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
Denne historien er fra September 2024-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
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Denne historien er fra September 2024-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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CAL'S UP TO TOP SPEED
John Anthony keeps close watch on the top ranking track fliers
ACTION REPLAY
Graham Buddry recalls the exploits of legendary hurdler Large Action
SHADOW IN THE LIMELIGHT
lan Heitman follows the fortunes of next year’s leading Classic prospects
GONE WILDE
Rolf Johnson fears the effects of a thoroughbred market bubble’
DIGGING OUT THE JUMPERS
The former Sky Racing frontman is all geared up for the change of codes and clothing
MORE AMO FOR RALPH
Dave Youngman shares the joy and gossip from the Newmarket gallops
GO COSMIC NEXT YEAR
Andy Ayres shares his pick of punting prospects from the autumn action
NICO'S CAREER LEAP TO GLORY
Nick Townsend talks to Nico de Boinville about his life-changing choices
ALL SET FOR FRESH START
Karl Hedley is on the spot for the new season action across Ireland
DAN'S GRAND BID DAWNING
Paul Ferguson tracks a route for Skeltons from Carlisle to Aintree