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Abacadabras (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
1R4-211
Gordon Elliott
Racing Post Rating 148h

Impressive start to hurdling career; won easily at Gowran in October and even more impressive in Navan Grade 3; was among last season’s leading bumper performers, fourth to Envoi Allen in Champion Bumper at Cheltenham; can handle step up to Grade 1 novice company.

Verdict: take high rank as novice hurdler

Acapella Bourgeois (FR)
Nine-year-old gelding
Willie Mullins
2P/013-0
Racing Post Rating 154c

Unlikely to fulfil potential of front-running novice chase wins in early 2017 but did much better in second season for Willie Mullins last term; got back to winning ways at Clonmel (first chase in more than a year) and followed up with a fine third in the Irish Grand National.

Verdict: only one win since 2017

Acting Lass (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
1119/P9
Harry Fry
Racing Post Rating 154c

Missed last season through injury but had taken really well to fences two seasons ago, winning first three chases including an open handicap at Ascot on soft ground; reportedly unsuited by good ground when a disappointing favourite in the Betdaq Chase at Kempton (also first run beyond 2m5f); not jump fluently at Ascot latest.

Verdict: open to improvement in 3m chases

Activial (FR)
Nine-year-old gelding
12660-3U
Tom George
Racing Post Rating 156c

Lightly raced for his age having been plagued by injuries since looking set for big things as a youngster; got back on track last season when showing smart form in graduation chases; found it harder in handicap company but not beaten far when sixth in the Ultima at Cheltenham.

Verdict: remains on favourable mark

Adjali (GER)
Four-year-old gelding
12374-6
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 139h

French hurdles winner who hacked up by 13 lengths on British debut last season but didn’t quite live to lofty expectations after that; beaten favourite the next twice before finishing seventh and fourth behind Pentland Hills in top juvenile hurdles; satisfactory return.

Verdict: not progressing as anticipated

Adrien Du Pont (FR)
Seven-year-old gelding
47130-P
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 153c

Became slightly disappointing as a novice chaser two seasons ago but did better when stepped up in trip last term, winning a 3m handicap at Kempton; looked likely to flourish over further again when staying on into third in a valuable contest over that course and distance in February; below best on return.

Verdict: hold-up tactics fraught with danger

Agrapart (FR)
Eight-year-old gelding
49P7-44
Nick Williams
Racing Post Rating 161h

Has twice won Grade 2 hurdles at Cheltenham, outstaying the opposition in testing conditions both times, most recently in the 2018 Cleeve Hurdle; less effective on quicker ground and only subsequent win came on soft ground on the Flat at Ascot in May. Fourth at Auteuil on two most recent starts.

Verdict: patchy form away from Cheltenham

Ainchea (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
212F/
Colin Tizzard
Racing Post Rating 136h

Not seen since falling heavily in Sandown novice hurdle in February 2018; had looked very promising staying novice up to that point (previously Listed-placed); on course to return and remains well regarded by connections.

Verdict: make up for lost time

Al Boum Photo (FR)
Seven-year-old gelding
F1R/11-2
Willie Mullins
Racing Post Rating 178 chase

Clearcut winner of last season’s Cheltenham Gold Cup and ran equally well in defeat when a close second to Kemboy at Punchestown; would also have won two Grade 1 races as a novice but for being infamously steered around the last at Punchestown in 2018.

Verdict: big player in Gold Cup again

Al Dancer: could become a leading 2m novice chaserCredit: Mark Cranham

Al Dancer (FR)
Six-year-old gelding
1110-12
Nigel Twiston-Davies
Racing Post Rating 148c

Former high-class novice hurdler who got chasing career off to perfect start when winning well-contested novice event at Cheltenham in October; trying to give the winner Put The Kettle On 10lb when runner-up in Grade 2 Arkle Trial back at Cheltenham in November; already short in betting for Arkle (Ten to Follow bonus race); needs gap between races.

