Ten to follow NH season (2020-21)

My ten to follow (National Hunt-2020/21)

Welcome. I have nominated ten horses as “ones to follow”. I have spoken to multiple trainers, jockeys and owners with regards to their horse. I also have an exclusive one to follow from Paul Kealy, who needs no introduction! Thanks to everyone I have spoken to, it's been a lot of fun creating this list. So without further ado, get stuck in! 

1- Ferny Hollow  

Trainer- W P Mullins 

Owner- Cheveley Park Stud 

Sire- Westerner  

Dam- Mirazur 

Breeder- Kenneth Parkhill 

I’ve always been a fan of Ferny, this 5yo went from strength to strength last season. He’s run four times; he’s not been out the first two once, and he’s won three of his five starts. Probably, his most notable win was when he lowered the colours of his more fancied stablemate, Appreciate It, in the Champion Bumper at the festival in March.

Visually, he was very impressive that day. He won the bumper by just over 2L, but it was the manner in which he did it that impressed me. Before the Champion Bumper (late 2019) he was becoming increasingly frustrating with back-to-back seconds to his name, after a wildly impressive debut in February. But it seems after a comfortable success at Fairyhouse, things were beginning to click for him perhaps with a change in riding style? At the Cheltenham Festival, he was sent off an 11-1 shot, perhaps representing his somewhat quirky character. As mentioned earlier, Appreciate It was all the rage in the betting.

In the race, Ferny would be dropped out at the rear of the field, presumably ridden to pick up the pieces. As quoted in commentary around the turn for home, Appreciate It “sauntered in to a narrow lead”. Meanwhile, an ice-cold Paul Townend was weaving his way through the field. With a furlong left to run, Paul and Ferny were upsides the market leader, and scampering clear with every stride. He showed real guts and bravery to run right through to the line and win comfortably. Credit must go to Willie Mullins for his patient handling and Paul Townend for his spectacular ride on the day.

Ferny Hollow is expected to go novice hurdling this season, he’s prominent in the betting for the Supreme Novice Hurdle. If he kicks on from last year, he’s going to become a seriously difficult horse to beat – seemingly as they know the way he likes to be ridden now. He’s definitely one to follow.

Unfortunately, it was quite hard getting hold of Mullins for a line or two on Ferny!

Below is the photo I managed to get of Paul and Ferny, returning victorious as the sun illuminates the gorgeous scenery in the background.

2- Imperial Alcazar

Trainer- Fergal O’Brien

Owner- Imperial Racing Partnership 2016

Sire- Vinnie Roe

Dam- Maddy’s Supreme 

Breeder- Denis Noonan

Imperial Alcazar looked a smart novice hurdler last year. He’s won twice over hurdles, beating Coconut Splash (who went on to win a hurdle race of his own) and Muckamore comprehensively by six lengths. He’s always looked a horse of real ability to me, and he’s confirmed himself as one to follow, with the manner of his victories. He showed serious grit and determination to beat Coconut Splash by a nose, both horses pulled clear from the remainder of the field. He oozed class when brushing aside, albeit an inferior rival most recently at Leicester with the field strung out behind. He’s still a young horse (6yo) so you can safely say he’ll improve a good bit in the future, he’s plenty more winning to do.

"He really does look like a chaser in the making."

I spoke with his trainer, Fergal O’Brien, about Imperial. He told me; “Imperial Alcazar is a lovely, straightforward horse to train. He’s summered at Kevin Ross’ place in Ireland like the majority of Imperial Racing’s horses. He looked a picture on his return.”. I asked him if he had any idea of what the future holds for this promising young horse, and he said “I’m still in discussion with the owners regarding targets. But I can say he really does look like a chaser in the making.”.

Wherever those concerned decided to go with Imperial Alcazar, he sure looks to be a smart horse and definitely one to keep an eye on. He’ll hopefully win some nice races and I’d be very surprised if he didn’t stamp his mark on the NH scene.

Here’s a photo Fergal sent to me of Imperial.

3- Soldier On Parade 

Trainer- Amy Murphy

Owner- Hostages To Fortune

Sire- Dunaden

Dam- Litewska

Breeder- R F and S D Knipe

Soldier On Parade has been a revelation over hurdles this year, winning three from four. All three wins have come at Market Rasen. 

On his hurdling debut he finished second, after jumping left throughout. I'll come on to the winner that day later. Soldier still looks very raw, though he has sharpened up since his first spin over obstacles. It's easy to forget this son of Dunaden is still only a 3yo. I think he's a very promising individual and quite clearly still learning on the job. On his second hurdles start, he was ridden more aggressively from the front, contrary to his first - he sat handy behind the leader, and eventual winner. This change in tactic clearly benefitted the free going Soldier as he was able to dictate and win comfortably by 11L, confirming his promise from his first run over hurdles. On his third hurdles start, the team employed similar tactics. Again he won as he liked. 

