As usual, I will provide a list of horses to follow in the October edition of Racing Ahead magazine, but for this month I thought I would opt for something a little different. Given the program available to mares these days, there seem to be a lot more quality mares in training.
We have seen the likes of Honeysuckle and Epatante beat the boys, and here are a host of mares to keep tabs on throughout the autumn/winter (I actually think the season might get going a little earlier this year, due to the enforced prolonged break, so you might even see some during September):
BRANDY LOVE
Willie Mullins
Willie Mullins boasts a record with mares which is second to none. The majority of his high-class mares have come from France, but he might just have found an exciting one from the Point-to-Point sphere, in the shape of Brandy Love. A four-year-old by Jet Away, the filly was a stylish winner on debut for Colin Bowe and should be more than capable of winning a mares’ bumper before she goes hurdling.
CHOSEN PORT
Tragedy Hits Racing Family - Nick Townsend reels from shock attack on John Hunt's wife and daughters
Nick Townsend reels from shock attack on John Hunt's wife and daughters. I will be far from alone in recent days in being overcome by emotions ranging from utter disbelief to revulsion upon hearing of the unspeakable acts perpetrated upon John Hunt's family, resulting in the death of his wife Carol and daughters, Hannah and Louise.
AUDIENCE IS ERUPTING
John Anthony reveals the latest top speedsters after another Glorious Goodwood
HORSE OF A LIFETIME
Graham Buddry pays fresh tribute to track legend Sea The Stars - surely one of the greatest ever
IT'S TIME TO TAKE STOCK
Paul Jacobs looks forward to seeing some big on-track questions answered
PLAYING TO THE WHISTLE
lan Heitman flies about to keep pace with a rush of two-year-old Flat action
WINNING JOY ON A BUDGET
Richard Eagle takes a trip to Windsor to check out peoples' route into the port of kings
GIFT HORSES AND FRENCH LESSONS
Robert Cooper finds 'retirement' is keeping him busy
FEUD GETS THE PARTY ROLLING
Karl Hedley savours the Galway Festival action and picks out the summer highlights at Ballybrit
ROCKING THE MONEY BAGS
Simon Nott reveals his recent experiences from trips to Brighton and Ascot
FLYING EVE'S BORN TO WIN
Nick Townsend talks to in-form trainer Eve Johnson Houghton