My Winter Warmers

Paul Ferguson with 15 horses he’ll be following through the new Jumps season

- Paul Ferguson

NOVICE HURDLERS

Chantry House (Nicky Henderson) A winner at the second time of asking in Irish Point-to-Point sphere, Chantry House finally made his debut under Rules in a bumper at Warwick (was a twice a non-runner due to unsuitably quick ground) and the wait was worthwhile. The five-year-old ran out a comfortable winner under Barry Geraghty and now rates an exciting prospect for the novice hurdle division. Quick enough to start off over the minimum trip, it could be that he comes into his own over intermediate trips this season and he could be one for the Challow Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury over Christmas, provided he gets off the mark on debut.

Enemy Coast Ahead (Tom George)

An impressive 10-legnth winner on his debut in a bumper at Stratford, Enemy Coast Ahead travelled sweetly throughout and showed a fine turn of foot to put the race to bed. Whilst there is the option of running in another bumper – perhaps the Listed event at Cheltenham in November would be worth considering – he is another to note in the novice hurdle division and given the speed he showed on debut, he is likely to be fully effective over the minimum trip.

McFabulous (Paul Nicholls)

The winner of three bumpers last term, McFabulous is a half-brother to the high-class Waiting Patiently and he showed a likeable attitude when winning what I believe was a strong event at Newbury (under a penalty) and then when fending off Thebannerkingrebel (already won twice over hurdles for Jamie Snowden) in the Grade 2 at Aintree. Given his pedigree, he is likely to be best served with some cut in the ground, and he might appreciate in going up in distance, as the season progresses.

NOVICE CHASERS

Brewin’upastorm (Olly Murphy)