Verdict: could become a leading 2m novice

Allaho (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
2/413-2
Willie Mullins
Racing Post Rating 148h

French recruit who made a winning start over hurdles in Ireland, claiming the scalp of Minella Indo in a Grade 3 at Clonmel; unable to confirm that form in two subsequent runs at Grade 1 level but still ran well when third at Cheltenham and second at Punchestown.

Verdict: reach Graded level over fences

Allysson Monterg (FR)
Nine-year-old gelding
P31/7P4-
Richard Hobson
Racing Post Rating 147c

Lightly raced for his age (has suffered tendon problems and needs cut in the ground); career-best on latest start when fourth to Frodon in Grade 2 Cotswold Chase; well handicapped if able to translate that form to a soft-ground staying handicap chase.

Verdict: win a decent handicap chase

Alpha Des Obeaux (FR)
Nine-year-old gelding
1422-23
Gordon Elliott
Racing Post Rating 168 chase

Fine series of runs for new trainer last season; won only a Listed chase at Thurles but also finished second behind Kemboy and Rathvinden and very good second under top weight in the Thyestes; latest run confirms he’s just below Grade 1 level.

Verdict: not easiest to win with

Alsa Mix (FR)
Seven-year-old mareWinning start to chasing career
1116P-1
Alan King
Racing Post Rating 133h

with gutsy success in Bangor Listed mares’ novice event in November; will be seen to better effect back over further next time; Grade 2 novice hurdle win in December the high point last season; form nosedived from then on as Sandown effort on testing ground left its mark.

Verdict: win more mares’ novice chases

Alsa Mix: made a winning start to her chasing career and likely to win more mares' novice chasesCredit: Getty Images

Altior (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
11111-2
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 183c

Outstanding champion who had won a record 19 successive jump races and had never been beaten over hurdles and fences until meeting defeat at the hands of Cyrname on Ascot return; took his Cheltenham Festival tally to four with a second successive Champion Chase last season; strong stayer at 2m and now steps up in trip.

Verdict: hard to leave out, despite defeat

Andy Dufresne (IRE)
Five-year-old gelding
1/1-1
Gordon Elliott (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 139h

Cost a small fortune but very highly regarded and has looked a machine in three appearances, the first a maiden point-to-point in March 2018, then on his bumper debut last January (not beat a lot) and most recently in November on hurdling debut in Navan maiden (2m4f). Should develop into a high-class novice hurdler.

Verdict: get better and better over hurdles

Angels Breath (IRE)
Five-year-old gelding
1/1273-1
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 148h

Made big impression when winning a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Ascot but that form suspect (four hurdles omitted and beaten horses achieved little); seventh in the Supreme at Cheltenham and third when stepped up to 2m4f at Aintree; made winning chase debut back at Ascot.

Verdict: better than shown so far

Anibale Fly (FR)
Nine-year-old gelding
34/6225-
Tony Martin (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 174c

Tough staying chaser who has been placed in the last two runnings of the Gold Cup, chasing home Al Boum Photo last season, and has gone on to run big races in the Grand National both times; yet to win above Grade 3 level, though, and without a win at all since December 2017.

Verdict: win record not inspire confidence

Anibale Fly: tough staying chaser placed in last two Gold Cups and gone on to run big races in the Grand NationalCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Annamix (FR)
Six-year-old gelding
2/21-4
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 122h

Early ante-post favourite for the last two editions of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, having been talked up by connections, but missed one season through injury and was beaten first time out last term before winning his only subsequent run at Clonmel; mistakes when fourth on his return over hurdles this month. Trainer keen to get him over fences.

Verdict: dark, fences may bring improvement

Annie Mc (IRE)
Five-year-old mare
24151-4
Jonjo O'Neill
Racing Post Rating 143h

Progressed with every run last season bar one flop at Exeter, bouncing back in the EBF Mares’ Final at Newbury when storming home by eight lengths; was due to step up to Grade 1 level at Fairyhouse only to be withdrawn over a vaccination error; satisfactory return in mares' hurdle at Kempton in November; could go novice chasing.

