Horses To Follow

The following horses have caught the eye of our racereaders in recent weeks and could worth watching out for in the future.

NATIONAL HUNT

Asymmetric Sam appeared unlucky not to make a winning debut in a Thurles 4yo winners contest, Jan 28th. The Jimmy Mangan-trained son of Dilshaan travelled strongly to make up good ground 3 out and looked to have the measure of Politeo when overjumping the last and paying the price. A maiden hurdle looks a formality before going on to better things. Trained by J J Mangan.

Sports Line remains a potentially top-notch novice chaser despite his defeat to An Cathaoir Mor in the Arkle Chase at Leopardstown, Jan 24th. Having impressed like no other debutant over fences this term at Navan in November, his chances were compromised by racing close to what appeared too strong a pace at Leopardstown, eventually being worn down late by the patiently-ridden winner. A sound jumper, very professional in his attitude he remains capable of better. Trained by W P Mullins.

Rite Of Passage looks a top-notch novice hurdler in the making. Not far off the best in bumpers last season - winning twice and finishing fourth to Dunguib at Cheltenham - he had shown very smart form in winning both his outings on the flat including when thrashing the very smart hurdler, Donnas Palm in the Leopardstown November Handicap before his hurdling bow at Leopardstown, Jan 24th. Jumping a little big early on the son of Giant's Causeway warmed to the task and despite allowing his main market rival Grey Soldier first run when accidentally forced wide off the home turn, the 6yo showed real class to quicken up well from the last to score with ease. He reportedly avoids Dunguib and instead looks a worthy favourite for the Neptune Novices on the Wednesday at Cheltenham. Trained by D K Weld.

Another Cliche made an impressive debut in a Limerick mares bumper, Jan 24th, coming from off the pace with a fine turn of foot inside the final furlong to beat eight older rivals. A 4yo half-sister to the stable's top chaser, Joncol, she may now head for the valuable Bewleys fillies bumper at the Punchestown Festival and has it all before her. Trained by P Nolan.

Prospective high-class juvenile hurdlers look thin on the ground at this stage of the season but one with a big future looks to be Secant Star, who put behind him an unfortunate last flight spill when a certain winner on his debut at Leopardstown over Christmas to land long odds at Gowran, Jan 21st. Making virtually all and jumping soundly, he had the race won two out, the French AQPS winner having plenty of scope and looking very much one to follow. Trained by W P Mullins.

Despite a dismal run last time at Thurles, Jan 17th Thegreatjohnbrowne looks a fine long-term prospect for the Noel Meade stable. Winner of bumpers at Naas and Navan in December, he was never really travelling over hurdles at Thurles, eventually pulled up and dismounted. No reason was forthcoming but one can envisage the strapping son of Beneficial coming into his own when put over fences and being professionally-ridden. Trained by N Meade.

Last Updated: 02-Feb-2010