Winless Ones To Watch: 20 Jumps horses to follow

Trainer: Sam Thomas.

Ideal conditions: Handicaps over two-miles (and further, if settling).

He may need a win, but he didn’t get one last season, and thus finds himself on this list. 

And the one thing he truly needs to do is mature, as he did look a tricky sort last season. That was certainly the case on his debut at Hereford, an extremely sharp right-handed track where you certainly don’t want to be jumping or hanging to your left. Knead A Win didn’t get the memo, jumping violently out to his left early on and giving Dylan Johnston a horrid time. He was still going well when running out at the second last, and I'd say we’re unlikely to see him going right-handed again any time soon. 

His second start came at Uttoxeter where he did look more straightforward, and was clearly helped by the left-handed track. Given a positive ride, he raced quite enthusiastically and was ultimately beaten comfortably by the more experienced Oh My Johnny (121). We last saw him at Ffos Las in January in a strong race where he again went from the front and was keen to get on with things, giving a bold show before being headed after the last.

The winner, Juby Ball, won impressively under a penalty next time out and looks a very exciting prospect, while Lud’or (123), the runner-up, sets a solid benchmark. Even the distant fourth went on to finish fourth in the EBF Final, so this looks a strong piece of form. 

He was due to run in a handicap in February but was pulled out on account of the going turning heavy, so that is something to consider moving forward. That was also over two-and-a-half miles, as was his debut, and he looks as though he should do better over a trip, but he needs to learn to relax. I’m sure he’s better than a rating of 115, and if the time off has served him well, he could be a real improver this term. 

Trainer: Joe Tizzard.

Ideal conditions: Handicap Hurdles/Chases over three miles.

The EBF Final is synonymous for producing three-mile chasers, and Not So Woolly, who finished a respectable fifth at Sandown, looks set to be another example. 

He ran OK in a bumper in April 2024 but took a good step forward on his hurdling debut, staying on strongly over an extended 2m2f at Exeter behind Pony Soprano and Sorceleur to pull well clear of the remainder. While he never looked like winning, it was a promising start. It was a similar story on his next start at Lingfield in a race that developed into a test of speed (the winner had a 115% winning speed), anf he didn’t quite have the pace of It’s Hard To Know (123) or Metkayina (129), but he plugged on well, despite signs of greenness, into a respectable third. 

Two more solid runs followed behind Belliano and Go West before he lined up in the aforementioned EBF Final, where he sported first-time cheekpieces. Joe Tizzard mentioned that he hoped the headgear would “make him settle better”, but it seemed to have the opposite effect as he travelled keenly in the early stages. It was a solid effort in what is traditionally a very strong handicap, and he’s since been dropped a pound to a mark of 117. 

By Kayf Tara out of a point/three-mile chase winner, he looks an out-and-out stayer, and his pedigree also suggests that three miles is what he wants. His jumping hasn’t always been the most convincing, but he’s a big horse who may well respect a fence more than he does a hurdle. 

Trainer: Willie Mullins.

Ideal conditions: Novice Hurdles over two-and-half-miles (and further). 

Not many Willie Mullins-trained horses are eligible for this list, let alone ones that are “top-drawer”, according to the great man himself. 

Yet here is the five-year-old, a horse that has seemingly been held in the highest regard for a long time. Tony Costello dubbed him Elvis: “very simply, he was the King”. 

Despite this incredibly high praise, he hasn’t quite lived up to it, as of yet. He made his debut in the Goffs Defender Bumper in 2024, where he was somewhat weak in the betting, despite being talked up beforehand. Having been forced quite wide at a crucial stage, he looked outpaced when initially asked to make a move. He stayed on well, closing all the way to the line without ever looking like closing the gap. It was a promising debut, without suggesting he was indeed destined for the throne. 

We would have to wait a full year before we saw him on the track again, suggesting he had some sort of setback that stopped him from going over hurdles. This time, he ran in a 2m3f bumper, won by the highly-promising Soldier In Milan. King Rasko Grey ran a very similar race to 12 months ago after making a move on the outside, while looking outpaced, plus finished strongly without ever threatening the winner. 

His dam won over a mile on the flat, so his pedigree wouldn’t scream “stayer”, but on the evidence of his two starts under rules thus far, he looks sure to appreciate, at minimum, 2m4f over hurdles, with three miles sure to be his optimum trip eventually. His connections have given him plenty of time to develop and mature and, hopefully, this is the season he begins to fulfil his potential. 

