Andy Holding: Five To Follow

American 

Trainer: Harry Fry 

Form: 316/111

Unbeaten in all three starts over fences and looks an exciting prospect for plenty of long-distance chases throughout the coming season. A real strong galloper who attacks his fences with relish, the son of Malinas first sprung to prominence when he dished out a thorough spanking to a smart field at Warwick in January and as the speed figure he posted suggested, he naturally went onto the shortlist for the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in many ante-post lists. Unfortunately, the prevailing fast ground conditions at Prestbury Park during March meant he had to sit his intended target out from the sidelines, but he left us with the impression of what might have been with another devastating display at Uttoxeter on his final start of the campaign. Once again setting out to make all the running, the seven-year-old simply ran his rivals into submission and with Rock The Kasbah - who himself is a strong stayer - the only horse to get anywhere near him that day going on to boost the form with a notable victory first time out this year, hope is high that American can follow suit when he returns to action. The old Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury has been muted as his big early season target and with that track tailor made for his aggressive run style, he should make a bold bid for glory at the Berkshire track before working his way through the ranks as the campaign progresses. Due to his fragile legs, he's yet to race on anything better than soft. 

Death Duty

Trainer: Gordon Elliot

Form: 1111U3-11

Having been dealt two hammer blows so far this season with the loss of the talented pair, Fayonagh and Lucky Pass, Gordon Elliot will be hoping he gets a clear run of things with another one of his start in the shape of Death Duty. Going into the Albert Bartlett unbeaten in four starts on home soil, the Shantou gelding ran no sort of race and was eventually pulled up, but as it was later revealed he was suffering from a touch of colic, that run can easily be forgiven. Sent chasing this season, the six-year-old has impressed on both starts and his latest victory in the Grade 3 Buck House Novices’ Chase at Punchestown suggests he’s going to take high rank among this division throughout the remainder of the season. Not only did he jump like an old hand all the way around, his overall and sectional times were much superior to those posted by Road To Respect, who took the other big Graded race on the card half an hour later. Given that Gigginstown have Petit Mouchoir to fly the flag for their colours in the 2m novice department, one would imagine connections would look to keep them apart, so with that in mind, all the big 2m 4f races will come under the microscope for this proper old-fashioned chasing type, starting with the Drinmore Chase at Fairyhouse in November.

Coney Island

Trainer: Edward Harty 

Form: 2212-

Although it’s been a while since Captain Cee Bee stormed up the hill to land the 2008 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, the Co Kildare handler may well have his patience rewarded for another top-notcher to come along with the son of Flemensfirth this season. A useful novice hurdler in his own right two seasons ago, the six-year-old looked a totally different proposition during his first campaign over fences and a tremendous victory in the Grade 1 Drinmore Novices’ Chase at Fairyhouse rubber-stamped him as one the leading players for several big pots at the spring festivals. Unfortunately, we never saw him again after he chased home the very talented Our Duke in the big Grade 1 novice chase at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting, but he’s reportedly said to be back on track and doing well at home and that should turn out to be great news for those of us who believe this fella has plenty of big races left in his locker. 

Le Prezien

Trainer: Paul Nicholls

Form: 21138P-2

The six-year-old finds himself on this particularly list following a hugely encouraging display on his first outing at Cheltenham’s Showcase meeting. Once again sent off a well-backed favourite - as he was when last seen at Cheltenham in the Grand Annual Chase at the Festival back in March - this time the son of Blue Bresil justified his position in the market despite getting beaten by Foxtail Hill in a driving finish to an ultra-competitive 2m handicap. Although he looked like collaring the long-time leader after jumping the last, the ground he had to make up just to get on terms with Nigel Twiston-Davies’ inmate eventually took its toll up the hill and in the end he had to settle for an honourable second. That said, the pair did pull well clear of the rest and with the time figure indicating it was a race run at a proper championship pace, Paul Nicholls' charge clearly ran to a career-high level over fences. Going into that contest off a nice rating of 144, he should have plenty of wriggle room with regards improvement as the season progresses and he’s one to bear in mind for all races of a similar nature until he runs through his handicap mark.

Bacardys

Trainer: Willie Mullins

Form: 3F11P1-

Never one to gain too many plaudits for technical merit, this likable and gritty individual has an uncanny habit of just getting the job done in a thoroughly professional manner. Backing up that view by landing the Grade 1 Deloitte Hurdle at Leopardstown in December in workmanlike rather than spectacular fashion, the son of Coastal Path was sent off a well-backed 4-1 second favourite to capture the Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival. Unfortunately for his legion of supporters, that project bit the dust at an early stage as he was virtually brought to a standstill halfway down the back, but he went on to prove he was arguably the best staying novice last season when beating a stellar field in the Grade 1 at the Punchestown Festival. With the likes of Finian’s Oscar and Death Duty already advertising the value of the form with wins over fences this season, it’s hoped that six-year-old can follow suit and make his mark over the larger obstacles himself in the months ahead.