*Stable Tours Thread*

Nicky Henderson

ACCORDINGTOJODIE
4yo bay gelding; Accordion — La Fiamma
“Won a Galway bumper in Ireland in August and is looking pretty smart.”

A MEDIA LUZ
3yo bay filly; Johann Quatz — Immensement
“Exciting filly from the flat in France but I am surprised that she’s at the head of the market for the Triumph. Was second in a Group Three before finishing sixth in the Prix Diane. One to look forward to in juvenile hurdles.”

BELLVANO
6yo bay gelding; Silvano — Bella Vista
“He finally learned to settle over hurdles where he was rated 141. Has a lot of scope and ability for two mile chasing.”

BE THERE IN FIVE
6yo bay gelding; Indian Danehill — Marwa
“Had a 136 hurdle rating and is lovely big horse that has always looked a staying chaser and has matured into a fine type.”

BINOCULAR
6yo bay gelding; Enrique — Bleu Ciel Et Blanc
“Things certainly didn’t go according to plan in the first part of last season but things seem fine now and I’m pleased with him. Everything will work around the Champion Hurdle again and it is possible that he’ll start again in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle. The Bula at Cheltenham where he’d have an 8lb penalty is a bit close to the Christmas Hurdle. Before the Champion he’d go for the same race as he did last year at Sandown.”

BOB’S WORTH
5yo bay gelding; Bob Back — Fashionista
“Although he will jump a fence he will certainly pay his way over hurdles this season.”

BURTON PORT
6yo bay gelding; Bob Back — Despute
“It was a big surprise to me the way he improved last season and his only defeat was in in the RSA Chase. He might not have been at his best at Aintree time but he still won. He's not big but has continued to develop which is important as an official mark of 152 will make things hard. However, if Denman were to run in the Hennessy it would certainly suit this horse. I might start him in the Brush Hurdle race at Haydock in which he was second to Diamond Harry last season to put an edge on him.”

CHABLAIS
5yo bay gelding; Saint Des Saints — Malandra
“Won his only Irish point-to-point, the form of which is very good. A very exciting prospect that will go straight into novice hurdles although he is a real chasing type.”

CUCUMBER RUN
5yo bay gelding; Oscar — Back To Roost
“Last season we had 22 individual bumper winners of which this horse was one. Half brother to Somersby. He won his third bumper and I think he is a very exciting novice hurdle prospect.”

FINIANS RAINBOW
7yo bay gelding; Tiraaz — Trinity Gale
“A high-class horse that did well over hurdles but was bought as a chaser and that’s what he’s going to do — very exciting at about two and a half miles and he has already schooled.”

FRENCH OPERA
7yo bay gelding; Bering — On Stage
“Won four out of five last season, never stopped amazing us for a novice winning three handicaps. It won’t be easy off 158 but he did show us that he handles soft ground and stays two and a half miles. He’s one of quite a few that look Ryanair material.”

GENERAL MILLER
5yo bay gelding; Karinga Bay — Miller’s Action
“I thought it was a top-class performance when he won at Aintree and I wouldn’t be surprised if two and a half miles turned out to be his trip over hurdles where he’s rated 146.”

GIORGIO QUERCUS
5yo bay gelding; Starborough — Winter Breeze
“Could be very interesting in novice chases, jumps well, and looked to be our Triumph Hurdle horse two seasons ago and had a year off which has really benefited him physically.”

GRANDOUET
3yo bay gelding; Al Namix — Virginia River
“Won over hurdles on his third start at Enghien but is still a novice over here for this season which is fortunate. He looks very exciting and very quick — the type that would be suited by Kempton.”

KID CASSIDY
4yo bay gelding; Beneficial — Shuil Na Lee
“Had always shown plenty of ability, won his bumper, third at Punchestown and a lovely big horse with a lot of class for novice hurdles.”

LARKS LAD
6yo bay gelding; Bab Back — Higher Again
“Did well enough over hurdles before cutting into himself at Ayr on his final start. He’s returned fine and has always had the make and shape to build into a very decent chaser.”

LIFESTYLE
4yo bay filly; Karinga Bay — Like Manner
“She’s talented but was too keen after winning her first bumper and it probably took its toll when she ran at Aintree. Could be a very decent hurdler.”

LONG RUN
5yo bay gelding; Cadoudal — Libertina
“There aren’t many horses that could drop back from three miles to two as he did when winning the Kingmaker Novices' Chase at Warwick before he went to Cheltenham for the RSA Chase. I achieved a lot for a five-year-old and I suspect his busy campaign in France might have caught up with him by the spring. He has returned from the summer an inch taller and much stronger and the Paddy Power *** Cup - where he’d probably have top-weight with a mark of 158 - would be a possible starting point as Sam Waley Cohen can claim 5lb on him. The King George is his first main target and while I respect Kauto Star immensely I do know that Kempton suits Long Run as he showed when winning the Feltham Chase; when Kauto Star begins to quicken from four out, this horse will have the pace to go with him. Whether he can go past him is another matter. After that we’ll make further plans but there’s every chance he’ll stay further than three. He’s in very good form.”

LOOSE PREFORMER
4yo bay gelding; Luso — Out Performer
“Won a point in Ireland and we bought him at the Cheltenham Spring Sale. He is related to Bacchanal and I’ve really liked what I’ve seen and although he might go in a bumper I think hurdles are more likely.”

LORD RAGNAR
7yo bay gelding; King’s Theatre — Shaiymara
“He’s a big frame of a horse that has been crying out for fences and is maturing all the time. He could take very high order.”

MASTER FIDDLE
5yo bay gelding; Alflora — Fiddling The Facts
“Looked good winning his only bumper despite being big and weak and is one for hurdles.”