Place De La Nation was another who was on my shortlist, having shown significant potential as a juvenile last season, but she’s already second favourite for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, so is not quite “under the radar” enough for my liking! 

Trainer: Venetia Williams.

Ideal conditions: Handicap chases.

A leap of faith is required with Falco Des Pins, who was very disappointing on his four starts in Britain last season. A double-figure price on each occasion, he often raced quite enthusiastically before failing to finish out his races. His final start at Bangor was more encouraging, where he made good headway from the rear to at least get competitive, for all that he was eventually well beaten in eighth. 

I keep coming back to a conversation I had with Adam Mills, an expert on French recruits, at the start of last season. While discussing various horses who were coming over from France, he said of Falco Des Pins: “He will not win a Novice Hurdle, but there will be a time either at the end of this season, or the beginning of next, where he’ll make a mockery of his mark over fences”. The form of his Angers run still reads well, too, and it was not that long ago when he finished a good second there in a race where the first, third and fourth had BHA equivalent ratings of 125, 114 and 127. 

Having dropped 16lb in the handicap since his British debut, he could well be your archetypal Venetia Williams improver. Her strike-rate with French-bred horses over hurdles is 11%, while it’s 18% over fences (and you’d have made a profit to BFSP backing them all blind over the past ten seasons). You don’t need to look very far to find other instances of horses that came over from France that disappointed in their first season with Williams before improving once sent chasing. Martator would be one of the more high-profile examples as he was never competitive in four handicap hurdle starts in his first season for the yard, but he improved dramatically over fences the following two seasons. 

Now only rated 96, he’s one to note closely when he makes his chase debut. Williams has a 25% strike-rate with French-bred horses making their chase debut in a handicap, and backing them all would have returned a 50% profit to SP. Given his profile, he may open up a fairly large price when that day comes, but it would be no surprise if he attracted significant market support. 

Trainer: Edward Cawley.

Ideal conditions: Handicaps over intermediate trips.

When compiling this list, naturally there are many times where I question the battling qualities of the horses I shortlist. This is one such example, but in Come Walk With Me’s case, I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt...for now. 

He was an eye-catcher at Navan on his debut, despite being sent off at 150-1. His jumping was moderate, but he made good late headway into fifth in a race that has worked out well. He would step forward from that on his next start at Fairyhouse over two-and-a-half miles, and he attracted plenty of market support. Having cruised into the lead two out, he looked raw plus didn’t look the easiest under pressure. Sounds Victorius, a dour stayer, emerged the victor, with the pair pulling over 14 lengths clear of Champagne Kid (120). 

Two more second-place finishes followed, and he dropped back to two miles where, again having travelled powerfully, he found subsequent Grade One winner Honesty Policy too strong at the finish. He then bumped into the high-class Redemption Day at Naas (who was very well backed, but has unfortunately been retired since), with the pair pulling well clear of the rest. 

With that strong Maiden Hurdle form to his name, it was no surprise that he was well fancied on his handicap debut on Irish Grand National day. Upped in trip on testing ground, and always on the inside, he didn’t travel as well as he can and was ultimately well beaten. It’s a run I’m happy to forgive, though. 

He’s a horse that has plenty of scope and should have no problem going over fences, should Eddie Cawley decide to go down that route. I have little doubt that he’s more talented than his current rating of 125, but questions do remain about his strength in a finish, given he’s traded at 1.37 twice in-running, and he’s worn a tongue tie on his past two starts. 

I’m remaining optimistic in. He’s still very lightly raced, he had no point or bumper experience before going over hurdles, and I think he’ll benefit from better ground. He comes with risks attached, but he has the potential to be much better than his current rating. 

Trainer: Christian Williams.

Ideal conditions: Handicap Chases over intermediate trips (and further).

Christian Williams’ strike-rate in maiden/novice hurdles is just 3% and, despite some big-priced winners, you’d have lost 60% of your money backing them all blind at SP. 

His record with handicap chasers, however, reads much more positively. A 15% strike-rate overall, which improves to 16% in races over three miles and beyond (and you’d have made a profit to SP). 

With that in mind, it’s always worth keeping in mind his novice hurdlers that have shown glimpses of promise, as they often improve down the line. 

