Please find below my ten suggestions for this years competition, I am a bit dissapointed as I had 2 individuals written down who are not in the list of horses available-one of which was Racing Demon who I think will win a few nice hurdle races this season.
Bonus selections will be added on the 20th February 2011 with details for the horses coming in and those departing my list.
Selections:-
1, Binocular
I remained loyal last year whilst many didn't and he duly obliged in winning the champion hurdle, will be campaigned in all the top 2 mile hurdles again this season and with the exception of Hurricane Run and maybe Peddlers Cross I cannot see what can beat him.
2, Master Minded
Ive became a late fan of this horse, mainly due to my love affair with Well Chief, I think for various reasons you can forget last season and if he bounces back to his best must be hard to beat in 2 mile chases this season.
3, Albertas Run
Gutsy horse and very much underrated in my opinion considering all he's achieved, 2 1/2 miles on good ground is what this horse want and bound to win a big race next spring.
4, Kauto Star
Probably his last season to shine, as age and young pretenders are bound to catch up with him, but all roads lead to the King George and another attempt at the Gold Cup for which at present he is favourite and must have a big chance in both.
5, Tidal Bay
Most lists will have Big Bucks as there world hurdle horse, but I'm going to give one last chance to Tidal Bay, the switch back to hurdling was a good move last season and can see him doing well this year also.
6, Get Me Out Of Here
I was looking for a Arkle horse and taking the gamble that connections go that route later in the season as no point having him and Binocular run against each other, and either way he is bound to win races be it over hurdles or fences during the season.
7, Amber Brook
I like this mare very gutsy and talented sort, with Whiteoak and United retired she must be one of the best mares in England and as such should win a few same sex races before heading to the festival with a live chance in the mares race in which she was 4th in last year.
8, Reve De Sivola
Really nice sort and im hoping connections go staying chasing with him, i would not be overly keen on the world hurdle route, if goes chasing should be one of the leading contenders at the festival come March.
9, Gone To Lunch
He needs to brush up on his jumping but stays all day this horse and could make up into a National horse this year, having finished runner up the last two years in the Scottish national.
10, Tricky Trickster
My other national hope for this year and probably the main one as Gone To Lunch would not be definite to be geared towards the race whilst Tricky Trickster was bought with this race in mind, not sure what his campaign will be, imagine it will be hurdling till the weights come out, but 5th in the national last year and another year on his back will only have increased his chances.