MAD MAX
8yo bay gelding; Kayf Tara — Carole’s Crusader
“He’s in absolutely brilliant form. He is enormous and likes to bowl in front so there’s a question about how far he’ll stay. Given his running style of attacking fences he could be the right type for the Paddy Power and long term the Ryanair.”

MASTER OF THE HALL
6yo bay gelding; Saddlers Hall — Frankly Native
“A very good horse that I hope will make a top class novice chaser having won twice in two mile hurdles despite seeming to need a lot further.”

MINELLA CLASS
5yo bay gelding; Oscar — Louisa’s Dream
“Won an Irish bumper before we bought him at Cheltenham and a gorgeous looking horse. Had a little peep on the gallops before he was turned away and very much liked what we saw. He jumps very well and will go straight over hurdles and could be quite special.”

MR GARDNER
7yo bay gelding; Deploy — Lady Padivor
“Missed last season with a tendon injury but looked smart over hurdles and liked to run from the front. We’ve always been looking forward to seeing him over fences.”

OSCAR WHISKY
5yo bay gelding; Oscar — Ash Baloo
“Rated 146, second season novice that I think is very good and will be aimed at the Welsh National Hurdle at Ffos Las which is owned by his owner, Dai Walters."

PETIT ROBIN
7yo bay gelding; Robin Des Pres — Joie De Cotte
“Won’t be easy to place off 163 but he does seem better going left-handed and he might be better at two than two and a half miles. He isn’t far off top class.”

PEVERIL
6yo bay gelding; Presenting — Starana
“His improvement surprised me all last season, winning his first three over hurdles, finishing fourth in the Martin Pipe Conditionals Hurdle at Cheltenham and ending with a 140 rating. An excellent jumper, will go novice chasing and should stay three miles.”

PRINCE OF PIRATES
5yo bay gelding; Milan — Call Kate
“I think he might be very good. He won a decent bumper first time and he jumps hurdles well and will be one to watch over two miles.”

PROBLEMA TIC
4yo bay gelding; Kapgarde — Atreide
“Impressive when winning an Aintree bumper under a penalty and has done some schooling and isn’t slow so will start in two mile novice hurdles.”

PUNCHESTOWNS
7yo chestnut gelding; Morespeed — History
“Did very well over fences and he came back sore after disappointing in the RSA Chase where we found he had a chipped bone in his near hind hock. He’s come back well from a box rest and a long summer and there will be plenty of graduation and intermediate chases for him. There’s a graduation chase at Sandown in early December over two and a half miles which gives me plenty of time. He’s not slow and if ever he went back over hurdles — which is unlikely — he would be sitting on Big Bucks tail rather than making it.”

PUNJABI
7yo bay gelding; Komaite — Competa
“Has come back looking bigger and stronger. He was slightly disappointing when defending his Champion Hurdle and at Punchestown after but he has now schooled over fences, taken to it very well and that’s now where his future lies. I'm pleased with what I’ve seen.”

QUANTITATIVEEASING
5yo chestnut gelding; Anshan — Mazuma
“A decent hurdler but I can’t help feeling three miles and fences are going to be his game.”

RIVERSIDE THEATRE
6yo bay gelding; King’s Theatre — Disallowed
“I think the pace of the Arkle probably found him out but he did stay on incredibly well up the hill. He will definitely be going over two and a half miles this season and I can only see him improving; he might start in a graduation chase at Kempton later in November.”

SOLDATINO
4yo grey gelding; Graveron — Malory Du Chenay
“For him to win the Triumph Hurdle with so little experience was amazing. He is highly strung and wears ear plugs and a hood every day at home which seems to relax him. He’s come back well and it’s simply a matter of seeing where he slots in as we have a very strong team of hurdlers, however he never stopped improving last season.”

SPIRIT RIVER
5yo bay gelding; Poliglote — Love River
“He’s another for novice chasers having been a very good handicap hurdler. Would have gone close in the Tote Gold Trophy at Newbury but for a mistake three out and was suited by two miles five when he won the Coral Cup. He has done very well during the summer, massive, and he is another I am excited about in novice chases.”

SPRINTER SACRE
4yo bay/brown gelding; Network — Fatima III
“Is a very good looking horse that was seriously impressive winning the second of his two bumpers at the Scottish National meeting. He has schooled very well and although he has a big frame he seems to possess plenty of pace. I would expect him to be a very good two-mile novice hurdler.”

STATE BENEFIT
5yo bay gelding; Beneficial — Gifted
“Very good looking and won his Irish point to point who looks the part and is one to note in novice hurdles.”

SURFING
4yo bay gelding; Califet — Hawai De Vonnas
“He’s already won over fences at Auteuil and has been placed in top class novice events. He is much along the same lines at Long Run last year and can still run in novice chases this season. He has a rating of 142 and has had a long break since he came over. Looks fantastic and is very exciting.”

TETLAMI
4yo chestnut gelding; Daylami — Tetou
“Won two bumpers, has plenty of pace for hurdling and has come back much bigger and stronger.”

TITAN DE SARTI
3yo bay gelding; Kapgarde — Copie Des Planches.
“Won two French bumpers and is ready made for juvenile hurdling.”

ZAYNAR
5yo grey gelding; Daylami — Zainta.
“He will have the same two opening races as he did last year at Ascot then the Cleeve at Cheltenham. I thought he did very well to come back and finish third to Binocular in the Champion Hurdle. He probably wasn’t quite right when he disappointed after that over two and a half at Aintree and he’ll almost certainly be headed for the staying hurdle division.”

