The Tote Ten To Follow is back and our man Daryl Carter (@DarylCarter7) reveals his stable as he aims to get his hands on the £250,000 prize pool.
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So, without further ado, here are the ten horses I’ve chosen to represent me in the 2019/20 Tote Ten To Follow.
DARYL CARTER’S TOTE TEN TO FOLLOW STABLE
CHAMP
There is only one place to start on this list and that’s with this season’s current RSA favourite and last year’s Ballymore Novice Hurdle second, Champ. Nicky Henderson’s seven-year-old has never been out of the first two in his career to date and is a real star of the future. A winner over a variety of trips ranging from 2m-3m he has show all the right traits for a top class horse and arguably his best weapon to down his Irish counterparts this season is his deadly turn off foot. It was disappointing to see him beaten in the Ballymore Novice Hurdle by City Island at the Cheltenham Festival last season but this new trip of 3m should see him in a much better light. It is hard to see any horse getting the better of Champ this season and I would be confident he could go onto Gold Cup glory in 2021.
ANDY DUFRENSE
Outstanding in his only start under rules last year when landing a hot Bumper event by 10l at Down Royal, he then resumed winning ways on reappearance to trounce his rivals on hurdles debut at Navan by 11l. Showcasing his ability to jump and quicken like a professional means he remains unbeaten and by far one of the most talented Novice Hurdlers this season.
LOSTINTRANSLATION
He was good over 2m4f last season but his optimum conditions – as he proved at Aintree – are over 3m and he has the potential to be great. Last season he bumped into one of the most talented 2m4f Chaser’s in Defi Du Seuil. But now upped to 3m he has the world at his feet and his impeccable ability to jump a fence will hold him in good stead at this trip, and he has to have a live chance in the 2020 Gold Cup.
ENVOI ALLEN
It is likely that Gordon Elliot will want to keep his best Novice Hurdler’s apart this season and for that reason he could hold all the cards come March. Envoi Allen remains unbeaten under rules in his five starts to date and which ever event’s Andy Dufresne doesn’t mop up, I am sure Envoi Allen will.
CHANTRY HOUSE
Has had just the one bumper run for Nicky Henderson and owner JP McManus but was a decisive winner when last seen in March. That form has worked out rather well and has plenty of depth to give you confidence that this horse could be a special one. Likely to be seen to better effect over further than the 2m that he contested on that occasion and may well need some time to come to hand, so the spring festivals could be the time to keep this one on side.
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BACARDYS
There is every chance that Bacardys could for fill his promise this term. Previously his season’s have been tainted with a mix of Novice Chasing and hurdling, However, the target this year looks to be the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham and with an injury free year he could just be the surprise package there.
GOOD BOY BOBBY
Not only does this horse have a genuine chance in the big Novice contest this season at the festival but he screams well-handicapped off a mark of 139. I think he is a 150 rated horse, so we could have some fun with this one, even away from the festival!
NOTEBOOK
Unbeaten in two chase starts taking care of 151 rated Moon Over Germany and previous winner Éclair De Beaufeu. Only managed a rating of 135 over hurdles but has quickly bettered that form on his two chase starts and has looked every inch a chaser to follow this season.
OFF YOU GO
Runs for a shrewd trainer known for his handicap plots with horse’s and this talented 151 rated hurdler could be his next. He showed up well behind leading Arkle contender’s Fakir D’oudairies and Melon on his seasonal reappearance and chase debut, and will quietly pick up races this term with a bigger target in mind for the spring.
CHACUN POUR SOI
Hardly under the radar considering his impressive defeat of leading Champion Chase contender Defi Du Seuil but this 7yo is completely unexposed after his two starts in Ireland winning both by a combined distance of 35l, including in Grade 1 company, and comes under the bracket of “could be anything” one to keep on side!
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DARYL CARTER’S FINAL TOTE TEN TO FOLLOW STABLE
CHAMP
ANDY DUFRESNE
LOSTINTRANSLATION
ENVOI ALLEN
CHANTRY HOUSE
BACARDYS
GOOD BYE BOBBY
NOTEBOOK
OFF YOU GO
CHACUN POUR SOI