His fourth hurdles start is the most interesting for me. He was lining up against Hiconic. On Soldier's first hurdles start he was firmly put in his place by the former, by 6L. So, the Hiconic team would be looking to confirm the form. Hiconic was an odds on favourite on their rematch race, as Soldier On Parade was worse off at the weights. 7lbs to be precise. So Soldier clearly had it all to do to overturn a 6L beating, prior to his hurdling exploits at Market Rasen, which incidentally also gave him a tough weight-carrying task. However Soldier was clearly up to the task. Hiconic did finish in the frame, just. Soldier On Parade had trounced his rival to win by 12L, going further clear up with every stride. This performance cements himself in my ten to follow list, as with all things considered this was a fantastic feat. He's still only a 3yo and improving with every start.

"Everybody fights over who is going to ride him out each day."

I spoke with Amy Murphy, trainer of Soldier to see if she had any immediate plans for the horse. She said, "Soldier On Parade is a very straightforward horse to train, and is very much a favourite with the staff. Everybody fights over who is going to ride him out each day. The plan at present is to head to Wetherby for a listed race. It's another step up in class so we shall see how he performs before planning other targets. We've always liked him and I was always keen to have him as a juvenile hurdler as physically, he has all the right attributes."

If we do see him run well in listed class, he could further enhance his reputation and go on to bigger and better things, winning a nice pot along the way. He's most certainly one to keep a close eye on.

4- Lock's Corner

Trainer- Jonjo O'Neil

Owner- John P McManus

Sire- Gold Well

Dam- Last Century 

Breeder- Peter McCrea

Lock's Corner looks to be one of Gold Well's under the radar improvers for Jonjo O'Neil. He's one firmly on the upgrade. He's gone chasing for the above connections and has clearly thrived over the larger obstacles. He's also been very well places by those concerned. I'm hoping this continues.

He's now won his last two starts as a chaser, he also had one spin over fences late 2019 where he was last of six and tailed off completely. However, this year as I mentioned earlier, he's been well placed and is two from two. He also seems to be jumping a lot more economically.

His first start this year was at Southwell, where he jumped well and went clear approaching the last fence and won comfortably by just over 8L. He then went on to win his second start at Bangor-on-Dee, again by 8L. 

His jumping has clearly improved and he seems to travel a lot better in his races now. He's still only six and I can see a lot more improvement in him as a chaser and I think he has better days ahead. 

"I think he's found a bit of confidence in himself after his last two wins."

I spoke to Richie McLernon, regular rider of Lock's. He said, "He's a lovely fella at home, I think he's found a bit of confidence in himself after his last two wins.". I also asked him what he thought his best attribute is and he said - "He's quiet!". 

So as his regular partner says he seems to think he's gained some confidence after jumping and winning well, he cements himself as one to follow, as I'm sure his time in the winner's enclosure isn't over.

5- Tarada

Trainer- Oliver Sherwood

Owner- Trevor Hemmings

Sire- Kayf Tara

Dam- Keranda

Breeder- R D & Mrs J S Chugg

Tarada is a 7yo but he's only had five runs. His form throughout these five runs is really quite something, the horses he's been racing with clearly put him in the "promising" bracket.

He started life on the level, in a NH flat race. Since then, he's had two runs over hurdles and most recently, two spins over fences. He gained both his wins on his second start over hurdles and fences. As I said earlier, the horses he's been mixing it with are some well-regarded, talented horses in their own right. So he's had the two wins, and three seconds, his consistency is admirable.

His first run, without any obstacles he was a close second to I K Brunel, who's gone on to contest some hot races, and run well over fences. He ran Coolanly to a short head on his chase debut. Tarada's second start, his first over hurdles was good. He beat Walk In The Mill, and Eceparti this day, but ultimately was well beaten by  Jeremy Scott's Dashel Drasher. Dashel Drasher has won six of his starts, arguably most notably his latest win over fences, where he beat; Champagne Mystery, Fidux and Whatmore. On Tarada's third start, he beat Ashutor by 10L. Ashutor is a nice horse for Paul Nicholls, and he's won three since, twice over fences. Notice the theme yet? Tarada is clearly a very nice chaser waiting to emerge. 

He has ran twice over fences, with a 50% strike rate. On Tarada's first start over the bigger obstacles he was a very close second to the very smart Colin Tizzard trained Slate House, who's achieved a rating of 159 over fences. This run was a belter from the son of Kayf Tara, who was always going to be better as a chaser. He then won his most recent start beating Coole Hall by 8L, confirming his promise as a chaser. 

