MY TOP TEN YOUNGSTERS TO PAY THEIR WAY

Paul Ferguson picks out his rising jumps stars

- Paul Ferguson

Following last month's 15 mares to follow ahead of the 2023-2024 National Hunt season, this month's column consists of 10 maidens to note during the months ahead.

CALL TO DUTY (Emma Lavelle)

A four-year-old by Soldier Of Fortune, he finished third in what looked an above-average bumper at Taunton in April, beaten just over three lengths by Geezer Rockstar and splitting a couple of more-experienced runners in third and fourth. Travelling well into the home straight, he was bumped when first asked to pick up and ran on well once regaining his equilibrium. There is plenty of stamina on the dam's side of his pedigree, so he ought to appreciate stepping up in distance over hurdles.

HANDS OFF (Nicky Henderson)

The first of two horses to feature trained by Nicky Henderson, he caught the eye running on at Ascot on hurdling debut, when finishing second to subsequent EBF Final winner Crambo. Fourth in a good novice hurdle at Doncaster over Christmas, he was still travelling well at the same track when running out at the third last and the ground prevented him from running again. He has a mark of 117 and the Getaway chestnut looks more than capable of winning races over hurdles he should be noted in novice handicaps to begin with.

IMMORTAL (Nicky Henderson)

Runner-up in novice hurdles at Sandown, on each occasion chasing home a nice prospect from the Gary Moore stable. A good-looking grey son of Montmartre, he finished behind Authorised Speed on debut and following a wind-op, he was beaten by Givega, but showed enough encouragement in both races to suggest that he will win plenty of races for owners, West Coast Haulage Limited, who landed the Swinton Hurdle in May, with the Kerry Lee-trained Black Poppy.