With the racing taking a well-deserved break for Christmas, Paul Ferguson draws on his vast knowledge to give you two future prospects.
Leading Irish trainer Willie Mullins was enjoying a fine time of things before the weather turned for the worse, saddling five winners during the last four days of racing (12 Dec – 16 Dec).
Below are a couple of novice hurdlers that won County Carlow handler and will be worth following in the weeks ahead.
Bishopsfurze
A dual bumper winner last term, he made an impressive winning debut over hurdles at Cork a couple of weeks ago, after which his trainer said schooling hadn’t really gone to plan.
With that in mind, the five-year-old is likely to improve for experience and also once stepped up in trip, as he gives the impression he’ll be suited by 2m4f and beyond.
The son of Broadway Flyer has only suffered defeat once in his life to date, when seventh in the Champion Bumper, after which he beat Go All The Way (subsequently sold for £310,000) and impressive Newbury winner Kid Cassidy at the Punchestown Festival.
Zaidpour
An impressive winner on debut at Punchestown in November, he made it two from two in facile fashion at Fairyhouse last week, where he toyed with some smart rivals in the Grade 1 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle.
It’s been a while since a young hurdler has made such an immediate impression on me and the four-year-old looks destined for the very top.
Entered in the Champion Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas, he is then likely to be aimed at the Supreme Novices’ at Cheltenham and, while it may seem premature, the son of Red Ransom already has me thinking of the 2012 Champion Hurdle – you read it here first!
Paul Ferguson’s Jumpers To Follow 2010-11 is available hot off the press from the 1st October for just £9.99
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Last year’s selections included:
Hurricane Fly: 3/1 winner of the G1 Rabobank Champion Hurdle
Copper Bleu: 12/1 winner of the Jewson at Cheltenham
Great Endeavour: 18/1 winner of the Festival Plate
Tranguil Sea: 11/2 winner of the Paddy Power Gold Cup
Sizing Europe: 6/1 winner of the Arkle
Weapon’s Amnesty: 10/1 winner of the RSA Chase
