'Don't say you weren't told' - ten Irish horses who could take 2022 by storm

Deputy Ireland editor David Jennings shares his ten Irish horses to take 2022 by storm as part of the weekly newsletter All Things Ireland.

This is a sample of the newsletters received by Ultimate Members' Club subscribers every evening from Racing Post experts as part of The Ultimate Daily, while you can hear more from Jennings alongside Gavin Lynch on Upping The Ante – the next episode of the weekly Cheltenham ante-post preview show will be available on Thursday.

It's hard to believe the new year could be even better than the old one for Irish racing but it just might be judging by the incredible depth of talent here. Below are my top ten horses to look out for.

Galopin Des Champs

It is, of course, very foolish indeed to read too much into one performance but Galopin Des Champs's 22-length romp in a beginners' chase at Leopardstown over Christmas was so good that it earned him a Racing Post Rating of 163. That is the highest handed out to a chasing debutant in the modern era. To put that in perspective, Sprinter Sacre earned an RPR of 154 for his dazzling Doncaster debut over fences. Galopin Des Champs has just turned six and is a hot favourite for the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase. This time next year he might just be a warm favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Yes, he is that good.

Galopin Des Champs: earned the highest RPR in a chase debut of the modern eraCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Bob Olinger

Out of sight, out of mind. With Galopin Des Champs and Bravemansgame producing performances right out of the top drawer over the festive period, it is easy to forget Bob Olinger. Don't. This is a special animal, one who was a dozen lengths in front of Bravemansgame in last season's Ballymore. His first try over fences was more than satisfactory at Gowran Park and it is worth noting the third horse home that day (Master McShee, beaten over 16 lengths) won a Grade 1 at Limerick on his next start. It will take an extraordinary performance to beat him in the Turners.

Honeysuckle

It might seem strange to see the queen of jump racing only in at number three but that is down to the potential of the two above her in the list. Honeysuckle is unbeaten and unbelievably good. A second Champion Hurdle looks a formality barring accidents and, if she concludes the current campaign unbeaten, she will start to be talked about as the best mare of all time.

Luxembourg

Three from three at two and already a hot favourite for the 2022 Derby. It is hard not to get excited about the Camelot colt who still looked to be learning his craft when winning the Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster in October. He has been described by Aidan O'Brien as a "big high cruiser" whose homework over four furlongs suggests he will have no problem starting off in the 2,000 Guineas this year. Whatever he achieves there will be a bonus as it will be at Epsom where he displays his full potential.

Luxembourg: the unbeaten Aidan O'Brien-trained runner and Derby favouriteCredit: Edward Whitaker

Tiger Roll

How can a veteran, who turned 12 on New Year's Day, be considered 'exciting', you might be asking? Well, what he might achieve in 2022 is very exciting indeed. The legendary pocket-rocket is chasing a sixth success at the festival in March and, should he achieve that feat, he might well be retired on the spot, something Gordon Elliott would love to do.

Energumene

If a showdown between Shishkin and Energumene in a Champion Chase does not get you excited then this might not be the game for you. We were deprived of that battle in last year's Arkle due to a late hiccup with Energumene but, hopefully, he will make it to the festival this time around. His Hilly Way victory suggests he is every bit as good as we thought he might be and he could well be the one to end Willie Mullins' Champion Chase hoodoo.

Discoveries

Alpha Centauri's sister could enjoy a cracking Classic campaign too. She was a comfortable winner of the Moyglare Stakes at the Curragh on her final start at two and always looked the most likely winner inside the final quarter of that contest. She is surely going to be even better when she fills out into that big frame of hers and the 16-1 on offer about her landing the 1,000 Guineas looks generous.

Discoveries: 16-1 offer for the 1,000 Guineas appears 'generous'Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

American Mike

You could argue that he hasn't beaten much in his two bumpers but the runner-up at Down Royal won at Fairyhouse next time and, visually, he has looked exceptional. He is 3-1 favourite for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper and everything about him screams superstar. He is the most exciting horse owned by Bective Stud's Noel and Valerie Moran.

A Plus Tard

He blotted his copybook when caught late by Galvin in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown but surely he is still the most likely winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup and could provide Rachael Blackmore with her first win in the race. His jumping is better than ever and some of the Henry de Bromhead team were a bit under the weather over Christmas. You could see a different animal come March.

El Fabiolo

El what? El Fabiolo. You might not be overly familiar with his work but by the end of 2022 you will know all about him. He won the opening maiden hurdle at Tramore on New Year's Day and might just be Willie Mullins' most exciting novice hurdler. Don't say you weren't told.

El Fabiolo: maiden winner under Paul Townend on New Year's DayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

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