Verdict: likely sort for mares’ chases

Another Crick
6yo gelding
5/82211-
Noel Williams
Racing Post Rating 140c

Sharply progressive when sent novice chasing last season, climbing 26lb in just four races and finishing with handicap wins at Newbury and Kempton (most impressive when stepped up to 2m4f); strong traveller and seen by trainer as the type to go well in top handicaps.

Verdict: make his mark in 2m4f handicaps

Any Second Now (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
531F-62
Ted Walsh
Racing Post Rating 154c

Hugely impressive winner of last season’s Kim Muir at Cheltenham; hadn’t won in two seasons over fences prior to that but had run in several good Graded races and relished going up in distance; fell early when well fancied for the Irish Grand National; improved for first run back when second to Battleoverdoyen in Grade 2 novice chase at Punchestown in November.

Verdict: should have good season over fences

A Plus Tard (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
2121-32
Henry de Bromhead
Racing Post Rating 165c

French recruit who quickly proved a very smart chaser last season and ran away with the novice handicap at the Cheltenham Festival by 16 lengths; looked a Grade 1 horse that day but didn’t stay 3m in that grade at Punchestown, though he didn’t look a match for Delta Work anyway. Ran well on return in Navan Grade 2 in November (2m trip too short).

Verdict: Graded-chase potential at 2m4f

Apple's Jade (FR)
Seven-year-old mare
1163-52
Gordon Elliott (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 168h

Outstanding mare who has won ten Grade 1 races, including a hat-trick in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle; probably best at that 2m4f trip but also effective over 2m and 3m; sent off favourite for last season’s Champion Hurdle only to disappoint; never going well on comeback in Navan Grade 2 and just a suspicion a series of hard races may be catching up with her.

Verdict: versatile, invariably hard to beat

Apple's Jade: outstanding mare who has won ten Grade 1 racesCredit: Patrick McCann

Apple's Shakira (FR)
Five-year-old mare
1143/P6-
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 142h

Won first four races as a juvenile hurdler two seasons ago, going off 6-5 for the Triumph Hurdle, but managed only fourth that day and was third at Aintree; ran just twice in handicap company last season, doing best when a close sixth in the Coral Cup.

Verdict: serious questions to answer

Aramon (GER)
Six-year-old gelding
31262-6
Willie Mullins
Racing Post Rating 148h

Highly tried as a novice hurdler last season, running in six Grade 1 races and winning one at Leopardstown by ten lengths; pushed Klassical Dream to a head next time but well beaten twice subsequently by that rival; given plenty to do when second to Felix Desjy at Aintree.

Verdict: may miss out at top level

Articulum (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
7/213-P2
Terence O'Brien
Racing Post Rating 149c

Useful 2m novice chaser last season, outrunning 25-1 odds when third in the Racing Post Arkle at Cheltenham behind Duc Des Genievres; stepped up to 3m on final run at Punchestown (had bumper form at 2m3f on heavy ground) but looked a non-stayer, albeit when losing a shoe. Very promising return from break in October.

Verdict: has a future in 2m handicaps

Art Mauresque (FR)
Nine-year-old gelding
2/7285F-
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 159c

Interesting contender for hunter chases; smart chaser at his best but has found life increasingly tough due to lack of leniency from the handicapper; will take high level of form into his new code; best fresh, likes good ground and a flat track.

Verdict: classy contender for hunter chases

Arturus (IRE)
Four-year-old gelding
Unraced
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating -

Unraced half-brother to the brilliant Hurricane Fly; has been given plenty of time and is now reportedly ready to embark on a season in bumpers; in the right hands and is highly regarded by connections.