I Ain’t Your Mate is one such case and, despite being comfortably beaten in all three starts last season, he should be capable of much better. His debut came at Taunton (sent off at 50-1) over an intermediate trip where he was comfortably held, and was never competitive. It was understandable why he went off 125-1 for his next start which came in a competitive two-mile novice hurdle at Doncaster. We touched on this particular race when discussing Sleeping Late, and while I Ain’t Your Mate was beaten over fifteen lengths in sixth, it was a step forward, and he wasn’t given a hard time once beaten. 

His final start last season came at Wincanton over the minimum distance, a trip which was always going to be on the sharp side, but it was another promising effort as he kept on from off the pace to finish fourth. 

While his rules form is OK, without leaping off the page, the form he showed in point-to-points makes him of serious interest moving forward. His debut third behind Meetmebythesea (133) and He Can’t Dance (third in a Grade Two Bumper) reads well, and he improved on that when finishing a neck second to El Cairos (fifth in the Champion Bumper) next time. 

He was due to make his handicap debut over an intermediate trip at Doncaster, but travel problems meant he was a non-runner, so he will now begin the new season on a rating of 101, with handicaps over further looking sure to bring about improvement. He’ll be of significant interest over fences, but he should not be discounted over hurdles, either. 

Trainer: Donald McCain.

Ideal conditions: Handicap Chases over three miles.

Your archetypal staying chaser in the making.

Skuna Bay ran in two Irish point-to-points, finishing runner-up on the second of those to Admiral Stewart, who was highly tried last season as a novice hurdler and is now rated 122. In Mark Howard’s One Jump Ahead, Donald McCain noted that he went to see him at that meeting. Skuna Bay was the pick of the paddock, and while he did also try to buy Admiral Stewart, he was more than happy to acquire Skuna Bay for a fifth of the price. 

This youngster made his rules debut at Carlisle over two-and-a-half miles where, having looked like he’d fade entirely out of shot after two out, he rallied to finish third, only narrowly behind Dazzlelikethis who finished second. He ran to a similar level on his next run which came at Bangor where he finished fourth in a fair race for the grade, perhaps inconvenienced by the sharper track. 

It’s his final start of the season that stands out on form, though. Ridden positively, he was headed on the run to the final hurdle but kept on gamely to finish second. The winner, Lud’or, represents a good benchmark and is now rated 123, while the third and fourth are now rated 113 and 111. In terms of style, it was very similar to his Carlisle run: travelled with enthusiasm, but lacked the necessary turn of foot when the race developed before staying on one-paced at the end. 

By Mahler, his dam is a half-sister to Major Malarkey (Devon National winner) and Twin Plan (three-mile winner). While his opening mark of 115 isn’t a gift, and I wouldn’t be keen if he was to reappear in a handicap hurdle over shorter, he has plenty of scope to improve as everything about him suggests he will improve for a fence, and stepping up in trip 

Trainer: Jeremy Scott.

Ideal conditions: Mares Novice/Handicap Hurdles over two-and-a-half miles.

It was a difficult start to the season for Jeremy Scott, who went 38 runners without a winner from September until December 6 when Leissieres Express won at Exeter. The Spring proved much more successful, with Golden Ace’s dramatic Unibet Champion Hurdle success undoubtedly the highlight! 

One horse who we didn’t see during the February/March purple patch was Western Article, who had shown plenty of promise in two starts during the yard’s leaner period. 

Purchased for £20,000 after finishing second in her sole Irish point-to-point start, she was sent off an unfancied 66-1 for her rules debut which came at Exeter in October. Given a positive ride, she was only a length down jumping the second last before tiring late on, looking in need of the run as many of the stable’s runners did at the time. While eventually finishing fourth, beaten 19 lengths, she shaped better than the bare result and the race has worked out well. The second and third both won two of their next four starts, while the fifth and sixth both also won in novice company. 

Despite the clear promise of her hurdling debut, she was yet again friendless in the betting ahead of her second run, this time going off 50-1 at Chepstow over a trip just shy of two-and-a-half miles. Ridden in mid-division, the race developed into a relative test of speed, with just a couple of lengths separating the first half dozen as they jumped the third last. As the tempo began to lift, Western Article looked green and hung out to her left under pressure quite notably in the closing stages before eventually finishing second. The substance of the form isn’t as deep as her debut, but the third is now rated 122, while the fourth and fifth are both rated 108. 

