JUMPING INTO A NEW SEASON

Paul Ferguson leaps into the fray ahead of the National Hunt

- Paul Ferguson

Whilst the St Leger and Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe are still to come, I am very much ready to switch to National Hunt mode as we edge towards October and the new season proper.

In truth and having 'hibernated' through the summer whilst putting together the 18th edition of Jumpers To Follow, I never really deviate away from National Hunt mode and although I will come up with a more orthodox horse to follow list in next month's issue, I thought I would highlight 10 horses to note who could be out quite early in the season, possibly during September. This list is made up of 10 horses who are likely to be a little more under-the-radar compared with most Horse To Follow articles that you will read in the coming weeks.

ALAN DE BANKS

Peter & Michael Bowen

The Bowens have been in fine form through the summer (nothing new there for Peter Bowen) and they introduced a promising sort in a Newton Abbot bumper in mid-June. From the family of high-class chaser Joncol, this Soldier Of Fortune five-year-old finished really strongly to win by less than a length, around a track which looked very much on the sharp side for him. It was a little disappointing to see the runner-up beaten further later that month but he looks capable of significant improvement for meeting a more galloping track and I would imagine that he could return in an early-season bumper before any future plans are made.

CAITHNESS

Lucinda Russell