Verdict: dark, bumper debut keenly anticipated

As De Mee (FR)
Nine-year-old gelding
214U0/7
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post rating 153c

Useful handicap chaser, missed last season after picking up a tendon injury in February 2018; needed run on reappearance when prominent for long way in 3m Listed handicap hurdle at Cheltenham in November. Being aimed at the Becher Chase and then the Grand National. Has completed three times over the National course, including when winning 2016 Grand Sefton.

Verdict: regarded as ideal National type

Ask Dillon (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
251201-
Fergal O’Brien
Racing Post Rating 138h

Winning Irish pointer, found 2m too sharp in bumpers but showed instant improvement when upped in trip over hurdles; out of depth in Grade 1 Ballymore at Cheltenham but Exeter victory in April showed he’s still progressing; goes novice chasing.

Verdict: type to improve over fences

Ask For Glory (IRE)
Five-year-old gelding
119-4
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 125b

Shortest-priced British-trained runner in last season’s Champion Bumper at Cheltenham but looked one-paced in ninth; had won a point-to-point and bumper debut by wide margins and could still prove a force in staying novice hurdles; stayed on for fourth on Newbury return in maiden hurdle (2m).

Verdict: can win hurdles when accent on stamina

Aso (FR)
Nine-year-old gelding
5/1162-3
Venetia Williams
Racing Post Rating 171c

Better than ever when returning from more than a year out last season; won two good handicaps before stepping up to Grade 1 level and bounced back from a poor run at Ascot to finish a fine second to Frodon in the Ryanair Chase (also third in that race in 2017). Charlie Hall third shows he retains all his ability.

Verdict: better at Cheltenham than elsewhere

Aso: Charlie Hall third shows he retains all his abilityCredit: Alan Crowhurst / Getty Images

Eight-year-old mare
1U1FP-1
Henry Daly
Racing Post Rating 148c

Transformed by wind surgery 15 months ago and has won five of her nine subsequent starts over fences, including Listed mares’ chases at Warwick, Wincanton and Market Rasen on November return; running a massive race when falling two out in the National Hunt Chase and that may have left its mark when pulled up at Perth.

Verdict: more to come in mares’ chases

Azzerti (FR)
Seven-year-old gelding
1F17P-16
Alan King
Racing Post Rating 141c

Won twice over fences as a novice, on the first occasion in a novice handicap at Ascot off 135; despite subsequently winning at Ludlow and not disgraced when 7th in Festival Plate started new campaign on same mark and took advantage in Newbury handicap in November; one-paced sixth when trying to follow up at same course.

Verdict: trainer reckons more to come

Azzuri
Seven-year-old gelding
8401-00
Dan Skelton
Racing Post Rating 151c

Landed a big gamble when winning a good 2m handicap chase at Ayr in April having also been well backed at Aintree the previous week only to be withdrawn due to soft ground; had been given wind surgery since losing his way earlier in the season and clearly well ahead of mark.

Verdict: strike again in big 2m handicap

Bacardys (FR)
Eight-year-old gelding
0/7F6-21
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 162h

Has mixed hurdling with chasing last two seasons, both times starting off over fences only to switch back to hurdles after falls; had been without a win since landing two Grade 1 novice hurdles in 2017 but finally broke sequence when landing Grade 2 Lismullen Hurdle at Navan in November.

Verdict: big player in staying division

Bachasson (FR)
Eight-year-old gelding
1/11F/14-
Willie Mullins
Racing Post Rating 165c

Very lightly raced in recent seasons but has shown high-class form over hurdles and fences; easily won two Listed chases two seasons ago before being pulled up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup; won back over hurdles last term before a disappointing fourth in the Boyne Hurdle.

Verdict: smart, not stand much racing

Bags Groove (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
111514-
Harry Fry
Racing Post Rating 157c

Very smart novice chaser last season, winning four times including small-field Grade 2 races at Wincanton and Kempton; well beaten in two toughest tests, albeit with excuses both times (trainer felt race came too soon over Christmas and unsuited by soft ground at Aintree).

