Bertimont romp wasn’t a fluke

PART two of Chronicle racing correspondent Keith McHugh’s pick of the 20 National Hunt horses to follow this season.

There are horses from many of the country’s smaller yards that sneak under the bookmakers’ radar when it comes to their prices.

The top 10, which I examined last week – are Aurore D’Estruval, Carraig Mor, Claret Cloak, Dell’ Arca, Diamond King, Irish Saint, Many Clouds, Royal Regatta, Taquin Du Seuil, West Wizard.

Aurore D’Estruval and Many Clouds both won at the weekend, while Claret Cloak, Taquin Du Seuil and Carraig Mor have finished second and Royal Regatta third.

Here are the rest of my top 20

BALLYCULLA (trained by Warren Greatex): Did well in handicap hurdles last season, winning two and rounding off with a decent second at Cheltenham. Jumping and stamina are his trump cards, so long-distance novices chases are likely to be on the agenda this time..

BERTIMONT (Dan Skelton): Was given a ridiculously easy lead when sluicing up in avaluable Chepstow handicap hurdle on his first run for Skelton, so it could be that his form in that race is underrated. I was especially taken by Bertimont’s slick jumping and expect him to win another handicap or two this season.

EWINGS (Ben Pauling): Nicky Henderson’s former assistant has made a bright start to his training career and this four-year-old could be a decent prospect for him. Runner-up in an Irish point to point, he is said to be a strong sort who will make an impact over hurdles.

LEO LUNA (Gary Moore): Pitched in at the deep end on his chasing debut at Chepstow, Leo Luna was pulled up five fences from home. That race, won by the hugely-promising Sausalito Sunrise, contained some well-regarded types and Leo Luna, who is himself highly rated by his trainer, can do well when his sights are lowered.

LORD WISHES (James Ewart): Missed last season with a fractured pelvis so he has something to prove when returning to action. However, Lord Wishes was a most progressive novice hurdler before his injury and is about to embark on a chasing career. Should make his mark on the Northern tracks.

OSCARTEEA (Anthony Honeyball): Thought good enough to run in the Cheltenham Festival Bumper, Oscarteea was far from disgraced in finishing 10th beaten just over 13 lengths by the smart Silver Concorde. Has schooled well in readiness for a novice hurdle campaign.

RHYTHM STAR (Jamie Snowden): Won bumpers at Fontwell and Taunton last season and has reportedly schooled brilliantly at home. One to keep a close eye on as the season progresses.

SAINT RAPH (Robert Walford): Ex-French hurdler and chaser who is a recent acquisition for his stable. Likely to be kept to two-mile handicap chases, this free going sort can make his mark, particularly when the mud is flying.

THEATREBAR (Tom Symonds): Performed quite well in novice hurdles last season, winning at Ludlow. Has always been regarded as a chaser by his trainer and will get the chance to prove his judgement right when he makes his bow in that sphere.

ZULU OSCAR (Harry Fry): Horses which win two bumpers tend to be above average, and this fellow should be no different. Alas, he fell on his hurdling debut at Kempton when well fancied, but he should soon put that blip behind him and make up into a decent novice hurdler for his excellent young trainer.