He's mixed it with good horses, came out with credit and improved every time. I'm praying this horse continues to progress. Trevor Hemming's was said to be scaling down his operation, but I think he's got a good one here, there's no man in the game who deserves it more. 

"He's a very gentle horse, the proverbial Gentle Giant!"

I chatted with his trainer, Oliver Sherwood about Tarada, and here's what he had to say. "He's a very gentle horse, the proverbial Gentle Giant! He's not yet back in pre training as he had a small operation in the summer, he's actually done well considering. He won't be on the track until Christmas, so as a result, we haven't really any set plans yet.".

Fingers crossed Tarada stays sound, I'm sure we'll get to see him on the track again soon and hopefully he can win and improve some more. He's definitely one to follow this year. 

6- Locker Room Talk

Trainer- Nigel Twiston-Davies

Owner- Carl Hinchy

Sire- Beneficial 

Dam- Whistling Gypse

Breeder- Pat O'Rourke

Locker Room Talk is a 7yo bay gelding, who's really come alive since chasing. There was also another deciding factor in his drastic improvement, it's genuinely heart warming. I'll get on to that later. 

Locker has won four races, most notably a class 2 handicap chase at Sandown, where both him and the second pulled well clear. But overall, he's ran in some really good races. He's still relatively youthful and the best, I know is yet to come. He's always been a character, as confirmed later, but this son of Beneficial will progress and be an even nicer horse this year. 

Early this year, he'd won the aforementioned Sandown race, and again highlighted himself as a horse firmly on the upgrade when third to, Greeteteen and Cracking Destiny at Musselburgh on the first of February. 

I believe this horse is starting to fulfil his promise, and he's well on his way to confirming himself as a high-level performer. It's not just me who has high hopes for this Beneficial gelding, I spoke to owner Carl Hinchy, he gave me some truly lovely comments and some particularly moving photos. 

"He's slowly maturing and learning to settle and I've no doubt there's lots of improvement in him."

Carl said, "Locker is a great horse to own. He has always been a stunning looking horse but was simply too keen and almost uncontrollable as a youngster. Jack Savage has been the making of him, he rides him at home every day and he has taken a huge personal interest in him, from buying and fitting a special bit to help him settle, and riding him in a special saddle. He's been a huge part of his success story and has ridden him in all of his wins! The horse has always had lots of ability and Jack has been pivotal in helping him to unlock it.". Carl goes on to say, "He's slowly maturing and learning to settle and I've no doubt there's lots of improvement in him. The form of all of his wins is very strong, and his cruising speed and jumping are huge assets. He was being saved for a spring campaign last year and I'd hoped to see him in the Topham. He is working better than ever at the moment and he may well be out as early as 18/10 in the 0-140 at Kempton over 2m2f. He was very impressive at Kempton over hurdles. I expect him to get 2m5f in time, and I'm looking forward to another exciting season. He would prefer better ground although he has won in soft. Sometimes, horses that bolt in first time, never go on to do great things. Locker is an example of a horse who looked plain untrainable and unrideable, who has now developed into an exciting chaser on an upward curve. It's much more satisfying to see them progress this way. Massive credit to the Twiston-Davies team for what they've done with him! As for this season, it's one step at a time really, we'll see how far he takes us. Hopefully, we might see him jumping those Aintree fences in the spring!

I think I speak for everyone when I wish Jack, Carl and the whole Twiston-Davies team luck this season, I really hope he can give you some more fantastic days. Thank you Jack, it sounds as if you've played a massive part in Locker's development. I'll be following him with a keen eye and I have him down as a real improver and he'll definitely win more races for you all! He's one to follow.

Here are some photos of Locker, and Jack!

7- Gypsy Island

Trainer- Peter Fahey

Owner- John P McManus

Sire- Jeremy

Dam- Thieving Gypsy 

Breeder- Rosetown Bloodstock

Gyspy Island will probably be a name pretty much all of you are familiar with. She's a listed and grade three winning mare. The team have had to deal with an injury blow. Fingers crossed she's almost back and she can confirm herself as one of the top mares' novice hurdles.

Gypsy is four from five, her one defeat coming over her only start over hurdles by none other than fantastic Arkle winner, Put The Kettle On. All of her other victories were by a cumulative distance of 23L. She wins, and wins well. Before her injury, she was held in the highest regard by trainer Peter Fahey, and I'm sure she still is. 