Given she looked quite green when we last saw her, and the form of the yard at the time she was running, there are plenty of reasons to believe she is capable of better. Allocated an opening mark of 105, it would be disappointing if she wasn’t rated quite a bit higher by the end of the season. It is a concern that we haven’t seen her since November 2024, but I have been told that she is back in work and Jeremy Scott did note her as one of the more promising young horses they had at the beginning of last season. Hopefully, she can make up for lost time in this campaign. 

Trainer: Henry de Bromhead.

Ideal conditions: Novice Hurdles over two-and-a-half miles and further.

The Henry de Bromhead and Barry Maloney combination have enjoyed a lot of success together, particularly in recent years. Minella Indo’s retirement will leave a void but they have some nice young horses coming through as Workahead and Koktail Divin impressed as novice hurdlers last season, and hopefully Walks In June will follow that path. 

He impressed in his sole Irish point-to-point start, winning impressively at Dawstown last May. The form has plenty of substance, with the second winning his only run under rules since while Conman John, who featured in part two of this list, finished back in third. 

He subsequently made his rules debut on St Stephen’s Day at Leopardstown in a traditionally-strong bumper. Well found in the market, the thick fog didn’t make it easy to follow but he could be seen staying on strongly at the finish, but not quite able to reel in Green Splendour. The winner went on to win the Grade Two at Aintree, so it was a fair effort on rules debut. 

His most recent run came in January and, unlike on debut, he was notably weak in the betting. Having gone forward, he weakened quickly after being headed with two furlongs to go in an effort that was too bad to be true, based on all known form. It’s worth noting that the yard were struggling at the time, with just two winners from 61 runners throughout January. 

De Bromhead described him as “a lovely young horse” that “we’ll take our time with a view to going hurdling next season”. Given the form he showed in his point and rules debut, combined with the general patient approach De Bromhead takes with his young horses and his notable pedigree (By Walk In The Park out of a half-sister to the smart Empire Of Dirt), he should make a smart novice hurdler this season. While not devoid of speed, he should improve as he steps up in trip. 

Trainer: Barry Connell.

Ideal conditions: Novice hurdles (two to two-and-a-half miles).

Barry Connell isn’t one to shy away when he thinks he has a nice horse on his hands; Marine Nationale, Good Land and William Munny the latest to emerge. 

It’s ambitious to expect Eachtotheirown to keep pace with that trio, but it’s hoped he can develop into a good novice hurdler this term. 

He made his debut at Navan in January, and went off the well-supported 6-4 favourite. Racing wide throughout, he travelled powerfully finding himself out on front going well with three furlongs to run until challengers lined up on either side. To his credit, he knuckled down well under pressure, just finding the strong-stayer Spinningayarn too good; both he, and the third were both emphatic winners of point-to-points while Eachtotheirown was having his first run of any kind, so this has to be considered a very promising debut. 

His most recent run came at Fairyhouse in a race won by some smart types in recent years: Down Memory Lane, Fury Road and Ferny Hollow included.  This year’s winner, Kaiser Ball, ran out an impressive winner but Eachtotheirown once again shaped with promise in second, with another Willie Mullins horse back in third. The distant fourth, Khmer, had previously been second to subsequent Aintree winner Green Splendour and ran a fair third at Limerick on his next start, while the fifth (Sticktotheplan) is now rated 133 over hurdles. 

By Westerner, his dam is a half-sister to two-mile-and-five furlong winner Glamorgan Duke and is from the family of Harbour Pilot, so Eachtotheirown should have little problem stepping up in trip. 

Trainer: Tom Ellis

Ideal conditions: Handicap hurdles over two miles

With Tom Ellis making the transition to training under Rules last year, this season promises to be a big one; particularly since a brand-new gallop has recently been installed and the stable has doubled in size since he first took out his licence. 

While Anariza didn’t get her head in front last season, she looks like a mare with plenty of potential. Interestingly, she was also Ellis's last winner in the pointing sphere. Following her win in a Point-to-Point Flat race, he said: “she’s a very smart filly. This one is not for sale… we could go to the Aintree bumper with her."

She duly ran at Aintree, finishing a fair fourth under a very patient ride. While no match for Bear Market and the high-class Miami Magic, she shaped nicely and left the impression that there was more to come.

Her hurdling debut came in February 2025 at Wetherby after a long break, where she showed plenty of promise; travelling best at two out, she just looked to get tired after the last, which is understandable given she was up against race-fit rivals. The form has some substance, too, with the runner-up now rated 129 while the fourth is rated 116.