Donald McCain

ALEGRALIL
5yo bay mare; King’s Theatre — Lucy Glitters
“Things didn’t just happen for her last season, not her fault, but things did come very easy to her because she’d won her first four races. She frightened herself when she made a mistake three out at Doncaster in a grade two hurdle in February. She didn’t like the soft ground when she was fifth in the mares final at Newbury. She’s back, very well and goes to Wetherby at the end of October for the listed mares hurdle — she will jump fences in time but we want black type over hurdles this season.”

ANY GIVEN DAY
5yo grey gelding; Clodovil — Five Of Wands
“Just got mugged on the line on his comeback in a three mile hurdle at Kelso, his first run since he finished midfield in the County Hurdle. The pleasing thing was that he got the trip well at the first attempt. That gives us options and I haven’t yet schooled him over fences but I’d like to think there’s a three mile handicap hurdle somewhere. Handles soft but wouldn’t want it over three.”

BALLABRIGGS
9yo bay gelding; Presenting — Papoose
“Has always been a good horse but took a long time to get there. Everything will be geared around the Grand National and I’ll keep him over hurdles until the weights are out. That’s not because we think he’s well in, rather that he’s 150 now and wouldn’t want any more. Plus, he’s still a novice over hurdles.”

CHAMIREY
7yo bay gelding; Cadoudal — Guigone
“A useful staying handicap hurdler that finished third in last season’s Pertemps for Alan King. Has schooled over fences and is one for staying novice chases.”

CHARMINSTER
4yo bay gelding; Broadway Flyer — Monteleena
“Won his only point for Richie Harding who won on Ballabriggs at Cheltenham and recommended this horse. He schools exceptionally well.”

COOL MISSION
6yo chestnut gelding; Definite Article — Mettlesome
“Has never showed us a lot at home. All he wants is a distance of ground and a big, galloping track. Recently schooled over fences and taken to it nicely enough so he’ll be going long distance novice chasing. Fairly well forward, like the majority of them, and should be out end of October. Might not want it heavy and better ground wouldn’t do any harm at all.”

DRILL SERGEANT
5yo bay gelding; Rock Of Gibraltar — Dolydille
“Rated 108 on the Flat for Mark Johnston and won at Royal Ascot last year. McCoy liked him when he won on his hurdle debut at Worcester but he’ll be better over two and a half miles and could end up in the better novice hurdles later on.”

DUNOWEN POINT
4yo bay gelding; Old Vic — Esbeggi
“We bought him from the same vendor as Peddlers Cross and he would have won the same point-to-point which that horse won the previous year but for unseating his rider. He works very well and wants soft ground.”

EDGE OF TOWN
6yo bay gelding; Witness Box — Hackler Poitin
“Was quite immature but really wants a fence and he schooled over them last season and was grand. A big, strong horse that wouldn’t want fast ground.”

ERNST BLOFELD
6yo brown gelding; Flemensfirth — Estacado
“Quite a talented horse that caught us out when he won second time out over hurdles in December 2008 because he was immature. Everything’s still a joke to him and he is generally very switched off which is probably why he fell over fences at Cheltenham in January but his form’s pretty solid over them having won twice and been second twice. Goes on soft ground so will be a useful staying handicap chaser.”

FABALU
8yo bay gelding; Oscar — Lizes Birthday
“I couldn’t get to grips with him at the start of last season when he wasn’t finishing his races. Came back and won really well at Bangor in February and I really fancied him for the four miler at Cheltenham when he finished sixth because the ground was too quick. Needs plenty of give, stays really well and will start in the Becher Chase at Aintree. The Welsh National has always been on the agenda.”

FIENDISH FLAME
6yo chestnut gelding; Beneficial — Deenish
“A very good sixth in the Jewson at Cheltenham and was probably unlucky that he was taken on in the lead and went a million miles and hour. Some days he’s not as keen as others but he is happier in front. He’s probably between two and two and a half miles and he’ll have a run over hurdles first before going back over fences just to get the fizz out of him. If he goes to the second Cheltenham meeting I’d almost prefer him over two miles around there.”

GLENWOOD KNIGHT
7yo chestnut gelding; Presenting — Glens Lady
“Should probably have won the fixed brush hurdle final at Haydock off 118 but wasn’t 100 per cent straight and is now 122. Looks every inch a chaser and jumps well.”

INVENTOR
5yo bay gelding; Alzao — Magnificent Bell
“A grand horse but with his current mark he might be the type to do better later in the season in better class handicaps with a lower weight.”

LUCKY LANDING
4yo bay gelding; Well Chosen — Melville Rose
“Third and second in his two Irish points and has grown a lot during the summer but has a very taking way of doing things.”

OVERTURN
6yo bay gelding; Barathea — Kristal Bridge
“Won the Northumberland Plate but he’s not a bad hurdler having won five times and is now rated 159 after winning at Galway. The only disappointment was when he was second in the Swinton Hurdle and probably should have won. He’s done really well but I can’t have it that he’s 8lb better than Peddlers Cross — which is what the handicapper thinks. It would seem that better ground suits his style of racing but he has won on slightly softer. He’s had a very good break, is still away and wouldn’t be running till possibly the New Year.”

PEDDLERS CROSS [Smooooth]
5yo bay gelding; Oscar — Patscilla
“He’s scarily good and has a different gear to anything we’ve dealt with. Although he’s won his two best novices over two and a half miles, on what he does at home I can’t get my head around him wanting three miles. We still believe that he’d have won the two mile supreme novices at Cheltenham if he’d gone for that instead. Before Cheltenham we sent him with three fairly useful horses to work on the Flat at Bangor. It was only really to get him settled but they were going a fair old rattle in the gallop and Jason was quite a way back. But he quickened so well that it reminded me of one of the gallops I used to see at Newmarket when I was with Luca Cumani. That’s how good he is. He’ll go to Newcastle for the Fighting Fifth and that will give us some idea what we’re going to do. It might be an issue settling him over three miles because he is a bigger, stronger horse this season.”

