Our Tote Ten to Follow

Dual Champion Hurdler who fell for the first time in the race last year and was beaten at Aintree but looked back to his best winning convincingly at Punchestown on final start. His jumping will put many under pressure and should be bang there to make it three Champion Hurdles. Could score some vital points as likely to remain unbeaten in the lead up to the festival in a division lacking depth.

Exciting horse who silenced the doubters staying on dourly to win the Stayers’ Hurdle last season. That was his fifth win in a row and the scary thing is he could improve again with another summer on his back. Clearly the stable star and one of the first horses I thought of when compiling this list.

Off for over 3 years before hacking up by 31 lengths on stable debut for Willie Mullins. I wasn’t overly convinced but certainly caught my eye beating JLT winner Defi Du Seuil stylishly at Punchestown on final start. Could still be anything and definitely one to keep on side going forward. One a few might have forgot about so worth including.

One of the most exciting horses in training right now. Put it altogether to win impressively at Aintree on final start last season. Didn’t touch a twig on return at Carlisle jumping rivals silly and backed that up to beat course specialist Bristol De Mai in the Betfair Chase. Jumping a huge asset and ante-post favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup so he was a cert to be included for me.

Put in a monster performance to beat Lostintranslation in the JLT last season and far from disgraced when second to the exciting Chacun Pour Soi at Punchestown. Showed he still has speed for two miles when beating Politologue in the Shloer on return but two and a half miles his game and a danger to all in that division as looks better than ever. His turn of foot could put many a horse away.

Always been thought to be pretty smart and confirmed that promise winning 3 from 4 over hurdles last season with sole defeat coming when second to City Island in a gruelling Ballymore. Jumped well to make a winning chase debut at Newbury, learning on the job and looking like he’d improve for the run, so looks sure to achieve a high level over fences this season. A very good horse with a big engine.

Surprised connections winning four in a row over hurdles last season improving with every run. Looked crying out for a fence so I was bitterly disappointed when he was beaten at Chepstow on return. On reflection it wasn’t as bad as I had first thought, racing keenly and needing the run. Put that right to win impressively at Wincanton and could be a dark horse for this list. I’ve backed him ante-post for the JLT.

Unbeaten in bumpers concluding with a gutsy win in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham! Made an exciting start over hurdles hacking up at Down Royal and looks a bit of a monster. Expecting big things from him so a must for the novice hurdle division for shrewd trainer. Strong traveller who looks to have a slick technique.