Her latest victory, the grade three NH Flat race, she beat Daylight Katie and Minella Melody, the latter went off favourite in the Mares' Novice at the Cheltenham Festival. The time before, Gypsy had taken the scalps of Yukon Lil, Colreevy and Penny Out. On her debut she beat Willie Mullins' Getaway Gorgeous, so wherever you look, she's great form littered across her CV. 

She probably doesn't need much of an introduction as one of my more obvious "ones to follow list" as I'm sure you're all more than familiar with Fahey's stable star. She's a massive engine and a serious horse for the future, she'll win races, and if she stays sound, she'll win grade ones. 

"She's possibly one of the best I've sat on in that sphere."

I spoke with regular pilot Mr Derek O'Connor who is also very excited about her going forward. 

He says, "She was a joy to ride. She's a very straight forward filly with a lot of natural speed. She's possibly one of the best I've sat on in that sphere.".

With the conformation from Derek that she is as good as we all think. I'm more than happy on taking a chance on her being sound for this season and adding her to my list.

I pray we get to see her win races again sometime soon, and show the world she can go right to the very top. 

Watch this space.

 

8- Night Edition

Trainer- David Pipe 

Owner- Stuart & Simon Mercer & John Gent

Sire- Authorized 

Dam- Night Serenade

Breeder- Mme Waltraut Spanner

I have followed Night Edition since he joined David Pipe's yard from France in 2019. He was raced three times on the flat overseas, winning on his last start before his move. His only win in France came on heavy ground, he was last of five on good to firm, confirming his liking for a fair amount of cut in the ground.

Night Edition's first start on British soil came in a juvenile hurdle at Taunton, a race won by Blacko, with Zoffee in second. He never really threatened that day, but he did travel through the race nicely but ultimately he was well beaten in fourth the end. I thought he'd run a couple nice races after this, and he did confirm his promise throughout the season. Night Edition is only a 4yo, so I expect he'll improve a lot this season too, especially with more experience under his belt.

Night Edition then more than built on his hurdles debut effort. He went to contest the Triumph Hurdle trial (Grade 2) at Cheltenham on his second start. So, from his juvenile hurdle where he was unplaced, it was a pretty bold route to take. This placing by David Pipe paid off. He was second on the day. He was obviously still learning and the experience he gained here was crucial. 

David Pipe's 4yo, then went on to get his head in front. It was this day, I really began to think it was all starting to click for this son of Authorized. He won in a big field at Ludlow, it was the manner of victory that made me really start to think about how good this horse is. The winning distance was half a length, this doesn't tell the story at all. He was confidently ridden throughout by Tom Scudamore and he cantered through to towards the final flight, skipped over and won so snugly, I began to look at his mark. Here's where it gets interesting. He got a mark of 133 after this win, which put him the Boodles Juvenile Handicap (Grade 3) formerly known as the Fred Winter. 

I really liked Night Edition for this race, along with the eventual winner Aramax (whom also had a nice mark). Night Edition was a 16-1 shot come post-time. I thought this represented serious value pre-race, as he could of won by half the track at Ludlow if he'd of liked. The fact that the winning distance was only a half-length that day didn't really make him a standout contender to many. I really wanted him to run a nice race here, being nicely weighted and one of the more unexposed types in the race. He ended up coming second, a length away from Aramax at the line after some smooth headway from three out. He approached the last flight absolutely motoring up the hill but in Aramax, the proverbial bird had flown.

At the Cheltenham Festival, he ran an absolute belter for the team. He'd clearly learnt a lot last season and progressed with every run. I expect him to be a formidable horse in the handicap ranks this season. 

"He'll be aimed at all the big two mile handicap hurdles this season."

I spoke with David Pipe, and here's what he had to say. "Night Edition is really easy to train, he's a really nice, well-natured horse. He's matured and strengthened well throughout the summer and he's really filled out well. He'll be aimed at all the big two mile handicap hurdles this season".

Night Edition is definitely one to follow, he's still a young horse and he was brilliant last season. He'll win more races and definitely confirm himself as a rising star. 

9- Hunny Moon

Trainer- Fergal O'Brien

Owner- C B Brookes

Sire- Flemensfirth

Dam- No More Money 

Owner- David Jenks

Hunny Moon is a really unexposed 6yo mare. She's only had the one run, so this is a somewhat speculative one to follow. She does look a very promising horse, from what we've seen of her. 

Hunny Moon is unbeaten, she won her first and only start in a NH flat race at Stratford in March this year. She beat the equally promising, Grandad's Cottage from Olly Murphy's yard by a head. But it was the manner in which she did it that impressed me.