She was too keen when next seen at Kempton, when looking booked for third but for Miss Altea Blue falling at the final hurdle. It was still a good effort given her early exertions, particularly given the winner is now rated 125 while Miss Altea Blue came into the race rated 130.

Pulled up when last seen, that run is easily forgiven; it came at Cheltenham over two-and-a-half miles in a Listed race, and yet again her keen-going nature told at the end. While a P will forever be in her form line, she ran better than the bare result for a long way.

Still a novice, she also has a mark of 110 which will give connections plenty of options. Quite a keen type, she also looked as if she might’ve benefitted from another year to strengthen up.

Trainer: Dan Skelton

Ideal conditions: Handicap chases over two and a half miles plus

Named after his breeder and former leading amateur rider Robert Chugg, Chuggy boasts a mightily impressive pedigree: by Walk In The Park, he is a half-brother to five winners, including The New Lion and Kateira. Chuggy is yet to rival his siblings accomplishments, but while he probably never will, there are plenty of reasons to believe he is capable of better than he’s shown thus far.

Initially trained by Charlie and Francesca Poste, he was pulled-up in his sole Point-to-Point but the ground was reportedly “terrible”, hence the disappointing result. 

Sent to Dan Skelton, he made it clear in a couple of stable tours that Chuggy would be one for the future rather than the short term. Ahead of his debut, he said: “he’s a big chasing type… he’s a raw horse, not like the other two (The New Lion and Kateira). He’s nearly 17 hands.”

He also made it clear that he “didn’t have any expectations” ahead of his run at Hereford. Given that, his third-place finish was a fair run and left plenty to work on.

Next seen at Warwick, he was restrained early and travelled keenly in a small field. He couldn’t match the useful duo of Ebony Warrior and Aviation, who were prominent throughout, but he ran a nice race to finish third again, only tiring late on.

Given an opening mark of 101, his final start came at Bangor over two miles and seven furlongs. Given a patient ride, he shaped well from off the pace while just failing to latch on to the leading group.

Now only rated 100, he looked exactly as Dan Skelton described: raw and clearly a chaser in the making. Dan commented to me that he expects him to be progressive as a chaser this season, and on the evidence we’ve seen so far, he looks to prefer a sounder surface. I’m also hoping to see him try a more galloping track having been seen exclusively at fairly sharp tracks thus far. Two and a half miles should be fine as a starting point, although I would expect him to stay further as he strengthens and learns to relax in his races.

Trainer: Fergal O’Brien

Ideal conditions: Handicaps over intermediate trips

Not the most obvious inclusion, but I’m convinced there is more to come from this mare.

Having shown some promise in points, she was a no-show on her Rules/hurdles debut but displayed far more promise in her next two starts. Despite notable keenness, she was an eye-catcher in December, running on into a never-nearer third behind Koukeo (109) and Fingle Bridge (139).

Another third-place finish would follow, again at Uttoxeter, this time getting within four-lengths of Surrey Belle (125) with I Am The Moon (108) narrowly ahead of Feet On The Ground. As had been the case on her two previous starts under Rules, she was far too keen in the early stages of the race, running well despite this.

I was at Wincanton when she made her handicap debut from a mark of 99. Physically, she stood out in the parade ring despite racing against geldings. Unfortunately, she yet again refused to settle in the early stages but still made a notable move to make a challenge on the turn for home. Having jumped the second-last just a length down, those early exertions took their toll as she faded into fourth. 

A change of tactics was tried when last seen; running in a four-runner race at Market Rasen, Jonathan Burke set out to make all: but she didn’t look to appreciate being out in front and she lacked the gears to quicken on the good ground over the minimum trip, eventually finishing a distant second to D Day Arvalenreeva.

The winner had been eleven-lengths behind Feet On The Ground in a Novice Hurdle just over a month prior, but D Day Arvalenreeva as a decent flat horse benefited from the better ground and the relative test of speed, and she is now rated two-stone higher than she was on this day.

Feet On The Ground needs to learn to settle to unlock her potential. Her full-brother Hillsdale was also very keen and tricky in the early stages of his career, but with time and since going over fences he has improved two-stone in the handicap.

My hope is that Feet On The Ground will follow that path, although I do also think she will benefit from stepping up in trip once she learns to relax in her races. She also looks at her best on softer ground. From a mark of 95, I’d be disappointed if she couldn’t prove better than that once she matures.

