This thread is for highlighting (as the heading suggests) future stars. Horses that haven't yet hit the highlights but appeared destined to do so
I'm really looking forward to seeing Fusil Raffles continue his improvement. Not sure he will be a superstar but I like him a lot,
Shantou Express is an interesting one from the very early stages of this season. He hacked up at Stratford two days ago for the Kim Bailey yard. His only other racecourse visit was when 2nd in a really good Ludlow bumper where he split Floressa and Shanroe, both have since franked the form and so did he yesterday. I think he can go nicely over hurdles and could be one for an early season novice chase at Cheltenham
Papa Tango Charly Won his only PTP race with trainer Colin Bowe ridden by B O'Neill and now trained by Jonjo O'Neill (I wonder if these O'Neills are related). Cost £440,000 when sold at Aintree in April, topping the sale and smashing the previous record. Was expected to make his eagerly anticipated debut under rules in a bumper at Worcester on Thursday but I see he hasn't Sired by No Risk At All who won 2 G3 races over 10f and was 3rd in a G1 just 1l behind Cirrus Des Aigles. and who is out of the mare Newnes (by Simply Great) who produced Nickname. Nickname, a multiple NH Group winner, has produced some top horses, namely Cyrname, Frodon, Yala Enki, Corscia. Papa Tango Charly's dam was Mansonnien who produced another Multiple NH Group winner in Golden Silver Expensive for a 4yo gelding so must be expecting something from him
ENERGUMENE. Was with Tom Lacey in 2018 who raved about him following his point win. I believe he's now with Willie Mullins having been bought by Tony Bloom. I'm very interested to see how he fares in the staying novice hurdle ranks. Quoted at 50/1 for the Champion Bumper which I'd think is unlikely as he'll be 6 next March. The only other festival market I can find him in is the Ballymore - 33/1.
Just reading David Pipe's stable tour on the Sporting Life and there is a good word for Eden Du Houx. The form of his Ascot bumper win has been more than franked and he could be one of the leading novice hurdlers this winter.
Dickie Diver, the forum’s 3rd favourite Dickie. To use a terrible cliché (don’t worry it’s not ‘I’ve been told…) the sky is as they say the limit with this one. The only negative is that he’s a McManus horse so you can’t guarantee they will put him in the right races. At the moment the old boy is similar prices re the Festival for both the NH (that’s NH as in National Hunt not Nicky Henderson) Chase and the old RSA. Think Dickie Diver will be a star over fences this term and in the seasons to come.
Oh and Trio D'Ecajeul. Unraced on the racecourse but is unbeaten in the old pointing field. Would imagine that he will debut in a bumper sometime this Autumn/Winter (possibly at a huge price so keep an eye out).
Entries Tomorrow - 1:45 (Overnight) at Worcester MansionBet Faller Insurance Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (2m) 14 runners. 3 stars from Timeform, just two have fewer stars Thursday, 24 October 2019 - 4:55 (Four day) at Southwell toals.com Casino Maiden Open National Hunt Flat Race (1m7½f)
Al Dancer runs in a Novice chase on Friday at Cheltenham. Appreciate he is not really one under the radar having won a Betfair hurdle but for me he is a hugely exciting horse for this season. I really look forward to seeing how good he could be over fences and could well be one of the favourites for the Arkle at Cheltenham come March time. Very exciting...
Hmmm. Bit of a rough race. Seemed to be almost running into the back of horses most of the trip but no excuses when the taps were turned on
Yep, especially for a gelding. They must be thinking he'll grow into a very nice prospect. May do better in a more strongly run race. I wouldn't be too put off by that very muddling race