Hunny was held up at the rear of the field, and made stylish headway over four out and led towards the final furlong. She was challenged strongly by Grandad's Cottage, and dug in and kept finding towards the finish and held the Shantou gelding off. For only her first start, she showed everything you'd want in a racehorse and I think she could be a really nice horse in the future. 

"She seems very well and is pleasing in her work."

Again, I spoke with Fergal O'Brien about his Flemensfirth mare. 

He said, "Hunny Moon had been with us for years before making her debut. She had lots of niggly problems rather than one big one. Big thanks to owners Cedric and Jane, for their patience was rewarded with a bumper win. She seems very well and is pleasing in her work. She's likely to aim for a mares bumper, possibly Aintree this month. Then, she'll go hurdling."

Here's a brilliant photo of Hunny, from Fergal!

10- Enemy Coast Ahead

Trainer- Olly Murphy

Owner- McNeill Family

Sire- Malinas

Dam- Penang Princess

Breeder- Hazeley Stud

My last but by no means least, horse to follow is Enemy Coast Ahead. He's been brilliant so far for his connections, he simply doesn't know how to run a bad race. He's raced five times, he's won four of those. On the face of it though, he lost nothing in defeat, he was second in this race. I think that's really a testament to his ability however, it was soft ground. He's won every start on good ground, clearly indicating his preference for a sounder surface. This is a novice hurdler you need to sit up, and take note of. He is special.

His first day at the races came at Stratford in 2019. He'd line up in a NH flat race. He won as he liked, winning by a distance of 10L under Noel George, he could of won by half the track if he wanted to! He was really impressive and I immediately singled him out as a potential grade performer, (ambitious from a debut performance I know). However I just had a feeling the McNeill's had a good one on their hands.

Enemy Coast Ahead's second start on the track is currently the only loss to his name, as I said it was on soft ground. Besides, he was still second so I'm taking it as a massive positive. He made his seasonal reappearance when winning at Southwell. He won by half a length this day, after making a mess of the second last hurdle. However, he showed battling qualities to really dig deep and run down Medalla De Oro in the final strides. It was a game victory, and one I think he learnt plenty from. He then raced again at Southwell, just a couple of weeks later. This time however, he jumped really efficiently and won easily, by 11L. 

However, it was his last victory that impressed me the most. This horse has a serious engine and he's so tough. He would line up at Uttoxeter, again just a couple weeks after his last race. At Uttoxeter though, he had a double penalty to carry. The eventual second had a stone in hand, and the third more than a stone. This would prove to be no bother to Enemy, as again he won by a wide margin... 20L. 20L, with a double penalty. I had to reiterate it because that's no ordinary feat! This horse wins, and wins well. His cumulative winning distance is just over 41L, in four winning races. 

I think he's going to be a star for the McNeill family and Olly Murphy, I'm so excited to see this 6yo on the track again.

"He's a horse we think an awful lot of."

I spoke with the McNeill family, about Enemy. Here's what they had to say. "Enemy Coast Ahead is having a break, having been on the go a while. He's a horse we think an awful lot of and he'll be back in January time, to run in at least one handicap. After that, we'll see where we go. We might look at the Lanzarote or the race Olly won last year with Thomas Darby. He might have a wind operation before his next run.

So his owners clearly think he's a nice horse, the McNeill family have had, and have some smart ones too. He was one of the first names in my ten to follow, which was written in no particular order. 

Enemy Coast Ahead, remember the name.

So that's my list done. But I've spoken with Paul Kealy for his NH one to follow. He currently works as  a Racing Post and Weekender tipster. He's a very successful punter, and held in the highest regard by many. Thanks, Paul!

Paul Kealy's one to follow:

Allaho

Trainer- W P Mullins

Owner- Cheveley Park Stud

Sire- No Risk At All

Dam- Idaho Falls

Breeder- Eric Leffray

"I believe Allaho is going to be a little underrated this year, as he run out in three Grade 1's over 3m and been run out of matters late. However, he has still shown high class form on each occasion and it is still worth remembering he is still lightly raced and only six. Whether he would truly stay the Gold Cup trip is another matter but he was only beaten 2L in the RSA, despite stumbling twice. He's definitely a Grade 1 chaser from 2m4f to 3m and I'm convinced there's much more to come."

Again, thanks so much to everyone I've spoken to with regards to their horse. It's been a joy writing this and gaining a real insight into each horse. Everyone I've chatted with has been so kind! Special thanks to Paul Kealy, I appreciate his input massively. 

I hope everyone has enjoyed reading my ten to follow, there will be plenty more posts on my blog to come. I'm going to be doing something a little different in the coming weeks and months. If you have enjoyed reading this, be sure to give me a follow on Twitter- "@HarryHaskell4" and comment your NH horse to follow.

Good luck!