Trainers: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Ideal conditions: Novice hurdles over intermediate trips (and further)

Lucinda Russell has enjoyed plenty of success in recent seasons, and while perhaps more known for her prowess with staying chasers, her staying novice hurdlers of late have been well worth keeping onside: Ahoy Senor, Apple Away, Giovinco & Derryhassen Paddy all being recent examples. 

The next staying prospect may well be Conman John, who despite not winning in two bumpers, looks to have a bright future. 

Having finished third on his point-to-point debut in May 2024 (in a strong race), he would put in an emphatic performance six-months later when next seen, winning a four-year-old Maiden by twenty lengths.

He went from the front that day, pulling clear after the third-last in a visually impressive display which was backed up by the clock, as he recorded a time fourteen seconds quicker than the average for the day. The second has since won a point by sixteen lengths, while the third (Riskaway) was sold to Gordon Elliott for £135,000. 

He made his racecourse debut in February in a Newcastle bumper, and was well-backed to make a winning rules debut. Given a positive ride, he led inside the final two furlongs but was no match for Upon Tweed, who is a smart prospect in his own right and is a half-brother to the smart If In Doubt. 

He was then due to line up in the bumper on Scottish Grand National day, traditionally a good race, before being withdrawn on the day along with Lucinda’s other runner. As an alternative, they made the ambitious decision to head to Punchestown for the two mile and three-furlong bumper where Rob James renewed his partnership with him. Having been forced very wide on the turn for home, he never looked like catching the leading group but he kept on into fifth.

Interestingly, the fourth home was Riskaway, who was 23 lengths behind Conman Jon six months prior.

By Malinas, his dam is related to multiple winners and he looks to have a bright future once sent jumping. I imagine he’ll start the season over intermediate trips but he already looks a real stayer, so it shouldn’t be long before he’s tackling three miles. 

Lucinda Russell says: “We’re very happy with him. He’ll start off over 2m4f and we’ll probably look to step him up in trip as the season progresses. I thought he ran a lovely race at Punchestown and didn’t get the best of luck in running either. He’ll cope with the better ground, too.”

Trainer: Harry Derham

Ideal conditions: Novice hurdles over two and a half miles plus

Despite his gallops being washed away by torrential rain in November, it was another successful season for Harry Derham who continues to operate at a very high strike rate while he also recorded landmark successes at Cheltenham, Fairyhouse and Punchestown.

Another good season can be expected as they appear to have a number of very promising young horses; one who might not be the most obvious is Klub De Reve, but I expect him to develop into a good novice hurdler.

A winner of his second Irish Point-to-Point (the runner up won his next start), he was described in Mark Howard’s One Jump Ahead as “Still immature…a good looking horse who won’t be over raced this season”. Clearly a long-term project, Harry would later state that his main target for the season would be the Goffs sales bumper.

He made his Rules debut at Doncaster in January at a time where the yard were struggling for winners (no winners from their previous thirty-five runners before Klub De Reve ran). Harry also commented pre-race that he wasn't "fully wound up”, and so there are plenty of reasons to upgrade his effort.

Having travelled well and challenged for the lead at two-furlongs out, he eventually tired into seventh but, particularly given the circumstances, he shaped much better than the bare result. The form looks solid, with two next-time out winners finishing down the field while the winner finished a good fifth in the Grade 2 Aintree bumper.

Next up was the Goffs bumper at Newbury, often a strong race, and he turned in an improved effort to finish a creditable third, staying on very strongly. It perhaps wasn’t the strongest renewal of the race, but the fifth did win his next start and it’s a race that does tend to produce nice types, so I’d be optimistic that the form will continue to work out well.

It’s also worth noting that the sixth, Tiddesley Wood, had finished in third, four places ahead of Klub De Reve at Doncaster previously, confirming the progression he made here.

He’s shown a liking for good ground and looks like he will appreciate a stiffer test of stamina once hurdling. Harry Derham doesn’t mind taking his time with his younger types, and Klub De Reve appeals as the type that may continually improve as the season develops, rather than being one who is primed for his hurdling debut.

Harry Derham says: “Klub De Reve is a lovely horse whose sole target last year was the Goffs bumper at Newbury. I was very pleased with his run at Newbury, he has schooled nicely, summered well and should be ready to start in a novice hurdle in November. The goal would be to get him qualified for the EBF final at Sandown in March and I believe he's a horse with a nice future.”

Trainer: Pam Sly.

