Cotton looks the right material

OLDHAM Evening Chronicle racing correspondent Keith McHugh - currently leading the Racing Post Naps Table for tipsters nationwide - reveals his 10 jumpers to follow over the winter (and 20 if you check him out in print or in the eChron).


AEGEAN DAWN (trained by Robert Walford): Formerly trained by Nicky Henderson, this powerful sort looks a fine propect for his rookie trainer. Has always looked a chaser in the making and will be out over fences soon.

ALAND ISLANDS (Tim Vaughan): One of a number of nice young horses from an upwardly-mobile stable. Goes novice chasing and could take high rank.

BLESS THE WINGS (Alan King): Winning novice chaser, who looked to have matured significantly when winning on his reappearance in a handicap at Wetherby. Should remain competitive in decent races.

CASH AND GO (Nicky Henderson): A leading novice in Ireland last season, he was found to be lame after being beaten for the first time at Leopardstown. As a result, this new Henderson inmate is well handicapped for a horse of his class.

CLARET CLOAK (Emma Lavelle): Decent novice hurdler, who shaped really well when third to Raya Star in a hot handicap at Ascot on Saturday. Looks sure to win a nice race this term.

COTTON MILL (John Ferguson): Came down two flights from home in last season’s Neptune Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, but for which he might have given the brilliant Simonsig a tough race. Well handicapped and a drop to two miles won’t be a problem.

DYNASTE (David Pipe): Smart performer last season, displaying a fine hurdling technique. If translating that jumping ability to fences, this grey will surely take high rank.

FINGAL BAY (Philip Hobbs): Top-class novice hurdler, who made a successful start over fences at Chepstow last month. Never does more than required, but is hugely talented and bound for all the top novice chases.

GRANDS CRUS (David Pipe): Flopped in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham, which means he is nicely handicapped for a crack at the Paddy Power Gold Cup on Saturday week. Could also be a King George horse for Kempton on Boxing Day.

HIGHLAND LODGE (Emma Lavelle): Decent hurdler, but built like a chaser and ready to make his debut over the bigger obstacles. The apple of his trainer’s eye.