AD HOC brown gelding Strong Gale - Knockartic
Trained by - Paul Nicholls
Comments - Ad Hoc, a winner and placed in Point-to-points two seasons ago more than exceeded my expectation of him last season, A winner of his final three starts culminating in a very easy win at Ayr on Scottish Grand National day. The move to Paul Nicholls is significant and this horse definitely will be going places this term

AFICION (FR) bay gelding Esprit Du Nord (U.S.A.) - Becerrada (FR)
Trained by -?
Comments - very useful chaser/hurdler in France who failed a vets inspection otherwise he would now in be Martin Pipe's care. Obviously there was an interest there, and it wouldn't surprise m e to see him appear here this winter

AONFOCALELIE bay gelding Be My Native (U.S.A.) - Stamp of Glory
Trained by - Venetia Williams
Comments - Aonfocalelie ran respectably last term in Ireland over hurdles and fences. He could be a very shrewd purchase. Very little mileage on the clock, and the winner one two races under rules, could do really well around the smaller tracks once acclimatised

BLACK BULLET (NZ) brown gelding Silver Pistol (AUS) - Monte d'Oro (NZ)
Trained by - Andy P Streeter
Comments - Black Bullet was still on the weak side last term, but still was able to win a couple of chases last term, his jumping more than anything improved throughout the season. There are plenty of races round the circuit that he can plunder again this term

BLEU SUPERBE (FR) brown gelding Epervier Bleu - Brett's Dream (FR) 
Trained by - Venetia Williams
Comments - An interesting import from France, Bleu Supebre was last seen running creditably behind crack Italian hurdler Saddlers Bay at Capagnelle. He won two races the previous season and for one so young (he's only five), he has plenty of mileage on the clock. Hard to know exactly how good he is, but he could well surprise in a decent handicap

BLOOMFIELD STORM bay gelding Glacial Storm (U.S.A.) - Mylie's Response
Trained by - Kim Bailey
Comments - One of last season's list who I must profess did better than I expected. He won two novice chases last season, whilst the first was a very bad race. The contest he won at Leicester looked a good event. He did not come down in the ratings for his three subsequent defeats and consequently a handicap mark in the high 120s, may be very harsh for what he actually achieved, and therefore whilst I hope he improves this term, He may be very difficult to place. 

BOUCHASSON (FR) bay gelding Big John - Kizil-Ayak
Trained by - Phillip J Hobbs
Comments - Last season didn't go according to script after blossoming into a useful performer in winning races at Ayr and Punchestown in his novice year. He hardly showed anything and frankly disapointed. In many ways that makes him more interesting as there was plenty of scope for further improvement, and he may still make an impact this term, though maybe not quite at the level we originally imagined

CARLOVENT (FR) brown gelding Cadoudal (FR) - Carlaya (FR)
Trained by - Martin C Pipe
Comments - Multi-winner Carlovent, carried all before him last term over hurdles. He was most impressive over Wolverhampton' s small fences/hurdles. After disappointing he defied top weight to win the Free Handicap Hurdle, giving the impression that a longer trip should suit. He has only been beaten once in this country when running around left handed tracks, and should be overlooked until proving that he can act on right handed tracked Carlovent should have another good season over fences

CATFISH KEITH bay gelding Be My Native (U.S.A.) - Diklers Run
Trained by - Henrietta C Knight
Comments - Catfish Keith is a very striking individual, who took to fences better than I thought he would last term. He was a little inconsistent, but ended on a positive note following home Exit Swinger at a respectable distance. Sure to come on again this term, he should win races if well placed by Henrietta 

CURLY SPENCER brown gelding Yashgan - Tim's Brief
Trained By - Alan Parker
Comments - Former point-to-pointer Curly Spencer did just about everything last season, having run under all three codes of 'rules racing' in his first season. Although he ran respectably in bumpers and over hurdles, he began to come into his own once put back over fences, winning twice at Hexham and Carlisle. This may well be his level (I suspect he's a bit better than that), but they are races to be taken around these sorts of venue with him this term

