10 jumpers to follow part two: Exciting Irish 4-year-olds feature

We’ve already picked out five horses that could be in for big seasons over the obstacles this term, but it wouldn’t be a 10 to follow if we didn’t add another quintet, would it?

There are plenty of massive targets for connections to aim for as the winter nights draw nearer, with big pots over both hurdles and fences sure to attract attention from both sides of the Irish Sea.

For three of our second installment to keep on side in 2015-16, we’re heading across to the Emerald Isle, with some very familiar colours tipped to be carried to glory again.

Disko – 4-years-old – Noel Meade

In his At The Races stable tour, Noel Meade has talked of how he “is mad about” this gelding, and one expects there could be plenty to more to come in the season ahead.

He was pitched in at the deep end on just his second start in the Grade 1 Bumper at Punchestown after a demolition job over the same course and distance in February.

He had to go wide round the final bend and really knuckled down to nab second place, though whether he would have got to Bellshill with further is unclear.

His handler reports that he is jumping nicely at home, and with the way that he battled on well on his last start, a step up to two-and-a-half miles looks ideal, though he is quoted as a 25/1 chance for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

Petit Mouchoir – 4-years-old – Willie Mullins

The first of our pair hailing from the all-conquering yard of Willie Mullins, though he did spend the 2014-15 season in the care of Gordon Elliott.

He made one start under rules last term, after landing a point-to-point at Kirkistown, where he bolted up over the minimum trip at Punchestown.

The form of that race looks rock solid with four of the eight horses to have run since winning, including hat-trick grabbing Tesseract.

He’s a 14/1 chance for the opener at the Cheltenham Festival, and if proving he can jump a hurdle or two has the engine to win a big prize or two over timber.

Douvan – 5-years-old – Willie Mullins

This one probably needs no introduction having landed the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle last term in blistering fashion, and going the season unbeaten after joining Willie Mullins.

As early as straight after that race the County Carlow supremo described how the gelding “looks like a chaser already”, while a recent update explained how he has “straightened up and filled his frame since last season”.

To think more improvement could be forthcoming may mean opponents are scarce in many of his options this term, but nevertheless he could offer racing fans some big moments in the months to come.

He looks an Arkle type, and after his exploits over hurdles and his handler’s comments, it is easy to see why he is 5/2 favourite for the novices’ chase.

Beltor – 4-years-old – Robert Stephens

The ground was reportedly a bit soft at Cheltenham when Robert Stephen’s charged stayed on for sixth in the Triumph Hurdle, but he pulled like a train, having been held up, and that wouldn’t have done him any favours either.

He was an impressive winner of the Grade 2 Adonis Juvenile Hurdle on just his second start over timber, taking the contest in a very quick time, five lengths ahead of subsequent Grade 1 4-year-old Anniversary Hurdle winner All Yours.

His handler has stated that he looks to be a Christmas Hurdle type, and with his Kempton previous, you wouldn’t rule him out running a big race.

O’Faolains Boy – 8-years-old – Rebecca Curtis

Much will be dependent on how well the 2014 RSA Chase winner returns after a year off, but if he is in the same vein of form as that day at Cheltenham, could be a real dark horse.

He blew out at Aintree, but with minor niggles coming to light after the race, but he can perhaps be forgiven for that run.

The form of his previous performances in three mile chases looks rock solid, with dual Grade 1 winner Carlingford Lough beaten nearly 10 lengths at the Festival and Grand National winner Many Clouds in behind in the Reynoldstown Chase.

Rebecca Curtis has suggested he will be on the Gold Cup trail this term, and is an interesting candidate.

Who are your horses to follow this season? Let us know in the comments box below.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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