Take Regent's Stroll to turn it on for Paul Nicholls - Richard Birch selects his Ten to Follow

After looking exceptional when winning the Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, Ballyburn has to be included.

Blessed with an abundance of speed, the sky's the limit for him over hurdles or fences. It appears he will go down the novice chasing route and there are plenty of options, as he is bred to stay well.

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Brighterdaysahead simply destroyed her rivals in Aintree’s Mersey Novices’ Hurdle and is a mare going right to the top.

She stays very well but also has considerable pace and it wouldn’t be the biggest shock if she tackled the Champion Hurdle next spring.

Caldwell Potter goes novice chasing with huge expectations and can rack up a sequence of wins, while Chianti Classico is an immensely likeable chaser who has the makings of a potential Grand National winner. Victory in the Becher Chase would add clarity to that view.

Fact To File, Fastorslow and Gerri Colombe give huge strength to the 3m chase division, but it’s still hard to envisage Galopin Des Champs giving up his Gold Cup crown.

He is a true superstar and can land jump racing’s most prestigious prize for a third time.

Ginny’s Destiny has long been laid out for the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham this month and should continue to progress throughout the season.

Jonbon has more speed than some critics credit and he’s emphatically the one to beat in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, having finished last season with a decisive victory over El Fabiolo at Sandown.

Regent’s Stroll, a dual bumper winner last season and relative of Denman, has the scope to develop into an exciting performer this term for Paul Nicholls, while State Man, winner of all five of his races in 2023-24, seems sure to accumulate plenty of points once more.

Obviously, it’s a risk leaving out Constitution Hill, but he’s unlikely to be seen on the racecourse too often and is returning from major health issues.

There is plenty more to come from Teahupoo, who looks a Cheltenham Festival banker at this early stage in the Stayers’ Hurdle. He could dominate the staying division for another two years.

Richard Birch's Ten to Follow

Ballyburn
Brighterdaysahead
Caldwell Potter
Chianti Classico
Galopin Des Champs
Ginny’s Destiny
Jonbon
Regent’s Stroll
State Man
Teahupoo

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