EDELWEIS DU MOULIN (FR) bay gelding Lute Antique (FR) - Tulipe du Moulin (FR)
Trained by - Venetia M Williams
Comments - i'm convinced this horse is to class to win a top class race, but whilst he's confirmed he possess class, he continues flatters to deceive in Grade 1 events. He also missed last season due to injury. The good news is that he is back in full work and should have a longer campaign this term.... Frankly he could be anything, but if he is still in the form that enabled him to pulverised a useful at Aintree, he is still capable of taking a decent prize this winter

EXIT SWINGER (FR) bay gelding Exit To Nowhere (U.S.A.) - Morganella (FR)
Trained by - Martin Pipe 
Comments - If his win at Sandown, (overshadowed by Beau's demolition of his opponents in the Whitbread) is anything to go by Martin Pipe has a top class handicap chaser on his hands. He was a very easy winner that day, his first run over British fences, the fact he ran respectably over hurdles prior to that lends weight to this hope

EXTRA JACK (FR) bay gelding Neustrien (FR) - Union Jack Iii (FR)
Trained by - Paul Nicholls
Comments - Extra Jack is a half-brother to Djeddah, though seems to prefer softer ground. Once a decent handicapper in France, he missed the whole of 1998 due to injury, he disapointed in his effort there, but looked interesting of his British debut sauntering home in a Stratford novice hurdle. Interesting if well placed 

FADALKO (FR) bay gelding Cadoudal (FR) - Kalliste (FR)
Trained By - Paul Nicholls
Comments - Fadalko is a likeable sort who it is a relief to be able to include again after an X-rated fall at Ayr on Scottish Grand National day. He was a bit in and out last term, which may explain why he went off at a large price for the Arkle. He was travelling well when tipping, and then frustrated his supporters who though t he would have gone well that day, by making Stormyfairweather pull out all of the stops in the Cathcart two days later. If he gets over the Ayr experience he could be an interesting 2 - 2 1/2 mile horse this season

FADOUDAL DU COCHET (FR) bay gelding Cadoudal (FR) - Eau de Vie (FR)
Trained by - Arthur L T Moore in Ireland
Comments - Fadoudal du Cochet was given a quiet and low introduction to chasing, showing a bit of ability, enough to hopefully exploit a lenient handicap mark by the end of the season

FARD DU MOULIN MAS (FR) brown gelding Morespeed - Soiree d'Ex (FR)
Merrick E D Francis
Winner over hurdles/fences in France, Fard du Moulin Mas may be hard to place this term, but certainly should be seen to good effect, especially when he gains a proper handicap mark

FLEUR DU CHENET (FR) grey mare Northern Fashion (U.S.A.) - Sezanne (FR)
Trained by - A L T Moore 
Comments - Fleur Du Chenet is another interesting French import at Arthur Moore yard. Unlike many of the horses he purchases which are stores horses, Fleur Du Chenet can boast an impressive record in both the provinces, and also when she tried her luck against established stars at Auteuil (She has solid placed form behind Djeddah, and Extra Jack). It will be interesting to see how she's placed this winter

FOLY PLEASANT (FR) chestnut gelding Vaguely Pleasant (FR) - Jeffologie (FR)
Trained by - Henrietta Knight
Comments - Foly Pleasant posted two good seconds off of automatic top-weight at Chepstow and Stratford last autumn. He has the same owner and trainer as Edredon Bleu, and a similar sort of profile before coming over here - a multiple winner at 2m-2m4f in the French provinces. Another who should (hopefully) improve on last season's effort to win this term 

FULIP (FR) bay gelding Cap Martin (FR) - Tulip d'Avril (FR)
Trained by - Francois Doumen in France
Comments -People forget how well Fulip ran in the 1998 Sun Alliance Chase. Whilst Florida Pearl and Escartefigue had the first of their numerous battles, Fulip ran a corker behind, finishing over 15 lengths behind, after knocking himself at one of the latter obstacles. He has come back from that injury and has already won a decent prize at Auteuil. He could still one of a number of interesting animals Mr Doumen may bring to these shores 

GADZ'ART (FR) bay gelding Art Bleu - Naftane 
Trained by - Kim Bailey
Comments - I was initially slightly surprised to hear that Gadz'art is going to be trained by Kim Bailey, but with hindsight I actually wonder whether that isn't actually a good move on the owners part. 

