Select a Stable

Forpadydeplasterer

analysis / prospects
Last season's Arkle hero has been a model of consistency throughout his career. Yet to finish outside the first two in all of his starts over fences, connections will now look to take on the established stars of the 2m - 2m4f division. Slight question mark over whether he has the pace to take on Master Minded et al, so the longer distance might suit him best.

Punchestowns

analysis / prospects
Probably achieved more than connections could have hoped for over timber - capping off a fine season with a good second to Big Buck's in the World Hurdle. This giant seven-year-old is a wonderful chasing prospect, and has the ability to go right to the top. The RSA Chase at Cheltenham will be his long-term target, but he could mop up long distance novice events in the run-up to the Festival.

Hurricane Fly

analysis / prospects
Binocular, Punjabi, Celestial Halo and co. beware - Hurricane Fly looks the real deal and is already a shortish-priced favourite for Champion Hurdle glory in March. He was cruelly robbed of his chance at Cheltenham through injury, but still managed to brush aside Supreme Novices' winner Go Native on more than one occasion last season. Looks set for a massive season - dare you leave him out?

Dunguib

analysis / prospects
Last season's champion Bumper horse - turning in several monstrous performances - none more so than at Cheltenham where he turned the race into a complete procession. Duly followed up at Punchestown, but was subsequently disqualified after testing positive for a banned substance. If he transfers his ability to hurdling, then he'll be one of the most exciting novice hurdlers for many a year.

Tatenen

analysis / prospects
Nominated as Paul Nicholls' number one hope for the first bonus race, the Paddy Power. Didn't quite reach the lofty expectations of his connections last season, when falling early in the Arkle and then finding Kalahari King too hot at Aintree. Disappointed at Punchestown too, but all of those races were over 2m and the suspicion is that he'll improve when stepped up to 2m4f. Will be a popular choice, but the jury is still out.

Mikael D'Haguenet

analysis / prospects
One of the stars of last season - unbeaten in all six starts over hurdles - winning the Ballymore at Cheltenham, along with two Grade 1's at Punchestown and Navan, not to mention a couple of Grade 2's along the way. Will now avert his attention to bigger obstacles, where he and Punchestowns look outstanding candidates for top honours. Slight worry about his ability to handle quick ground, but his performance at Cheltenham went a long way to dispel some of those fears. Injury may restrict his appearances to after the new year...

Zaynar

analysis / prospects
Won last season's Triumph Hurdle, beating the smart Walkon in a prolonged battle up the hill. Many would argue he's crying out for further, but Cheltenham's demanding finish seemingly brought the best out of him. Connections will have to opt to take on Big Buck's in the World Hurdle or a whole host of stars in the Champion; whatever he goes for, he should have a big presence.