ABACADABRAS
A rather obvious first selection but I do rate Gordon Elliott’s gelding quite highly and believe he could develop into a live Champion Hurdle contender, if he isn’t already.
All the talk before Cheltenham was that he would probably prefer a sound surface in the Supreme so when it came up soft I discounted him. But, as he came swinging into the straight on the bridle, it was clear that I had made a mistake and he was indeed a highclass animal. The machine that is Shishkin was the only rival able to get close to him and eventually pass him but had it been good ground, I’m pretty confident Shishkin would not have caught him.
I think the 2020 Supreme was the best renewal since the Altior/Min/Buveur D’Air in 2016 and I fully expect the front two to turn out to be quite special. Shishkin is heading over fences so Abacadabras could easily mop up over hurdles much like Buveur D’Air did in 2017 and 2018 as Altior took to chasing.
If Simon Claisse allows the Cheltenham 2021 Festival to kick off on genuine good ground then I advise you to look no further than this lad.
HIGHWAY ONE O TWO
Chris Gordon has built himself a very nice team for the winter ahead which includes novice hurdler Lord Baddesley and improving chaser On The Slopes. I gave both consideration as to whether or not to put them in this list but I think Highway One O Two could mop up some 2m novice chases through the winter if able to avoid Shishkin.
This story is from the November 2020 edition of Racing Ahead.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2020 edition of Racing Ahead.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SHARK'S GOT A BIT BETWEEN HIS TEETH
Alex Gifford reckons Hewick will be ready and refreshed for the National after his Gold Cup absence
THEY'RE BACKING LOSERS AND WE'LL PAY THE PRICE
Rolf Johnson blasts unelected officials meddling with gambling regulations while the 'impotent' BHA stand aside
THERE'S BOUNTI IN IT FOR BOUGHEY
Dave Youngman does the rounds on the gallops at headquarters and spotlights a promising new crop
SUMMER DAYS FOR ALL WEATHER TRIO
It's cash bonuses all round for the stars of rubber and sand, writes Ian Heitman
FOLLOW THE VAN
Paul Jacobs is keeping faith with Gavin Cromwell and last year's Grand National runner-up
IT'S SAFETY FIRST BUT NOBLE'S MY WINNER
Sky Racing frontman Robert Cooper casts a wistful eye back on old-school Nationals - but he's fixed on Yeats
GET SET FOR AN EASTER CRACKER!
Karl Hedley picks out runners and riders who can shine in the aftermath of Cheltenham
COR BLIMEY! WHAT A CRACKING CLIMAX
Ben Morgan looks to Cheltenham stars Slade Steel and Corach Rambler to star on Aintree's biggest day
BANBOU TAKES A BOW
Frero can top 'em in the Topham for Venetia Williams
DAWNING TO OPEN FOR IN-FORM DAN
Ben Morgan sees the Skelton brothers getting off to a winning start on Day 1