Christopher Iles on our website's FOCUS ON FRANCE section wrote of him "Gadz'art - won the Prix Montgomery (a rough equivalent of the Hennessy) last autumn, but hasn't had the pace when running against the best chasers in France. He finished a very distant ninth in the Grand Steeplechase de Paris this May, and may well not have stayed the 3m5f trip".

Its hard to gauge how he'll figure, as Gadz'art in all honesty isn't likely to be well handicapped, but he's interesting and may well appreciate/benefit from a softly softly approach.... Or that's what I'll be hoping anyway

GILL'S HONEY grey mare Celio Rufo - Jim's Honey
Trained by - Edward O'Grady
Comments - An interesting mare that progressed throughout the season, as her jumping improved. There are plenty of races in the Irish calendar for a mare with her credentials

HESCONDIDO (FR) grey gelding Dadarissime (FR) - Vahine De Prairie (FR)
Trained by - Miss Venetia Williams
Comments - Hescondido looked to be a nice staying handicapper in the making last term, but a little on the weak side. He failed to really get home when tried over 3 Miles, but won at 2 ½ miles at Wetherby. Assuming he strengthens up over the summer he could be a nice horse to follow this winter

HUGO DE GREZ (FR) bay gelding Useful (FR) - Piqua Des Gres (FR)
Trained by - Alan Parker
Comments - Hugo Des Grez is a lovely stamp of horse who progressed throughout the season, as his jumping improved. Any horse that can gallop up the Carlisle straight with his enthusiasm (He did so three times) must be worth following in staying handicaps in the north this term. 

KADOU NONAINTAIS (FR) bay gelding Cadoudal (FR) - Belle Nonantaise (FR)
Trained by - Oliver M C Sherwood
Comments - Carried all before him then before falling at the Cheltenham Festival. Sustained an injury and only had a light campaign, frankly showing none of his spark until his final effort over hurdles when he signalled signs of a possible return. Risky as he may have 'gone' but extremely interesting if he hasn't

KAKI CRAZY (FR) bay gelding Passing Sale (FR) - Radiante Rose (FR)
Trained by - Martin Pipe
Comments - An interesting chasing prospect with Martin Pipe; Kaki Crazy has got good form having won in the provinces, and on three occasions at Auteuil. He'd have been worth trying against the better chasers in France, and could be interesting in taking to British obstacles - something like the Tripleprint, if that's the right trip. He has run mainly on heavy ground, but I would have thought he'd go on ground, which has juice in it

KINGSMARK grey gelding Roselier (FR) - Gaye Le Moss
Trained by - Martin Todhunter
Comments - Kingsmark looked useful in winning novice hurdles throughout his initial season. Disappointed really last term over fences, but hinted strongly that there was better to come. The move up north to Martin Todhunter may prove a blessing in disguise, as there will be plenty of opportunities to exploit with a horse of his ability

KORAKOR (FR) chestnut gelding Nikos - Aniflore (FR) 
Trained by - Tim Easterby 
Comments - Very useful 2m4f chaser in France, who ended up running 6th of 12 in one of their most valuable races, the Prix Georges Courtois, last November. He's had 3 runs in handicaps here, and didn't run to that level. As a result he may be well in and is the subject of good reports in the yard. He's been lightly raced, and may be prone to minor injuries.

