Ribble Valley a top hurdle prospect in Andrew Thornton's Tote Ten To Follow

I'm expecting big things from Ribble Valley, who deserves to have a crack at the top hurdle races this season.

He's a progressive type for Nicky Richards and after winning well on his comeback at Carlisle following a wind op, you'd like to think he'll head to the Fighting Fifth and then possibly on to the Christmas Hurdle.

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Al Boum Photois a more obvious candidate as he goes in search of a third consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cup victory. He won't be seen that often, so it makes sense to include some other top staying chasers.

I was impressed with Minella Indoon his comeback at Wexford. He's not a flashy horse, but he's tough and economical and if it comes up soft in the Gold Cup you know he's going to stay.

Santini, who was second in the Gold Cup last season, is a similar type and cheekpieces help him as he has a tendency to race a bit lazily.

There's a suggestion Clan Des Obeaux might not go to Cheltenham this time, but he promises to be a major player in the Betfair Chase with the Paul Nicholls team in such good form. All roads then lead to Kempton to bid for a third win in the King George.

Top mares Honeysuckle and Benie Des Dieux, first and second in the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, were among the best hurdlers last season. Benie Des Dieux's versatility makes her an attractive proposition as she can go over hurdles or fences over a variety of distances.

A must for any list is Envoi Allen, who is arguably the most exciting horse in training. He put up a faultless display on his chase debut at Down Royal and has the potential to go to the very top.

I'll finish off with two from the Nicky Henderson stable in Altior and . Last season they experimented with Altior, but they'll know the route they're going to take this time, while Shishkin looks a genuine Arkle contender.

Andrew Thornton's Ten to Follow

Al Boum Photo
Altior
Benie Des Dieux
Clan Des Obeaux
Envoi Allen
Honeysuckle
Minella Indo
Ribble Valley
Santini
Shishkin

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