Barry Geraghty’s William Hill Blog: Five horses to follow this Jumps season

As the new Jumps season gets underway, it’s always exciting to think about which horses will emerge as stars.

William Hill ambassador Barry Geraghty gives his five horses that he believes could make a big impact in the season ahead.

Although not a horse to follow in terms of spotting new talent, Constitution Hill deserves a mention for an update on his condition. After a bout of colic in the spring, the feedback from the camp is extremely positive. He’s reportedly in great shape and is on track for an exciting season, with plans to run in the Fighting Fifth, the Christmas Hurdle, Trials Day, and all being well the Cheltenham Festival. I can’t wait to see him in action again.

Five to follow

One of my top picks for the season is the Ben Pauling-trained PERSONAL AMBITION. He showcased his potential by winning a Grade 2 at Kelso in early March, and I believe he will have only improved over the summer. He’s likely to thrive as he switches to fences, and I’m particularly excited to see him step up in trip. He has the makings of a smart chaser especially with his current mark of 131, and I’m confident he’ll progress well. He’s definitely one to keep on your radar.

Another horse to follow is FACT TO FILE, who is one of a strong group of novice chasers in the JP McManus colours to look out for this season. While the seasoned Galopin Des Champs remains a formidable force in the staying chase division, I think the novice ranks will provide a serious challenge this season, with Fact To File leading the charge. He impressed at Leopardstown, with Gaelic Warrior beaten when he fell at the last, before that rival went on to win the Arkle. At Cheltenham, Fact To File looked a little raw and green in the Brown Advisory, but I see significant room for improvement. He has the potential to develop both mentally and physically, and I expect big things from him as the season progresses.

One of the unluckiest horses at last season’s Cheltenham Festival was THE JUKEBOX MAN. He lost valuable momentum over the final hurdle, and but for that he could have taken the Albert Bartlett. Kielan Woods gave him a fantastic ride that day. The Jukebox Man was then outstayed in an attritional race at Aintree in his next run. Despite those losses, he has the class and talent to be a real force in the staying division. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him step up over fences, but either way, he’s definitely a stayer to follow this season.

Keep an eye on ROMEO COOLIO this season. He ran a brilliant second in last season’s Champion Bumper, though the soft ground at Cheltenham may have been a bit too much for him at the time. Now a year older, I expect him to have matured and improved, and I think he’ll make a very smart novice hurdler in the two-mile division. His strong travelling style, combined with experience, should help him shine as a jumper.

Lastly, a horse whose form ties closely with Romeo Coolio is SKY LORD. He finished a close second behind Sporting Glory in a bumper, and Sporting Glory, in turn, came in just behind Romeo Coolio in his own bumper. Sky Lord shows similar promise and looks set to progress into a talented staying novice hurdler. He’s definitely one to watch as the season unfolds.