LISLAUGHTIN ABBEY chestnut gelding Nicholas Bill - Kates Fling (U.S.A.)
Trained by - Owen Brennan
Comments - Fakenham specialist who excels around there. Another shrewd Owen Brennan purchase; this individual rewarded him with a couple of victories around the gaffs. Honest enough and should continue in that vain this season

MALBOROUGH brown gelding Strong Gale - Wrekenogan
Trained by - Nicky J Henderson
Comments - Gold Cup outsider? …. Not beyond the realms of possibility. Malborough hopefully appears to have put his sloppy jumping to rights. A good 2nd to Gloria Victis in the Racing Post Chase, and his win over Beau at Cheltenham serve notice to this. Actually it's also worth noting how ell he travelled in the Scottish National until he went wrong. Thankfully no real damage was done that day and he could well improve on that form this season

ORSUNO (GER) brown gelding Konigsstuhl (GER) - Orvida (FR)
Trained by - Venetia Williams
Comments - Orsuno could be a really shrewd buy from Micky Hammond. He ran well over fences but threw a few opportunities away. Having only cost 17,000 at the Doncaster sales, it wouldn't surprise me if He repays that money back with interest this winter 

PRINCE SORINIERES (FR) brown gelding Valanjou (FR) - Somewhat Better
Trained By - Martin Pipe
Comments - Prince Sorinieres has some good form last season, not least only being beaten a neck by the Arkle winner Tiutchev at Exeter last December (when carrying a penalty for a win in France). He will now go handicap chasing and should win races if well placed by Mr Pipe.

RELAXATION bay gelding Orchestra - Lets Cruise
Trained by - Henry D J Daly
Comments - Relaxation got into last term's list after me seeing him in a point-to-point. He's a big, strong galloper, who did well in novice chases before routing a good field the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham in March. If he is capable of further improvement (I'd hope so, considering how little mileage on the clock) He must be capable of taking one of the better staying events this term.

ROBBO § bay gelding Robellino - Basha
Trained by - Mary Reverley 
Comments - Robbo comes with a Government Health warning, as he doesn't always go through with a challenge. That said he took to fences well last season, winning four in all. Soft ground and blinkers suit him. Kept to his grade he'll find races, though his resolution may come into question more this term

SAMAKAAN bay gelding Darshaan - Samarzana (U.S.A.)
Trained by - Miss Venetia Williams
Comments - Formerly useful hurdler, Samakaan really impressed last season in his first season over fences, (one of the easiest winners at last years festival) and could well take high honours this winter in handicap company

SAWA-ID bay gelding Anshan - Bermuda Lily
Trained by - Miss Venetia Williams
Comments - Sawa-Id is another really shrewd buy from Ireland. He ran well over fences and won his last start, but this useful sort was always going to hard to place over there. There are plenty of 2 - 2 1/2 miles races around the country that he can be placed in

SAXOPHONE bay gelding Supreme Leader - Kitty Cullen
Trained By - J T R Dreaper
Comments - Apart from a disappointing run in the Irish Grand National, when arguably the ground was too fast, Saxophone has had a good introduction to steeplechasing. He won three times last term, and also ran well in defeat behind Native Upmanship and Alexander Banquet. With that experience now behind him, he may be a formidable force in handicap chases this season, and could progress enough to encroach on the Gold Cup picture

SAXTEAD MILL bay gelding Kings Ride - Toi Figures 
Trained by - C M Kinane 
Comments - Saxtead Mill could be another interesting handicapper this season. I liked the way Saxtead Mill disposed of a useful field at Ascot. He hasn't been seen since, but if he's ok will surely win plenty more races 

SILVER TOP (FR) bay gelding Sheyrann - Mary De L'Orne (FR) 
Trained by -Venetia Williams 
Comments - The champion 3-year-old chaser and hurdler in France in autumn 1998, and came within a neck of repeating the double in spring 1999. With that background, his British debut was a bit of a flop and it may well be worth noting Christopher Iles comments on him "Seeing him beaten in the 1999 Prix Ferdinand Dufaure was an experience likely to stay in my mind for a long while, as he threw away a certain victory on the run-in to be beaten by the 75/1 shot Arlas, who has not exactly boosted the form since".... We've been warned 

STRONG CABINET brown gelding Strong Gale - The Furnituremaker 
Trained by -Richard Rowe 
Comments - Strong Cabinet is taking his time to get the hang of this game but did manage to win last term at Wincanton, and definitely appears to be on the upgrade. Maybe the high opinion once held of him by Venetia Williams when in her care may prove accurate.  