PREDICTIVE
7yo grey gelding; Smadoun - Dacca De Thaix
“A decent hurdler who is rated 131. He's schooled well and is going novice chasing. Like last season he’ll be going to Uttoxeter plenty because his owner lives near there. Looks a very solid staying novice chaser. Handles any ground.”

RUSSINRUDI
7yo bay gelding; Rudimentary — Lady Of Grange
“The biggest horse I’ve ever had, fell on his debut but won his next two points in Ireland. Both were big fields and won them by big distances. He's done everything well and has the size to be very good or very slow.”

STORMING GALE
4yo bay gelding; Revoque — Dikler Gale
“Won an Irish point-to-point by a distance and got very good reviews but he’s going to be a bit behind the others. That said, he will be worth waiting for.”

TARA ROYAL
5yo bay gelding; Kayf Tara — Poussetiere
“We bought him at the same sale as Peddlers Cross and this was the other horse I wanted to come home with. He did well for us over hurdles but I spent most of last season trying to make him a three miler and I think I was doing the wrong thing. I now think he’s best around two to two and a half miles and he won his chase debut over the latter trip at Haydock in May. He’s got, quicker, keener and sharper in his work and being dropped in suits him.”

THUMBS UP
5yo grey gelding; Intikhab — Exclusive Approval
“Only just stays two miles over hurdles but jumper very well on his chase debut at Cartmel in late May. He’s only just back from a break but handles soft ground well.”

TORNADO BOB
5yo bay or brown gelding; Bob Back — Double Glazed
“Won and Irish bumper and come with a good reputation and although he hasn’t been here very long we are very much liking what we see.”

WYMOTT
6yo bay gelding; Presenting — Tanya Thyne
“I’ve never had an RSA Chase horse but if ever I’m going to have one this could be it. He got a slight knock after he won his three mile hurdle at Haydock in February and although he was OK we decided not to go to Aintree. Was schooling over fences all last season because he wouldn’t respect hurdles but was very good. I think he probably wants decent ground.”

the strength of nicky henderson is incredible and most of them are still prety young

yes, thanks BJG - good of you to share.

nicholls will pisss the title agin imo

Excellent work Bazza

Thank you for taking the time the time to present these stable tours for the forum im sure they will be very helpful over the coming months

Good man BJG.

Nice one BJG.

Paul Nicholls

AL FERHOF
5yo grey gelding; Dom Alco — Maralta
“He did really well last season, winning his bumper and was a very good second in the Cheltenham bumper. He came back a bit later after the summer but I really like him and could be a leading novice hurdler — expect to see him towards the end of November.”

CARLICUE
5yo bay gelding; King’s Theatre — Woodville Star
“Won his only point-to-point start and looks a chaser in the making. He will stay hurdling this season, is potentially very useful and will be running before the end of October.”

CURRENT EVENT
3yo bay gelding; Muhtathir — La Curamala
“Ran second in his only race at Auteuil and although he hasn’t been here long is looking the part for juvenile hurdling.”

BIG BUCKS
7yo bay/brown gelding; Cadoudal — Buck’s
“He just gets better and better. Right now, he looks superb after his summer break and will take the same path as last year on the run to Cheltenham, starting at the Hennessy meeting. After that he'll go to Ascot, Cheltenham and Aintree. It’s not out of the question that he’ll try fences again one day.”

BRAMPOUR
3yo bay gelding; Daylami — Brusca
“Came from the Aga Khan for whom he won at Chantilly and was highly rated on the flat. He hasn’t done much here yet but look out for him in juvenile hurdles a bit later.”

CELESTIAL HALO
6yo bay gelding; Galileo — Pay The Bank
“There’s no point moving him into staying hurdles with Big Bucks about so he’s going to make his novice chase debut at Exeter on October 19. He is at the top of the market for the Arkle but I’ll be sorting his trip out over the next few months and it might not be two miles.”

CENTRE BLEU
3yo bay gelding; Le Fou — Arvoire
“He's had only one run when third at Auteuil. Long-term he'll be a chaser but is one to watch for over hurdles this season and will be ready around late December.”

DENMAN
10yo chestnut gelding; Presenting — Polly Puttens
“He seems in great order. He’ll have entries for the Betfair Chase and Hennessy Gold Cup and we’ll decide nearer the time. He’s carried top weight in the Hennessy before and he does like that flat out gallop. He’s a tremendous horse when he’s 100 per cent but getting him to that isn’t always easy.”

DOLATULO
3yo chestnut gelding; Le Fou — Le Perspective
“Won his one race on the flat and his only start over hurdles so is one for juvenile hurdles.”

DOMTALINE
3yo grey gelding; Martaline — Domna Noune
“He was third in a good race at Auteuil in May and has done very well since he came to me and I’d be very hopeful of him at Chepstow on October 9.”

EMPIRE LEVANT
3yo grey gelding; Empire Maker — Orellana
“Won three times on the Flat in France and was only beaten a short-head in a listed race. He has just been gelded so will be out towards the end of November and looks the part; we might start him off at the Hennessy meeting.”

ESCORT’MEN
4yo chestnut gelding; Robin Des Champs — Escortee
“He goes to Chepstow on October 9 for the four-year-old handicap hurdle and will go well. Came back in good form from his summer break and he’s got enough scope to jump a fence by the end of the season.”

