Mullins can aim high with new recruit Acapella Bourgeois

Acapella Bourgeois
Seven-year-old gelding
Network (sire) - Jasmine (dam)
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Owner: Slaneyville Syndicate
Form figures: 341165-
Racing Post Rating: 157c; Official rating: 149c
Sandra Hughes did a brilliant job with this horse and, whatever he goes on to achieve with Willie Mullins, Hughes will deservedly get plenty of credit along the way. Any horse has the potential for improvement when switching to Mullins' yard – he's a kingmaker – and I'm really looking forward to seeing him continue his progress over fences this season. He is yet to make an impact in Grade 1s but it's only a matter of time before he bags a big one and punters will do well backing him on soft/heavy ground this season at the highest level. He's got an entry in the Ladbrokes Trophy and I'd have him all day long for a race like that on heavy, because he's 14lb+ better in testing conditions. His season might be over by the end of February if we have a dry spell heading in to the spring festivals.

Bergkamp
4g Schiaparelli - Alikat
Pat Kelly
Philip J Reynolds
7-7
RPR 106b OR -
Two bumper starts yielded two seventh places. Uninspiring stuff on the face of it, including a stinking effort at Killarney in May last time out, when he was beaten too far for it to be his true form. If you get the chance, have a look at his debut effort at Punchestown and tell me you didn't like the run. The race has thrown up winners and, with 77 form figures, punters might get a bit of value about him if his next start is in a bumper. On the other hand, it might pay to watch the market if he goes hurdling, as his shrewd and talented trainer tends to get an education into them before shooting up the handicap.

For Good Measure
6g King’s Theatre - Afdala
Philip Hobbs
JP McManus
25290-4
RPR 140h 132c; OR 137h 137c
The combination of good ground and 2m hampered his chances on his chase debut at Ludlow last week but there was lots to like about the run as he was carrying a big weight, thrown into handicap company off a mark of 137. That effort proved he can win off a rating in the mid-130s and with two heavy-ground wins to his name (although he's capable on good), a sensible winter target probably awaits. A relatively inexperienced chaser can go well in the Topham Chase at Aintree in April and if they can get enough runs into him, I think he's perfect for a race like that, or any 2m4f-3m handicap chase. One to get interested in from January onwards.