SULPHUR SPRINGS chestnut gelding Don't Forget Me - Short Wave (FR)
Trained by - Martin Pipe/Nigel Allen 
Comments - Sulphur Springs amazingly hasn't won under rules, but contested some very high-class races whilst in France, placing in some valuable handicaps and finishing a rather distant 6th of 8 in the 1999 Grand Steeplechase de Paris. Ridden by his veteran owner last season, he won a couple of point-to-points setting a searching pace and taking no prisoners, and posted some very quick times when winning at Tweseldown and Larkhill, some of the stiffer tracks on the circuit. He almost certainly would have been placed but for suffering very bad interference after the water jump, second time around in the National Hunt Chase, the most striking feature of watching that race was the amount of ground he made up in the last mile. A 52 length defeat seems a lot, but I assure it could have been a lot worse!!!. As he's still effective eligible for novice chases, he could clean up around the gaffs, but he may be a little better than that 

TENSEESEE (FR) chestnut gelding Murmure (FR) - Chattanooga Choo (FR)
Trained by - Nicky J Henderson
Comments - Tenseesee arrived from France after being successful over hurdles and fences (3 times). He looked an interesting prospect when cruising to victory at Doncaster on his debut in England, but failed to live up to that form afterward. I'm prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt, and support over whichever code he races on this winter

THE BOUNDER bay gelding Uncle Pokey - Young Romance 
Trained By - C Tizzard
Comments - Injury blighted but talented 10 year old...... what might he have achieved but for injury?.... we'll never know. Ran a corker on his only start last year, when pulling up at Wincanton when leading a field including Malborough, Spendid, and Rash Remarks a merry dance. I hope he gets that one decent win which he deserves  

THE TEXAN (NZ) grey gelding Oak Ridge (FR) - Sorority (NZ) 
Trained By - H D Daly
Comments - A fun horse, but an able one, having winning form at Auteuil in June 1999. Obviously hasn't been easy to train since but a well beaten, but creditable 2nd to Toto Toscato is good handicap form, and Henry Daly should be able to find races for him this season 

TOTO TOSCATO (FR) brown gelding Lesotho (U.S.A.) -Tosca De Bellouet (FR)
Trained By - Alan King
Comments - Interesting season ahead for Toto Toscato, as there isn't much doubt that he has still got more improvement in him at distances above 2 1/2 Miles, if judged on his efforts of last season. A length defeat by Lord Noelie reads encouragingly, and he has reportedly strengthened up during the summer. This is a difficult season for second season chasers, and its conceivable that he runs well but wins nothing ...lets hope not

UP FOR THE GAME bay gelding Roselier (FR) - Ballybeg Maid
Trained By - E J O´Grady
Comments - For a horse who started last season being talked up as a 4miler chaser, it was amazing to see Up For the Game cruise home over 2 miles at Cork on his first start over fences. He clearly has potential though; a short head defeat by Saxophone, and an unlucky fall subsequently at Leopardstown serve notice that this horse could be worth keeping the right side of this term

YOUNG SPARTACUS bay gelding Teenoso (U.S.A.) - Celtic Slave 
Trained By - Henry Daly
Comments - After defeating Toto Toscato on his seasonal bow, Young Spartacus ran well in four further racecourse appearances, finishing 2nd on three occasion, before falling in the Cathcart at the Cheltenham Festival. Should make up into a nice handicapper this season

CENKOS (FR) chestnut gelding Nikos - Vincensza
Trained by - Oliver M C Sherwood
Comments - Cenkos', move to Oliver Sherwood from Kim Bailey's yard last term after only one run in this country over hurdles, when slightly disappointing behind Zafarabad, He wasn't rushed and was given time to acclimatise. This seems to have totally transformed this individual. After some unhappy experience over fences, he really blossomed in the second half of the season, finishing second to Tiutchev in the Arkle, winning the equivalent event at the Aintree Festival, and over just getting touched off by Get Real in the Champion 2 mile event at the Punchestown Festival. He had eleven runs last term, more than ideal really, the key though to him will be whether his jumping holds ... if it does then he may be one of he main protagonist in the 2 mile bracket this term 