FISTRAL BEACH
7yo bay gelding; Definite Article — Empress Of Light
“This horse has been unlucky to finish second so many times and was also unfortunate to unseat in the Racing Post Chase. However, the good news is that he starts the season on an attractive mark for staying handicap chases.”

HAWKESPOINT
5yo bay gelding; Kayf Tara — Mandys Native
“A brother to Alfie Sherrin and a winner of his only point-to-point. I hope he can do on the track what he’s been doing at home.”

KAUTO STAR
10yo bay gelding; Village Star — Kauto Relka
“It’s a simple path with him, the Nicholson chase at Down Royal which he won in 2008, then off to Kempton for a crack at a fifth King George before Cheltenham and the Gold Cup. You can hope and dream as much as you like but all I know is that he certainly seems as good as he was a year ago - but only the track will tell.”

MASTER MINDED
7yo bay gelding; Nikos — Haute Tension
“He’s benefited from a breathing operation in the summer. The plan is just one run at either Ascot or Cheltenham and then the Tingle Creek again.”

MINELLA STARS
5yo bay gelding; Accordion — V’Soke Gale
“Won two points and will be running before the end of October. He will start over hurdles but looks a very nice chasing prospect.”

MR HUDSON
5yo bay gelding; Old Vic — Esbeggi
“This horse won a point-to-point and a bumper and has taken very well to hurdling. He will be out before the end of October and is one to keep an eye out for.”

PLENTY POCKET
3yo bay gelding; Super Celebre — Alamadina
“He won two races in France for Elie Lellouche and is definitely a good prospect for juvenile hurdles.”

POLISKY
3yo bay gelding; Poliglote — Dusky Royale
“Finished second at Auteuil in September when Cedre Bleu was third and although he hasn’t been around long enough fpr me to really assess him he looks a very solid prospect.”

POQUELIN
7yo black gelding; Lahint — Babolna
“He has to go left-handed so the Old Roan Chase at Aintree is a good starting point. He looks as good as ever but he’ll need to be with a mark of 164. After Aintree he’ll go for the Paddy Power at Cheltenham.”

RANGITOTO
5yo bay gelding; Old Vic — Kendos Dream
“This horse wn his only point-to-point and has schooled well over hurdles although his long-term future is as a chaser.”

ROCK OF DEAVILLE
3yo bay gelding; Rock Of Gibraltar — Ruff Shod
“This horse can boast two wins from three flat starts in France and is going well enough at home to run in early November.”

ROCK ON RUBY
5yo bay gelding; Oscar — Stoney View
“He won two bumpers last year demonstrating that he has a decent engine and the form of both races is working out well. This season he'll be a decent prospect for novice hurdles.”

ROYAL CHARM
5yo black gelding; Cadoudal — Victoria Royale
“He won two novice hurdles very nicely on soft ground last season and it was only fast ground that stopped him running after February. He could be pretty smart over fences.”

ROYAL MIX
4yo grey gelding; Sagamix — Princess Irena
“I’ve always thought a lot of him and although he won his novice at Newbury in November he took a long time to acclimatise. He’s much better now and is a very interesting prospect that starts in a valuable four-year-old hurdle at Cheltenham’s first meeting.”

SAM WINNER
3yo bay gelding; Okawango — Noche
“Second all three starts at Auteuil; that form looks very smart and he is certainly one to keep on the right side in early November.”

SANCTUAIRE
4yo bay gelding; Kendor — Biblique
“He was probably over the top when he went to Aintree after winning the Fred Winter off a good mark at Cheltenham. He's done well both mentally and physically over the summer and starts in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham - after that I’ll have an idea if he’s Champion Hurdle class. In my view he could be anything.”

SONOFVIC
5yo bay gelding; Old Vic — Prudent View
“He’s from a family I’ve done well with in the past including Forest Pennant. He's won a point-to-point but is immature and will stay hurdling this season.

TESHALI
4yo bay gelding; Anabaa — Tashiriya
“This horse won three times in France for the Aga Khan. He's been gelded and done particularly well for it as he's looking good now and the plan is to start in a two mile maiden hurdle.”

TOUBAB
4yo grey gelding; Martaline — Tabachines
“Did more than enough last season when running second to Soldatino then finishing off with a second in the Swinton Hurdle. He’ll be in the best class handicaps but the starting point will be the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton in early November.”

TATATIANO
6yo bay gelding; Sassanian — Rosa Carola
“He’s ground-dependent and doesn’t want it to come up soft. He’ll have a run somewhere first and will then probably be my third runner in the Tingle Creek — ground permitting. One for the autumn and spring.”

TCHICO POLOS
6yo bay gelding; Sassanian — Miss Saint Germain
“I think he’ll develop into a smart handicap chaser off 148 and will probably start in the Haldon Gold Cup. He’d get into that well although there’s a good option for him on the same Down Royal card in early November that Kauto Star will be appearing on.”

THE NIGHTINGALE
7yo bay/brown gelding; Cadoudal — Double Spring
“He doesn’t want the ground too quick but will probably to for a race at Down Royal and keep Kauto Star company. Two and a half miles suits and then he could go back for the John Durkan. He could be very good indeed.”

WHAT A FRIEND
7yo bay gelding; Alflora — Friendly Lady
“He’ll start in either the Betfair Chase or the Hennessy, depending what we decide to do with Denman. He isn’t as far forward as some because we gave him a breathing operation over the summer.”

TWIST MAGIC
8yo bay gelding; Winged Love — Twist Scarlett
“He’s going to the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter first and then the Tingle Creek. He’ll probably need that first run but I’m going to try and keep him right-handed as that's what he does best.”

