Ten to watch

CHRONICLE racing correspondent Keith McHugh’s 20 horses to follow back at the start of the 2011/12 jumps season included such corkers as Champion Hurdle winner Rock On Ruby, star novice hurdlers Darlan, Fingal Bay and Montbazon, top-class handicap hurdler Raya Star, and 50-1 Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up The Giant Bolster.

Tonight, here are 10 of his 20 to follow on the Flat — if you want the rest, check our print or eChron editions.


ANISEED (trained by William Haggas): Too green to do herself justice as a juvenile and again ran about when third on her reappearance. Can win handicaps once the penny drops.

FENCING (John Gosden): No match for Camelot in the Racing Post Trophy, but held in high regard by his trainer and will find plenty of opportunities.

GABRIAL (Richard Fahey): Won a couple of races as a juvenile, including at Chester. Goes there for the May meeting and will be primed to go close.

JOHNNO (John Hills): Things did not pan out for this colt when second on his reappearance at Wolverhampton, but he can soon make amends and progress throughout the summer..

MAN OF PLENTY (John Dunlop): Signs of inexperience when winning his maiden at Windsor. That was over 10 furlongs, but he already needs further.

MIRACLE MAID (Clive Cox): Showed huge promise when fourth on her only start at Newbury in October. The half-sister to Champion Hurdler Katchit can only get better.

NATHANIEL (John Gosden): Won a messy King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stales at Ascot last summer and fifth from a wide draw in the Champion Stakes at the same track. Will be a tough nut to crack back to a mile and a half on soft ground.

SEARING HEAT (Sir Henry Cecil): Soundly beaten in a couple of three-year-old maidens, but his trainer is optimistic now that one or to physical problems are behind the colt.

TOPTEMPO (Mark Tompkins): Ran well in a couple of two-year-old races last season, but will leave those efforts well behind for her patient trainer.

ZUIDER ZEE (John Gosden): Improved at four when he won the November Handicap at Doncaster. He can do even better this term following his comeback second at Nottingham.