Ideal conditions: Handicaps over two miles, and further in time.

The seven-year old only made his rules debut in January 2025, despite being in training since May 2022, so he clearly hasn’t been straightforward. However, on the evidence of his three starts thus far, he could well make up for lost time this season. 

His debut came at Doncaster in a fairly competitive Novice Hurdle, with the finish fought out by Meetmebythesea (133, 3rd in the EBF Final) and Mythical Moon (125, 2nd at Sandown on Bet365 Jumps Finale day). Back in fourth, only beaten six and a half lengths, was Sleeping Late who ran far better than his odds of 50/1 suggested he would. Despite some less than fluent jumping, including a notable error three out, he travelled notably well into the race before his lack of experience and a slow jump at the last ultimately took a toll. 

Next seen at Huntingdon on good ground, he was never able to get competitive from off the pace, but kept on into a respectable third, shaping as if capable of better. His final start came at Wetherby in March, again over two miles where he was ridden more positively. Having got the better of long-time pace challenger Solent Gateway (now rated 114), Sleeping Late was no match for Sir Galahad’s late challenge. The form of that looked suspect at the time, but Solent Gateway has franked it since, and Sir Galahad is now rated 126. With that in mind, it was a near impossible task for Sleeping Late to give the winner 10lb, but it was another encouraging run and, having initially hung left under pressure, it was again an effort that implied he has more to offer. 

Only rated 112, he’ll begin life in handicaps on a very fair mark. By Gentlewave and a half-brother to two winners over intermediate trips, including Pam Sly’s William Cody, he should have little issue getting further and it would be no surprise to see him improve when he steps up to two-and-a-half miles, for all that he might need more experience before they attempt that. 

Trainer: Warren Greatrex.

Ideal conditions: Handicap Hurdles/Chases over three miles.

From the family of the stable’s star staying chaser, Bob Mahler, who himself didn’t win until his tenth start under rules, Malinificent looks like he should also improve with time and stepping up in trip. 

Second to the highly-touted Minella Premier in his second point-to-point, he was subsequently purchased for £52,000, and his first three starts over hurdles all came over two miles. His debut at Leicester was a satisfactory effort where, having raced enthusiastically, he just faded late on in typically tiring heavy ground at the East Midlands track. He then went to Ffos Las for what I believe was a deep Maiden Hurdle where he didn’t have the turn of foot of the front three there, but he plugged on into fourth. 

Warren Greatrex then. in a mid-season stable tour, outlined that his main target was the EBF Final, which he duly qualified for when finishing second at Bangor. The third, Big Ginge, had placed behind multiple smart types and wasn’t disgraced in the Imperial Cup, while the winner, Laganhill, is now rated 127 following a good run at Cheltenham. 

His final run of the season was in aforementioned EBF Final where, unsurprisingly, the step up in trip did bring about improvement. Always prominent, he was given an aggressive ride, only giving way on the run to the final hurdle, eventually finishing fourth. As is often the case with that race, it was very strongly run and the winner, Laurens Bay, flew home to win from way off the pace. 

Only raised 2lb for that run to a mark of 116, he’s only a five-year-old and looks certain to improve, both with time and for stepping up in trip. Not only is his dam a half-sister to Bob Mahler, there are multiple other three-mile winners in his pedigree, while his sire, Malinas, is known for producing stayers. 

Trainer: Thomas Gibney.

Ideal conditions: Handicaps over intermediate trips (and further).

It was a frustrating 2024-2025 season for Tom Gibney, who would have had high expectations, particularly with the likes of Intense Raffles. With just three winners all season, his lowest total since 2019-20, it may well mean that the yard have some well-handicapped performers for this campaign. 

One horse who has shown plenty of promise thus far is Minella Post, who had solid form to his name for John Nallen before joining the yard. He was a good second in a point-to-point, which has worked out well. The third won his next start and ran in the Grade 2 bumper at the Dublin Racing Festival, the fourth (Custom Taylor) is now rated 128, while the sixth (Block Rockin Beats) won the bumper at Cheltenham’s October meeting for Oliver Signy. On his rules debut in a Punchestown bumper, he finished a respectable third behind Will The Wise (135) and Jacob’s Ladder (138), with Chart Topper (133) back in fifth. 

