

Verdict: Formerly a very good horse for Philip Hobbs, he has had to have a year off due to a tendon injury. He seems in good order now so we'll send him hunter chasing with his ultimate goal being a tilt at the Foxhunters in Cheltenham.

Seemingly So

Verdict: He was a £100,000 purchase at the Tattersalls sales in Cheltenham after finishing second in a point-to-point at Belharbour. The winner that day, Dlauro, went on to fetch £410,000 at the same sale. He is pleasing me at home and I'll look to get him going in a bumper over the coming weeks.

Skandiburg

Verdict: Joined us recently from Dan Skelton's yard. He finished fourth on his only start in a Warwick bumper last year, the form of which could prove to be above average. I'm aiming to start him off in a maiden hurdle in the coming weeks.

Smackwater Jack

Verdict: He was just touched off in a Fakenham bumper when beaten a nose on his only start back in April. I feel he didn't act on the track and was maybe a bit unlucky there. He is a four-year-old and we have given him plenty of time to come to hand, which he has done. I'm really looking forward to starting him off in a 2m4f novice hurdle. Like all my bumper horse from last year we had loads of schooling done with them and this guy jumps really well.

Some Kinda Lama

Verdict: This seven year old is a recent addition to the yard from Charlie Mann's yard. He hasn't run for me yet but looking through his form he could be well handicapped on some old bits. He is still a maiden over fences so if we can recapture some of the old sparkle then the owners are in for a fun season.

Swaffham Bulbeck

Verdict: We bought him at the Tattersalls 'Horses in training sales' having been in Ed Vaughan's. He had three runs for us and although he didn't manage to win his form in defeat reads well. Since he came back into work we have given him a wind-op, which should help, and as he is still a novice I'm looking to start him off in a maiden hurdle in the coming weeks. I like him a lot and will be disappointed if he doesn't win plenty of races.

Superyacht

Verdict: Is a gorgeous big horse who was placed in three maidens when trained by Sir Michael Stoute on the flat. Ultimately, he was bought to go jumping with but I think, with a rating of 83 on the flat, a maiden or a handicap may be within his scope. We'll probably try that before starting him over obstacles in the autumn.

The Very Thing

Verdict: We took him to the all-weather track at Newcastle for his first run in April and I quite fancied him to win but he finished fourth. I wasn't to disappointed considering he was crowded out as the race began in earnest and I wasn't best pleased with my instructions to Aidan Coleman that day either. I plan to give him one more run in a bumper before embarking on a novice hurdle campaign. He wouldn't want the ground too soft.

Time For Another

Verdict: Is a recent addition to the yard and my first horse for Paul and Clare Rooney. He was formerly trained by Kim Bailey for whom he finished third in a Huntington bumper on his only racecourse appearance. He is a smashing big horse who I'll look to start off in a maiden hurdle this autumn.

Vamanos

Verdict: Finished midfield in a Market Rasen bumper in April, which I thought was a nice first run. He has summered really well and is a lovely big athletic horse who has schooled really well at home. I may just give him one more run in a bumper to before going novice hurdling.

We've Got Payet

Verdict: Won a nice bumper in first time up at Uttoxeter in July and we really fancied him to go in again under a penalty in Worcester. Four-year-olds often struggle under a penalty in bumpers at this time of year and he was no exception. He's a really nice young horse who has a very big future. We will start him off in a maiden hurdle in the coming weeks.

Whiskey In The Jar

Verdict: Won a maiden and novice hurdles for us last season but unfortunately will miss the first half of this season due to picking up a knock. We hope to go novice chasing with him in due course and he could turn into a operaor in that sphere.

Yensir

Verdict: Has won four of his five starts over hurdles since joining us, going up a total of 19lbs in the process, so it's fair to say he has improved for jumping a hurdle. I will aim him at the Persian War in Chepstow in October, if not, he will go to a Cheltenham for a novice hurdle a couple of weeks later.

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