Verdict: won't be seen until new year due to setback

Balko Des Flos (FR)
Eight-year-old gelding
3973-44
Henry de Bromhead
Racing Post Rating 174c

Without a win since an impressive victory in the 2018 Ryanair Chase; largely out of sorts last season but showed much more when third behind Kemboy in the Betway Bowl (would have been second but for mistake at last); perhaps best over that 3m trip on balance of form. Below best on both runs this season.

Verdict: classy, not easy to win with

Balko Des Flos: without a win since an impressive victory in the 2018 Ryanair ChaseCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Ballyandy
Eight-year-old gelding
4133-64
Nigel Twiston-Davies
Racing Post Rating 152h

Former Betfair Hurdle winner who did well back over timber last season having failed to build on a promising start over fences two seasons ago; won at Uttoxeter and twice finished third in stronger handicaps, notably when beaten half a length in the Coral Cup. Bit below best both outings this autumn.

Verdict: consistent performer in handicap hurdles

Ballydine (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
31/523P-
Charlie Longsdon
Racing Post Rating 143c

Not won since February 2018 but no back-number; solid placed efforts in two staying handicap chases last winter suggest this dour stayer is well up to landing a long-distance slog somewhere.

Verdict: win one day at decent odds

Ballyhill (FR)
Eight-year-old gelding
3330-66
Nigel Twiston-Davies
Racing Post Rating 151c

Has won good handicap chases at Cheltenham and Aintree in last two seasons; raised 10lb for latest win but continued to run well when twice third back at Cheltenham, notably behind subsequent Cheltenham Festival one-two Siruh Du Lac and Janika in January; well held both outings this autumn.

Verdict: manages one good win a season

Ballymoy (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
1176-22
Nigel Twiston-Davies
Racing Post Rating 141c

Progressive hurdler who was making it six wins out of seven when landing a valuable handicap at Ascot in January; found higher mark beyond him next time and well below-par when stepped up to Grade 2 level; has put up two solid efforts over fences this autumn (needs further than 2m but appeared not to stay 2m4f last time).

Verdict: sure to win races over fences

Ballyoisin (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
15-1561
Enda Bolger
Racing Post Rating 170c

Much improved last summer and resumed progress after a layoff when hacking up in a handicap chase at Killarney in August off 162; won for fifth time in six races that day; following two runs over hurdles was back over fences latest to win Grade 2 Fortria Chase at Navan for second year running; worth a try again at the top level.

Verdict: 7 of 10 wins have come May-Oct

Ballyoptic (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
6PF-114
Nigel Twiston-Davies
Racing Post Rating 167c

Smart staying chaser who has returned better than ever this season, relishing the soft ground to win Chepstow handicap and Grade 2 Charlie Hall at Wetherby; sixth in last season’s Welsh National but failed to complete in all three other runs, falling four out having run well in the Grand National; will continue potent threat at his level.

Verdict: has resumed in smart form

Ballywood (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
1214-U3
Alan King
Racing Post Rating 153c

Went chasing as a four-year-old last season and soon rewarded connections’ boldness, winning three times including a good handicap at Ludlow; had missed Grand Annual prior to that due to preference for good ground; pulled too hard to get 2m4f on final run at Ayr.

Verdict: likely sort for 2m handicap chases

Band Of Outlaws (IRE)
Four-year-old gelding
1115-23
Joseph O'Brien
Racing Post Rating 147h

Took well to hurdles last season and won the Fred Winter at Cheltenham impressively; disappointing when sent off favourite at Grade 1 level at Aintree next time but came close to landing another big handicap when third in the Galway Hurdle this summer.

Verdict: toughness will stand in good stead

Bapaume (FR)
Six-year-old gelding
24-3427
Willie Mullins
Racing Post Rating 124c

Grade 1 winner as a juvenile hurdler who has developed into a high-class staying hurdler over the last two seasons despite sole win coming in the 2018 Prix la Barka; second in that race this summer to extend run of near misses; having first race since and finished very tired when seventh to impressive Ronald Pump in Fairyhouse beginners’ chase in November.