ZARKANDAR
3yo bay gelding; Azamour — Zarkasha
“Won on the flat for the Aga Khan in July and he will be a gelding very shortly which means he won’t be out for a while, possibly Christmas, but he’s definitely got an engine.”

Thanks BJG

If anyone knows PFN can they remind him that he also trains a horse called American Trilogy. Thanks.

Cheers BJG, much appreciated you posting these.

One thing that strikes me from the PFN stable comments is the very little write-up on Master Minded - almost to the point where he seems unsure what to say about him.

Dan i agree i was thinking along for maybe the RSA or the new novice chase at Cheltenham but he needs soft or at least cut in the ground and you would be praying the going at Cheltenham comes up soft and that doesnt happen often .

Why hasnt EOG@ been put up yet

he doesnt stay 2m 4f according to nicholls jimjo . nicholls believes he has more than enough speed for the arkle and you always need a horse who wants slighly further. good to soft will be fine

ttt

Has anyone told Mullins the season has started yet?

Colm Murphy – Horses to Watch

1 – Big Zeb

The current Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Big Zeb will be returning to Leopardstown on the second day of the Festival for the Grade 1 Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase which he won back in 2008. A winner of nine races, he goes to Leopardstown in great form after a successful seasonal debut earlier this month and will go from Leopardstown to Cheltenham where he will bid to regain the Champion Chase crown.

2- Zaarito

Another candidate for the Grade 1 Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase, Zaarito would be returning to the scene of his first win over fences when he was so emphatic at last years Christmas Festival when landing the Ryan’s Even Cleaners Beginners Chase. Zaarito is clearly an exciting prospect for the season and something to look forward to over the Christmas period.

3 – Voler La Vedette

A true top class mare, Voler La Vedette was engaged yesterday at Fairyhouse in a battle with some of the top hurdlers around but very much warrants her place in that company and she will again be facing them in the December Festival Hurdle at the end of next month. A winner of the listed mares hurdle at Leopardstown last Christmas, she will this year go for the December Festival Hurdle before Colm decides if she will go for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham or the David Nicholson Mares Race at the same meeting.

4 – Captain Paulie

Owned by the FLP Partnership, Captain Paulie is set to be targeted at a maiden hurdle or novice hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas. The consistent seven-year-old landed his bumper at Cork last month and will now begin a hurdling campaign.

5 – Kimberlite King

A five-time winner, Kimberlite King will be worth keeping an eye on when he goes to Leopardstown for a handicap chase likely to be over two-miles. He was unlucky not to make a successful seasonal bow at Down Royal at the beginning of this month so is certainly one for the notebook wherever he appears over the four-day meeting.

6 – Gates Of Rome

Carries the colours of the famous Gigginstown House Stud of Michael O’Leary, Gates Of Rome will be aimed at one of the better novice chases at Leopardstown after a bold effort in Grade Two company last time. An above average hurdler, he was placed in all six of his runs over hurdles and only had one in front of him at Punchestown last time on only his second start over fences last time.

7 – Clew Bay Cove

Another set to be targeted at Leopardstown, Clew Bay Cove is another to carry familiar colours and those this time of JP McManus. With a rating in the 120’s over fences, he looks set to be going for one of the better handicap chases over the four days.

8 – Got Options

A five-year-old, Got Options has been a very consistent mare already and is desperately unlucky to still be a maiden. Only twice in her eight runs so far has she been out of the money and Colm is looking at a novice hurdle or possibly a handicap hurdle for her at Leopardstown.

9- Raise The Beat

Part of the successful Winning Ways Syndicate, Raise The Beat is already a two-time bumper winner and is one of the exciting young prospects of the yard. A big price on his first run, he was sent off a 7/1 chance when winning a decent Naas bumper in October and he will now go for the winners bumper at Leopardstown hoping to continue the winning sequence.

10 – Quito De La Roque

Rated 123 over hurdles this French bred six-year-old is a lovely prospect to go novice chasing with. Previously a point to point winner, he fits into a regular trend of Colm’s horses in terms of consistency as his only effort outside the first two was when he was fourth at Navan. He will go for a novice chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.

It seems only recently that Charlie Longsdon first appeared on the stable tour site when in fact this will be the fifth time he has been featured.

During that time things have not always panned out as expected but Longsdon has always been singularly ambitious and when he moved to new purpose built premises outside Chipping Norton 18 months ago he knew things wouldn't happen immediately.

On his own admission he needed time to understand his new facilities and this was reflected in last season relatively meagre results although decent prizes were still lifted.

However, this season has seen all strands platted together with the trainer enjoying not only his best start but also with a team of youth and experience, the former being the bedrock of seasons to come.

Already he has struck with the quality performer Songe, now making his way over fences while the impressive Ascot novice hurdle winner Time For Spring was the eleventh individual winner he has so far saddled.

Here the trainer runs the rule over the pick of his team.

ACCORDINGTOLAWRENCE
4 b g Accordion - Gioliadante.
Promise in both bumpers fulfilled with a neck win over The Chazer in extended two mile novice hurdle on heavy at Exeter November 19.
"We're taking it quietly because he's a three mile chaser in time and still immature. Soft ground over two miles one at Exeter was fine but I might step him up in trip next time on better ground, possibly two and a half. He will improve a ton for his win."

BUN NOIR
3 b/br g Seeking The Gold - Fraulein.
Irish flat maiden and good hurdle debut in that country when second of 17 to Accidental Outlaw at Punchestown in October. Well beaten on debut for present yard when paying the price for trying to chase impressive winner Dolatulo in a Sandown novice hurdle November 6.
"I think he's better than his Sandown run shows. The idea was to drop in but because the winner was so far in front we had to chase him which didn't work out and he didn't show himself to the best. Next time it will be a smaller track and ride him how we want to and I've no reason not to believe that he can't win a juvenile hurdle or two. He did have a hard race and he won't run until December. No real ground concerns."

