State Man to continue domestic domination, while El Fabiolo can bounce back to be king of the two-milers

State Man is an obvious candidate to hoover up points after he landed five Grade 1s last season and it's not hard to envisage him picking up four in Ireland given Willie Mullins is likely to keep Lossiemouth away from last season's Champion Hurdle winner for the early part of the season.

Even if she does take him on earlier than expected, she has plenty on her plate to dethrone such a dominant force in Ireland.

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Teahupoo raced pretty sparingly last season but he still landed a Grade 1 treble and it's easy to imagine him doing something similar again, especially given there is no horse threatening to take the staying hurdlers' division by storm.

El Fabiolo blotted his copy book at Cheltenham and Sandown last season but he's still the one to beat in the Champion Chase division, especially if he can brush up his jumping a touch as he has one of the best engines around.

Among the staying chasers, it's worth following Inothewayurthinkin who did a lot wrong at Aintree in April but still bolted up to land his first Grade 1 with smart performers Heart Wood and Chianti Classico left behind.

Ballyburn was the standout novice hurdler last season and whatever discipline he tackles this campaign, he'll take some serious beating. Wingmen impressed in his bumpers despite racing with the choke out in most of them. He has an enormous engine and hurdles could make him more tractable. 

After impressing on her seasonal reappearance at Down Royal, Brighterdaysahead has to be kept onside as she should mop up mares' races this season and is a dark horse for the Champion Hurdle if connections opt to go that way.

William Munny made a similarly taking impression in bumpers and looks the type to take top rank in Grade 1 company.

Asian Master is a bit of a wild card but he could progress into a top-level staying novice chaser after acquitting himself very well over an inadequate two miles in his novice hurdle campaign.

A pivotal winner at Sandown for Mullins in his quest to become British champion trainer, Minella Cocooner has more to come in staying handicaps and can develop into a National contender.

Conor Fennelly's Ten to Follow

Asian Master
Ballyburn
Brighterdaysahead
El Fabiolo
Inothewayurthinkin
Minella Cocooner
State Man
Teahupoo
William Munny
Wingmen

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