He was subsequently sold for £90,000 to Tom Gibney and ran respectably on his yard debut in a bumper, again finishing third despite over racing in the early stages. Once again, the form has substance; the winner, Whinney Hill, was third to Kopek Des Bordes on hurdling debut (although he hasn’t built on that), while Strong Link in second is now two from two over hurdles. 

Despite some solid form, he went off 50-1 for his hurdling debut where he stayed on well over an intermediate trip, only beaten six-and-a-half lengths in fifth. The front four are now rated 139, 142, 133 and 129 respectively. His next run was a tad below that level, before finishing a distant fourth over just shy of three-miles on very testing ground; he was shaping well before a bad error at three-out, after which he was quickly beaten. 

With an opening mark of 118, he has form to suggest he can be highly competitive in handicaps. It may be that he prefers better ground, or at the least he wouldn’t want it too deep.  

Trainer: Nicky Henderson.

Ideal conditions: Novice hurdles over 2m-2m4f.

Lulamba was certainly the headline French recruit for the Nicky Henderson yard last season, and he looks to have an immensely bright future. Another to have joined the yard from France is Khrisma, who looks to have plenty of potential in her own right. 

She achieved plenty in AQPS Flat races for Emmanuel Clayeux, winning two Grade 3’s before finishing third in a Grade One on her final start in France. That race has been won by Irish Point and Epatante in the past, and the form of this renewal has worked out quite nicely, too: the winner has since won another Grade One AQPS Flat race and is a dual Grade Three winner over obstacles, while the second was Karoline Banbou who finished fourth in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham. 

Her British debut came at Windsor in January and she was notably weak in the betting, going off at 8-1 having been around 13-8 in the morning. Wearing a hood for the first time, she did travel keenly and took Nico into mid division having initially been anchored in last. A scrappy jump at the second last didn’t help her chances without being the key factor in her defeat, but it was a very encouraging effort and she left the impression that there was plenty left to come. The form is solid, too: the winner, Jubilee Alpha, is now rated 137 while the fourth, Siog Geal, won the valuable handicap at Newbury two starts later. 

She only ran once more, coming over 100 days later at the Punchestown festival. This time, the market spoke strongly in her favour, as she went off the well-backed 5-2 favourite having been 7-1 in the morning. Hooded and keen yet again, another error at two out didn’t help her chances and she finished strongly in second, denied by Casheldale Lad who made all to win. The winner has since finished third in the Galway Hurdle, and the pair were 16 lengths clear of Grade Three winner Naturally Nimble in third. 

Officially rated 127, she has a level of form that will make her difficult to beat in most early season Novice Hurdles. There is a Listed race at Newbury in November that Nicky has won with Luccia and Floressa in recent seasons, so that may appeal as an early target and it’ll be interesting to see how her campaign evolves. Once she learns to settle, she should have no problem getting further, which will open even more doors. 

Trainer: Rebecca Curtis.

Ideal conditions: Novice Hurdles over intermediate trips (and further).

It was fantastic to see Rebecca Curtis enjoy such a successful campaign in 2024/25, with Haiti Couleurs leading the way with a superb National Hunt Chase and Irish Grand National double. But it wasn’t just him: the yard as a whole were performing well, with a 20 per cent strike-rate across the season, up from an average of 10 per cent in the previous four campaigns. 

One horse who wasn’t able to add to that win total was Douglas Hyde, for all that he was incredibly consistent in finishing second on all three starts. 

Sold for £85,000 after winning a heavy ground Irish Point-to-Point, he made his rules debut in Bangor bumper for which he was the 13-8 favourite. He looked to find the track too sharp, as he lost his position at the top of the straight before staying on again into a clear second. The winner would finish second under a penalty next time, giving the form some substance. 

Next seen at Ffos Las, he raced quite keenly from the front but having hit 1.27 in running, those early exertions took their toll in the final stages as he gave way to Giantsgrave, who looks a nice prospect for Dan Skelton and the Noel Fehily Racing Syndicate. It was a similar story on his final start of the season at Chepstow (completing his tour of Welsh racecourses), as the Skelton-trained Just Golden headed him inside the final furlong. 

He’s a half-brother to Game Socks, who won over three-miles-and-two furlongs, and his dam is a point winner. Given this, and how he shaped in bumpers, he looks sure to improve as he steps up in trip over hurdles. I don’t think he’ll be a top-class novice hurdler, but I can see him having a similar campaign to the likes of Ben Solo and Newton Tornado, who were likeable and consistent types last season (and who I’m keen to follow over fences this season).