BROTHER BOB
4 b g Robert Emmet - Noon Performance.
Left bumper form behind and improved all three hurdle starts this season, latest when staying on strongly to finish a half length second to Midnight Opera at Aintree November 21. Rated 115.
"Big, raw horse and after his effort at Aintree I'm going to give him a holiday to give him a chance to strengthen and grow. We know he wants two and a half but isn't strong enough to get it. He'll be back at the beginning of March. He'll go over fences next season and is a really nice horse for the future."

FAR MORE SERIOUS
10 b/br g Needle Gun - Womans Heart.
Last of five wins, two over hurdles, one bumper came when taking second chase attempt at Newbury December 2009 beating Fistral Beach nine lengths off 119. Performed with credit off another career high, 130 and far from disgraced off 132 on it's first run this season when 14 lengths second of six to Quinz over three miles at Ascot November 19.
"He is fragile but loves his racing and just bumped into a good thing at Ascot but was well clear of the third. I think we'll look at the veteran races for him - he'd be very competitive in one of those despite his mark but doesn't want extremes of ground."

HIDDEN KEEL
5 gr g Kirkwall - Royal Keel.
Won reappearance beating Cubism seven lengths in a two mile handicap hurdle at Stratford in October off 118. Better effort in defeat next time off 130 when 18 lengths fourth of 17 to well-treated Grands Crus when up to two five handicap hurdle at Cheltenham November 14.
"Very pleased with him at Cheltenham, first try at the trip and first on softer ground and handled both extremely well. The plan has always been to go chasing and that's where he'll run next. He's only ever schooled over fences at home because he doesn't respect hurdles. He'll start over two and a half by early December."

KING AR AGHAIDH
9 b g King's Theatre - Shuil Ar Aghaidh.
Winning hurdler and novice chaser, produced handicap hurdle best latest start in October when head second to Amber Brook in three mile handicap at Cheltenham off 127. Now career high of 132 over hurdles.
"Not going to be easy to place, not a natural over fences but is qualified for the Pertemps Final now and that the aim but I've got to look very hard for a race in which he can be competitive. And he's definitely a good ground horse."

LAVEROQUE
4 b g Laveron - Six Fois Sept.
Won decent Worcester bumper in early October but better effort in defeat only subsequent start when five lengths second of 15 to Rock On Ruby at Cheltenham November 14.
"Very nice indeed, no question he has an engine. Still raw and weak and a bit sore after Ascot so it's possible we'll wait for the spring and hurdles - he does jump very well. He's a three mile chaser in time."

MAURISCA
5 b g Maresca Sorrento - Maurise.
Sole win from 12 attempts came in two and a half mile handicap chase at Market Rasen in April beating Kercabellec ten lengths off 97. Up to 106 and second to Magical Harry over two six at Newton Abbot following month. Both runs this season in handicap hurdles and better on most recent when two and a half lengths fourth of 16 to Gold Reef over two and a half at Sandown November 6 off 104 and now career high 108.
"He's a chaser, not a hurdler, but it was a good performance at Sandown. He'll be back over fences next time at Leicester on November 28 and I think you will see an improvement."

MINELLA BOYS
8 br g Bob's Return - Ring-em-all.
Three-time hurdle winner and now 128. Best of four chase performances on reappearance when nine lengths fourth of 11 to Summery Justice over extended three mile at Bangor November 10 off 119.
"I think he's off a pretty lenient mark over fences and his last run was his best in chases even though he was run off his feet - he is slow. He just needs deep ground, possibly the likes of Chepstow. He's at his limit over hurdles."

PAINTBALL
3 b g Le Vie Dei Colori - Camassina.
Winner over seven and ten furlongs on the flat for William Muir in 2010 and once reached 80. Yet to race for present yard.
"Jumped him before he was gelded and he did well. Should be ready in the New Year."

PALYPSO CREEK
7 b g Brier Creek - Belgheera.
Ex-French and yet to win over fences in Britain after sole hurdle win at Towcester October 2009. Good efforts in defeat at Aintree in November and Haydock in January when career best three lengths second to Our Vic off 136 in heavy ground handicap chase. Fell in Grand National and fell on reappearance at Haydock over three November 20 having dropped from 140 to 136.
"Our original plan was to run in the series of staying chases at Haydock but after falling early last time, that's having to change. He'll have an entry for the Rehearsal Chase on November 27 and it is frustrating because he generally a very good jumper. He'll get a Welsh National entry because he goes on heavy ground and should stay alright but the Aintree National is the prime aim."

RESTEZ D'AMOUR
5 b g Grand Tresor - Lafrizen D'Amour.
Maiden hurdle and unlucky not to break chase maiden at second attempt when falling four out and travelling well in novice handicap won by Diamond Brook over two and a half miles at Exeter November 19. Mark of 110 should not change.
"The thing to take out of Exeter is that he hasn't really had a race and he won't be put up, either. There is a race at Sandown's first December meeting, two and a half miles, 0-125 which should be ideal. He'd been pulled out at Folkestone because of soft ground but he handled it well at Exeter which gives us more options. Travels well and I'd rather he ran in better races off lighter weights."

