The horse racing broadcasters pick out the most promising novice chasers heading into the National Hunt season, including Ballyburn and Gidleigh Park.
GARY O’BRIEN
Ballyburn
No prizes for originality here but Ballyburn is one of the most exciting performers on the National Hunt scene and the sky really does appear to be the limit. He carried all before him last season and could take any number of paths this term, but connections will surely be viewing him as a Gold Cup horse in the making.
Inthepocket
A Grade 1 winner as a novice hurdler, and based on his second start over fences at Wexford he should reach the top in that sphere as well. Despite a long layoff, Henry de Bromhead’s gelding slammed Farren Glory – himself a top level scorer – and given his long absence there ought to be plenty of improvement in him.
Gidleigh Park
Harry Fry’s imposing youngster was always marking time as a hurdler and should come into his own over fences this winter. Easily forgiven his eclipse in the Albert Bartlett at last season’s festival when the hold-up tactics backfired, the Walk In The Park gelding had earlier looked a fine prospect in putting together a four-race winning streak.
NICK LIGHTFOOT
Minella Missile
At the start of 2024, Evan Williams was quick to stress that he wanted to take a patient approach with Minella Missile. His defeat of Captain Teague at last year’s November meeting at Cheltenham – when a very big price – was very striking. While we haven’t seen him since as he missed several engagements in the spring, he could be set for a big future over fences. Failing that, he’s rated 138 and they could have some exploring to do in staying hurdles.
Classic King
Don’t forget about Classic King. He is by no means the star act in this list, but there is a decent prize to be won with this six-year-old this season. His jumping fell to bits over hurdles and while he unseated the rider on chase debut – and I know I’m painting a terrible picture for a jumps horse to follow – his second start over fences at Chepstow recently was a touch unlucky as he was in the process of running very well before a faller halted his progress. He might just pop up at a big price one day.
Search For Glory
Two seasons spent in good novice races over hurdles didn’t do Search For Glory any harm. He actually contested successive editions of the Albert Bartlett, so connections have clearly thought enough about him. The way he won on chase debut at Galway really impressed me, in particular how strongly he finished having looked in trouble. I’m not suggesting he’ll be winning a Grade 1 at Cheltenham or Punchestown but he should be involved in some useful staying chases.
Gidleigh Park
Can he rise to the top as a novice chaser? I hope so. Gidleigh Park’s unbeaten record disappeared in the Albert Bartlett at last season’s Cheltenham Festival but that shouldn’t dampen enthusiasm for what might, possibly, definitely, maybe end up being a superb chasing career. His trainer, Harry Fry, has already suggested that the removal of the Turners at the Cheltenham Festival might pose a dilemma when it comes to race planning for his star novice, but at the same time described the decision to remove the race as ‘sensible’. I agree with Harry Fry.
El Rio
The main man on my list. A fibrillating heart was cited as the reason for a lacklustre season 2023/24, but that problem was remedied by the time El Rio thumped his rivals at Huntingdon in early October. He was so full of himself even at the finish that his trainer was left a little shaky after the exuberance the horse showed jumping the last fence. Judge him on that, not last season. A smashing chaser of the future and he’s in very good hands.
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