CYFOR MALTA (FR) bay gelding Cyborg (FR) - Force Nine (FR) 
Trained by - Martin Pipe,
Comments - On the Pillar Chase form, where he beat See More Business, and Go Ballistic fair and square, Cyfor Malta would surely have gone close in the 1999 Gold Cup. Unfortunately he picked up a minor injury and missed the race, but has been kept ticking over since was in light training by the of last season

Can Cyfor Malta come back?

Well, we know he was sound last March. We also know he has had as much work as they wanted to give him, since then, (Martin Pipe, has shown us this last March, and he confirmed that to me a few months ago). I can't see that the ability he once had has suddenly ebbed away because of a 'minor' injury. In actual fact considering some of the comments made about the abuse of his horses, it is refreshing that Martin Pipe, has done the best thing he could have for Cyfor Malta, and given him time off (a) to get over his injury, and (b) more importantly, a chance to mature. If he hadn't have done that, the comments made about this horses' temperament may well have come true. 

As for horses not coming back, some of the horses quoted in the market have sustained as bad if not worse injuries than this horse, but still hold sway. Although I haven't committed myself yet (of course not, its far too soon) I'd have no hesitation in dipping into the Gold Cup Ante- post market on Cyfor Malta. Martin Pipe confirmed in his Stable Tour article in the Racing Post that he would have a light campaign, which isn't unusual, as he has had light campaign since his first season here. He may lose because he isn't good enough, or doesn't quite get home, but Cyfor Malta isn't going to lose races because of the injury he sustained. He should have another good season

FIRST GOLD (FR) bay gelding Shafoun (FR) - Nuit D'Or Ii (FR)
Trained By - Francois Doumen
Comments - A dark horse for the Gold Cup? Definitely if this formerly top class chaser in France's recent efforts are anything to go by First Gold won the 1998 Grand Steeplechase de Paris when only five, but missed the next 20 months with leg problems. The fact that he has won twice, and is showing signs that he is as good as ever suggest that he could be 'the joker' in the Gold Cup equation. Must be given serious consideration on any of his British sorties

NATIVE UPMANSHIP chestnut gelding Be My Native (U.S.A.) - Hi' Upham 
Trained By - A L T Moore
Comments - Thought he had a good season and I wouldn't hold his defeat by Lord Noelie against him in the Sun Alliance Chase as regardless whose the better of the two there is little doubt that the ground was a little too quick for him. He's a good horse who should find opportunity in this difficult transitional year as he has enough pace to win at 2 1/2 miles, and there are plenty of opportunities to get his name on the board. Certain he'll be a better horse next year 

RINCE RI chestnut gelding Orchestra - Mildred's Ball
Trained By - T M Walsh
Comments - Rince Ri coped really well with that awkward transition from novice to accomplish chaser. He improved steadily since he finished a well-beaten third in the Troytown at Navan in November, and after running a better race in the John Durkan at Punchestown, took Florida Pearl's scalp at Leopardstown next time out. After disappointing in the Hennessy Gold Cup was in the process of running a blinder when unseating his pilot three out in the Gold Cup, when travelling well at the time. Bound to have improved again and could well another pattern chase this winter

TIUTCHEV bay gelding Soviet Star (U.S.A.) - Cut Ahead
Trained By - N J Henderson
Comments - It's amazing how much this horse improved last term. He jumping was shoddy when Prince Sorinieres should have beaten him at Exeter on his debut, and whilst it progressed throughout he season, you would never have imagined that after that success at Exeter that he would have won the Arkle chase with such style, and the equivalent event at Punchestown with such authority. Hopefully his poor jumping is a thing of the past and therefore expect him to take high rank this winter in the 2-mile division