'Irish contenders hold the key to winning' - Richard Birch makes his selections

There are many attractions of the Tote Ten To Follow, principally the fact that players have the opportunity to win a fortune for a small stake.

It takes place over six months so interest can be maintained until April, particularly if your squad accumulates plenty of points at Cheltenham and Aintree.

You can enter the Tote Ten To Follow here

More points are accrued in higher grade contests so this is a competition which revolves almost exclusively around the best horses and the best races in the jumps season.

Many of the best are trained in Ireland – the results at Cheltenham’s recent Showcase meeting provided further confirmation – which is the reason eight of my list fit that criteria.

was sent off 4-7 favourite for the Ryanair Chase last term and duly pulverised his rivals in the manner his price suggested.

He was unbeaten in four starts last season – three in Grade 1 company – and is clearly the dominant force at around 2m4f.

His thumping win over Clan Des Obeaux in the 3m Punchestown Gold Cup also established him as the likeliest winner of Kempton’s King George VI Chase, a race for which he is tailor-made.

A Plus Tardproduced an unforgettable explosion of sheer power up the hill to land the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March by 15 lengths from Minella Indo.

Constitution Hill comes home clear of the pack, headed by Jonbon, in the Supreme Novices' HurdleCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

I have never seen a horse hit the line in a Gold Cup as strongly as A Plus Tard did that afternoon and, while there are other candidates who will boast plenty of supporters for that race, he’s in pole position to retain his title.

Constitution Hillis another ‘wonder horse’ who wowed the first-day Cheltenham crowd last season in coming home 22 lengths clear of Jonbon in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

That runner-up could also be special, while the third, Kilcruit, has a decent engine too, and is expected to enjoy a rewarding 2022-23 campaign.

Constitution Hill looks every inch a Champion Hurdle winner for Nicky Henderson, who has an exceptional record in the race.

may have been left with the Champion Chase at his mercy after Shishkin blew out, but it was impossible to knock the performance.

Energumene and Paul Townend on their way to victory in the William Hill Champion Chase at PunchestownCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

His subsequent Punchestown win put the finishing touches to a splendid season and he’s one to keep firmly on side again.

Facile Vega, comfortable winner of the Champion Bumper, starts his second campaign unbeaten in four races and is open to lots more improvement.

It says much for the impression Galopin Des Champs made last season in his first season over fences that many firmly believe he will beat A Plus Tard in the Gold Cup.

We’ll have to see about that, but it would be remiss not to include him in this list.

Honeysuckle, unbeaten in 16 starts, is unlikely to meet Constitution Hill until the Champion Hurdle. She landed three Grade 1s away from Cheltenham last term and it would be foolish not to include her, even though Constitution Hill may beat her on the big day.

goes over fences this season, with the Arkle as his stated big-race aim. He oozes class and promises to make an even better chaser than hurdler. He’s very exciting.

Longhouse Poet tanked through most of last season’s Grand National looking the likely winner, but he used up too much energy in the early and middle stages and ultimately paid the price from two out.

His trainer Martin Brassil knows how to win the Aintree showpiece and I’d be inclined to give Longhouse Poet another chance this time around.

Not every Triumph Hurdle winner goes on to great things, but Vauban, who settles beautifully and possesses a striking turn of foot, looks set to win plenty more races.

His Cheltenham-winning form has already been franked this season by Pied Piper’s success on his return to Prestbury Park, and he rates a potentially very smart performer indeed.

Richard Birch's Ten To Follow

Allaho
A Plus Tard
Constitution Hill
Energumene
Facile Vega
Galopin Des Champs
Honeysuckle
Jonbon
Longhouse Poet
Vauban

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