Verdict: improve and win over fences

Baron Alco (FR)
Eight-year-old gelding
122/214-
Gary Moore
Racing Post Rating 157c

Has been plagued by injuries but returned from 18 months out in tremendous form last season, winning the BetVictor Gold Cup from Frodon; returned sore after finishing only fourth behind that rival in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup but ready to return from another subsequent layoff.

Verdict: not easiest to keep sound

Battleoverdoyen: looks ready to take high rank among staying novice chasersCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Battleoverdoyen (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
111P-11
Gordon Elliott
Racing Post Rating 139c

Jumped professionally when making very impressive chasing debut in beginners’ event at Galway in October and successfully stepped up to Grade 2 company at Punchestown the following month; already high up in betting for RSA Chase (Ten to Follow bonus race).

Verdict: take high rank among staying novice chasers

Beakstown (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
121P-24
Dan Skelton
Racing Post Rating 140c

In-the-frame efforts behind Sam Spinner on fencing debut in October and Champ at Newbury the following month suggest he will make his mark as a staying chaser, albeit shy of the top level. Useful novice hurdler last season, staying on strongly when winning a Grade 2 at Warwick in January.

Verdict: should win races over fences

Beau Du Brizais (FR)
Seven-year-old gelding
0-14225
Philip Hobbs
Racing Post Rating 140c

Staying handicap chaser whose five career wins have all come round right-handed tracks, the latest a comfortable success at Kempton in May; previously faded to finish 11th in Scottish National but worth another try in long-distance handicap; rain-softened ground went against him at Wincanton on latest start.

Verdict: tough stayer at his own level

Beer Goggles (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
21315/P
Nicky Martin
Racing Post Rating 157h

Shock winner of the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury two seasons ago for the late Richard Woollacott; fifth in the Cleeve next time but had been progressive prior to that, winning three of his last five handicaps; missed last season through injury; suffered fatal injury when attempting to follow up in Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury in November.

Verdict: SUFFERED FATAL INJURY ON RETURN AT NEWBURY

NEW ADDITION

Belami Des Pictons (FR)
Eight-year-old gelding
111/2/P-4
Venetia Williams
Racing Post Rating 155c

Useful though fragile handicap chaser, well suited by soft ground; was having only second run in two years when fourth in 2m4f BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November; all three wins over fences were gained over longer trip.

Verdict: win staying handicap chase if stays sound

Bellshill (left): talented but fragile staying chaserCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Bellshill (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
51/41P-4
Willie Mullins
Racing Post Rating 172c

Talented but fragile staying chaser; progressed well two seasons ago (signed off with Grade 1 win at Punchestown) and looked to be coming to the boil again last season after narrow Irish Gold Cup victory only for jumping to fall apart in two subsequent runs.

Verdict: suspect jumping often a handicap

Benatar (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
13/4437-
Gary Moore
Racing Post Rating 154c

Not far off the best novice chasers two seasons ago, winning three times and finishing third in the JLT at Cheltenham; unable to build on that last term, although shaped well when third in the Silver Cup at Ascot and sent off favourite when disappointing back there next time.

Verdict: questions to answer now

Benie Des Dieux (FR)
Eight-year-old mare
111/F-11
Willie Mullins
Racing Post Rating 156h

Outstanding mare who would have won all eight races for Willie Mullins but for falling at the last when set to win a second Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last season; went on to retain mares’ crown at Punchestown before storming home in the French Champion Hurdle at Auteuil.

Verdict: utterly dependable, a winning machine

Beware The Bear (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
4P/411P-
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 161c

Much improved last season when helped by a wind operation and sharpened up by headgear; won two good handicaps at Cheltenham, most notably the Ultima in March; 9lb higher in the weights when pulled up in the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown on his final run; Grand National the big target.

Verdict: finally fulfilling potential over fences

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