REY NACARADO
5 b g Posidonas - Ice Pearl.
Broke maiden under rules at sixth attempt when upped to three and a quarter miles and beat Heezagrey 16 lengths in Huntingdon handicap in October. Upped 15lb to 105 and decent effort at Aintree later that month when 13 lengths third of 17 to Corso Palladio over extended three. Stays on that mark.
"We got pretty depressed about him last season but we were really pleased with him a Aintree. He's schooled well over fences and he might well go to Wetherby on November 24 for a two mile six handicap chase. Might not have quite got home over three miles on soft."

SIR IAN
7 b g Turtle Island - Bobby Hays.
Apparently average two and a half mile handicap hurdler but has been re-invented over fences both starts this year winning off 108 at Worcester in September and equally impressive same course next start in October beating Alesandro Mantegna six lengths off 118. Now 129.
"He has been a revelation this season. He's always been too keen in his races and has struggled to get two and a half but he's settling and it may be he'll get further. He seems to handle all bar extremes of ground. Might go to Newbury in a two miles six chase on November 25 and that will be his last run then a break for a spring campaign. I know he's gone up but he hasn't come off the bridle so far this season."

SONGE
6 b g Hernando - Sierra.
Smart two mile hurdler and rated 154 after beating Afsoun at Haydock January 2009. Has come good over fences now upped to two miles five and followed first success off 122 with better effort latest start when finishing strongly to beat Alesandro Mantegna a head off 135 at Sandown November 6. Now 140.
"He's improving still and he'll be even better when he gets in a race with a good gallop. Noel Fehily said they didn't go quick enough for him at Sandown last time. If the pace isn't quick he's very keen and when the pace quickens he catches himself out with a few mistakes which is what happened at Sandown. He's probably still reasonably handicapped over fences. He does seem to be better going right handed over fences but the long term plan will be the Jewson at Cheltenham when the strong pace should equal things out. There is very little for him and he might go to Haydock on December 18 for a two and a half mile handicap hurdle. He might have a little break, then have one more run before Cheltenham."

STRONGBOWS LEGEND
5 ch g Midnight Legend - Miss Crabapple.
Left last season five attempts, three in bumpers, behind when six lengths second of 16 to Gibb River in two mile novice at Huntingdon November 10. Debut mark of 106 looks winnable.
"He wasn't as fit as I thought last time at Huntingdon. He's improved immensely for that and jumps really well - has done from day one - so he'll go to Towcester for a novice handicap chase on November 27. Plenty of fun to be had with him off 106."

TATISPOUT
3 b f Califet - Larmonie.
French bumper winner but outclassed on British debut for present yard when tailed off behind Sam Winner in smart novice at Cheltenham November 13.
"Ignore his run at Cheltenham, she's very nice. She really needed to start in lower grade and she will be in lesser class next time, possibly at Wetherby on November 24. She was too free at Cheltenham and I'd like her to be dropped in at the rear next time."

THE HON TARA
6 b m Kayf Tara - Marielou.
Hurdle debut at Plumpton November 1 better than three bumper attempts when finishing six lengths second of eight to Kaituna, first attempt at two five.
"Like her sister, Tara Taylor, not quick, and might be not quite so good but will win her races and might want three miles in time."

TIME FOR SPRING
6 b g Snurge - Burksie.
Point winner and second to smart Made In Time in three mile Stratford novice hurdle October 28. Much better only subsequent start when readily beating 12 opponents headed by Hong Kong Harry in two six novice hurdle at Ascot November 20.
"It wasn't a complete surprise that he won at Ascot and he'll run with a penalty in a novice next time. Lovely horse and I've liked him from day one and his career will be over fences but I'll look for a three mile novice next time."

WOODMORE
6 b g Luso - Supreme Stream.
Bumper winner but largely disappointing over hurdles when rated 110 and fell on novice chase debut over two five at Huntingdon November 20.
"I thought he'd win his chase debut at Huntingdon - of the horses that ran that weekend I thought he was one that would win. I think he should have been up with the pace but instead he made a bad mistake at the first and was never jumping after that. He does jump quite well and I'll be looking for another novice in early December."

YABORA
5 b g Timboroa - Hyacinthe.
Two and a half mile French chase winner in February 2009. Hasn't really fired in four British appearances, starting on prohibitive 130 and now to 122 latest start when well beaten sixth of eight to Champion Court in grade two novice hurdle at Cheltenham over two five November 14.
"I was a bit disappointed at Cheltenham last time but he is an out and out stayer. He did come out of the race squealing so I might just try something with him, possible a tongue strap next time. I do like him a lot. There is a three mile event at Southwell coming up that he could go for even though the track might be sharp for him but the brush hurdles will suit his style."

YOUNG ALBERT
9 br g Taipan - Smooth Leader.
Apparently better over hurdles than fences - stays on 115 over former after finishing five lengths third of 13 to Thelobstercatcher over three on soft at Chepstow November 3. Had beaten Feel The Force six lengths off 110 at the beginning of October previous start.
"I was pleased with him last time because we always thought he wouldn't go on soft ground. The problem is that he's very slow but can be keen early then gets outpaced. Might just fit him with cheekpieces to counteract the flat spot. He might go to Chepstow on November 24."

WILLOW SAVIOUR
3 b g Septieme Ciel - Willow Gale.
Unraced
"Goes very nicely, very happy with what he's done and will be ready for a bumper soon."

The knowledge
ACCORDINGTOLAWRENCE: is expected to improve significantly on his last outing.
HIDDEN KEEL: is one to be with when he runs next time over fences.
MAURISCA: is much better over fences where he goes next time.
RESEZ D'AMOUR: is considered a winner without a penalty.
STRONGBOWS LEGEND: is a must next time on his chase debut - jumps really well.
WOODMORE: needs to be ridden more forcefully to show his potential over fences.