High expectations for Aintree bumper winner ace McFabulous

If there is a potential star novice waiting in the wings then it must surely be McFabulous. The half-brother to Waiting Patiently has looked a class act since day one and enhanced his reputation when winning three bumpers, including the Grade 2 at Aintree.

Paul Nicholls said: “He came back with sore shins after suffering his only defeat at Cheltenham in November. He jumps really well and is very much one to look forward to in novice hurdles.”

Enrilo was another member of last season’s rich bumper crop. He was still green when making it two from three at Kempton in February and was arguably unlucky when beaten at Ascot. An athletic sort, he should improve for hurdles.

Eritage boasts an identical two-from-three record if you include his French bumper win. He is getting his act together schooling-wise and can only improve.

Ecco, who showed good Flat form in Germany, must be one of the best maiden hurdlers in training having finished sixth in the Triumph on only his second run over obstacles.

Nicholls reports he is a different horse entirely for having a summer breathing operation. He had taken a long time to get over being gelded so enormous improvement might be forthcoming.

The trainer has long had a soft spot for Ask For Glory, who finished down the field in the Champion Bumper, and smart prospect Silver Forever. She could start off in the mares’ novice hurdle at Chepstow in October the yard won last year by Posh Trish.

One place behind Ask For Glory in the Cheltenham Festival bumper was Flic Ou Voyou, another dual bumper winner. “He’s by Kapgarde, a sire I love, and has been jumping for the best part of two years so won’t lack for experience,” said Nicholls.

It is early days for sorting out any pecking order among the bumper horses, but one who will command plenty of interest when he appears is Bravemansgame.

Flat owner John Dance forked out £370,000 at the sales for the four-year-old, whose impressive victory on his only start made him the highest-rated point-to-pointer of his age in Ireland last season.

John Dance: bought Bravemansgame for £370,000Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Cue Card’s half-brother Hugos Other Horse was not considered a natural bumper horse so pleased his trainer with his Fontwell win. He’s doing very well physically.

As his name suggests, Southfield Harvest is related to any number of ‘Southfield’ winners and got on the scoresheet himself at Chepstow.

“It wasn’t the best bumper in the world but it took Harry Cobden an age to pull him up afterwards," said Nicholls.

Carry On The Magic, runner-up in an Irish point last winter, was considered too green to run in the spring but is progressing well, and another who will step up considerably is Zyon.

Nicholls said: “We’ve given this lovely five-year-old plenty of time and I’m sure he’s going to repay us.”

Normally, an Irish point winner like Young Buck would be seen in bumpers this season, but Nicholls believes they might prove an insufficient stamina test for him and that he can show his potential in a novice hurdle over three miles on soft ground.

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app