(Print Sold Out - Available as PDF)
Foreword by Nick LUCK, 7 times Broadcaster of The Year
“To all Jumps fans who would regularly call for a summer break between seasons, 2020 has surely cautioned you to be careful what you wish for. If it seems an age since the last meaningful competition over obstacles, that’s because it is. At the time of writing, no National Hunt racing of any consequence has taken place since the well named Indefatigable flew up the hill to land the final race of what will now and forever be known as the most controversial Cheltenham Festival ever to take place.
So much, yet so little, has happened in the interim that when I was presenting (via Zoom, naturally) the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Jumps awards the other day, I momentarily forgot the name of the Gold Cup winner. The fact that he has won the race twice makes this even less forgivable, although I will maintain that Al Boum Photo is one of the worst names ever dished out to a top class racehorse. I know this is a complete folly of a sidetrack of a complete irrelevance, but I actually believe this ignominy has unfairly diminished his reputation - well, that combined with the fact that he is seen about as often as Halley’s Comet.
Happily, there is zero danger of Mark Howard forgetting anything about the winter game, and what lies between the covers of this ever reliable guide will give succour to anyone suffering a bout of amnesia that prevents them recalling the Welsh National winner trained by Christian Williams or the ‘good thing’ of Willie Mullins that romped in the County Hurdle for J.P. or the forgotten mare who did much the same in the Coral Cup. (They were Potters Corner, Saint Roi and Dame de Compagnie, by the way, and were tipped in Mark’s regular Updates at odds of 9/1, 20/1 and 10/1.)
If there is one less heralded horse that I do remember, however, it is On The Slopes. I had it in my mind quite firmly towards the end of last season that this six year old would continue to make progress, and might even make it to Graded company, and I am really pleased to see an interview with his trainer Chris Gordon make it into One Jump Ahead for the first time. Beneath the wisecracking self-deprecation lurks one of the sharpest minds in the game. Joining him among the first timers is Anthony Honeyball, who continues a fairly relentless rise to somewhere near the top.
Of course, we are all looking forward to seeing Envoi Allen, who might be one of the best jumpers we have seen, and I’m particularly excited to see what Albert Bartlett winner Monkfish might do as he continues to furnish - no doubt you’ll find out more in Mark’s exclusive interview with Rich Ricci.
It has been a tough year for everyone, some more than others, but a positive is that racing has shown it can be a viable sport even in the most taxing of circumstances. We know that nothing will quite be the same; that Cheltenham next March may only be able to provide half the roar. But the quality of the sport will not be diminished and, if this book reminds you of anything, it’s that it will be worth the wait.”
Owners’ Enclosure – Exclusive interviews with Henrietta KNIGHT & Rich RICCI
Henrietta Knight (8 horses covered, including the unraced four year old who looks ‘a bit special’) & Rich Ricci (29 horses).
Rich RICCI & racing manager Joe CHAMBERS nominate their horse to follow for 2019/2020
Stable Interviews:
Kim BAILEY (44 horses featured), Harry FRY (41), Chris GORDON (26), Philip HOBBS (55), Anothony HONEYBALL (35), Alan KING (53), Tom LACEY (37), Olly MURPHY (58), Paul NICHOLLS (116), Jonjo O’NEILL (53), David PIPE (45) & Nicky RICHARDS (45).
Quotes from last year’s One Jump Ahead:
ENVOI ALLEN
“It is fair to say at times that you get what you pay for and, while Envoi Allen wasn’t cheap, he is an outstanding prospect for hurdles and fences. In an ideal world, this five year old will be steered towards the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham next spring.”
FERNY HOLLOW
“Ferny Hollow could be top class and, if tracing the bumper route this season will be a leading player in that division. One of a handful of four year olds from the 2019 academy who I predict will have little trouble winning Graded track races, even to Grade 1 rank in time. Willie Mullins has won the Cheltenham Festival bumper on no less than nine occasions and, both he and Cheveley Park Stud, may have a serious contender for the 2020 version.” WON the Cheltenham Festival bumper at 11/1
ALAN KING speaking about HARAMBE
“He will stay over hurdles because I think he is on a fair mark. We will consider races such as the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham (17th November). A strong traveller, he will stay further, if necessary, and I think he is a proper horse.” WON the Greatwood Hurdle at 16/1
One Jump Ahead (198 pages) also features the following sections:
The Top 40 Prospects – Last year’s Top 40 Prospects produced 36 winners at a strike-rate of 35% with a £10 level stakes PROFIT of £113.50. They included CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL winners ENVOI ALLEN, FERNY HOLLOW (11/1) & SHISHKIN (6/1), plus other exciting prospects FAROUK D’ALENE (2 from 2), ISRAEL CHAMP (16/1, 8/1), SPORTING JOHN (3 wins) & THE BIG BREAKWAY (2 wins).
Changing Codes – 11 Flat horses who are set to go hurdling for the first time.
English Pointers – my Racing TV colleague JONATHAN NEESOM picks 13 horses who raced between the flags in the UK last season and caught his eye. In the last couple of years, Jonathan has highlighted the likes of KING ROLAND, SANTINI and TEA CLIPPER.
French Revolution - 47 horses who have being plying their trade in France but have been bought to race in the UK and Ireland this winter. Last year’s article produced 12 winners from 52 runners (23%) yielding a £10 level stakes PROFIT of £115.30. The selections included Cheltenham Festival winners ARAMAX (Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle @ 15/2), BURNING VICTORY (Triumph Hurdle @ 12/1) and SAINT ROI (County Hurdle @ 11/2). The feature has also unearthed other Cheltenham Festival winners over the years, namely A PLUS TARD, DEFI DU SEUIL, the ill-fated Champion Hurdle winner ESPOIR D’ALLEN and KLASSICAL DREAM. For the second time, former French Champion jockey JAMES REVELEY has added his comments to the majority of those featured.
Irish Pointers - expert DECLAN PHELAN highlights 37 pointers to follow from across the Irish Sea who will race under Rules this winter. Last year’s feature yielded 37 winners at an impressive strike-rate of 27% and produced a £10 level stakes PROFIT of £274.60 (following on from his 40 winners and PROFIT of £462.90 the previous year). The latest success stories included ADRIMEL (2 wins), BIG BRESIL (10/1), CILL ANNA (3 wins), CLONDAW CAITLIN (4 wins – 12/1, plus Grade 2 success), FRENCH DYNAMITE (6/1, 5/1), KEARNEY HILL (20/1), MINELLA MELODY (3 wins), MOSSY FEN (3 wins) and SPRINGFIELD FOX (7/1).
Unraced Bumper Horses – 14 highly regarded youngsters who will be making their debuts in bumpers this season. They are trained by the likes of Paul Nicholls, Olly Murphy, Nicky Richards, Brian Ellison.
Appendix – a full and comprehensive analysis of the 2 mile chasers, 2m 4f chasers, staying chasers & 2 mile hurdlers
Index – 792 horses included
How To Order
Price: £10.99 including postage (except £5 extra for overseas)
Available direct from:
Mark Howard Publications Ltd. 69 Fairgarth Drive, Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth, Lancashire. LA6 2FB.
One Jump Ahead Updates – VIA EMAIL ONLY
I shall be producing 5 One Jump Ahead Updates throughout the 2020/21 National Hunt season. Each Update comprises information about the horses in One Jump Ahead, an update from top Bloodstock Agent Anthony Bromley, Bumper News, Ante-Post Advice (recommendations for the major races), Big-Race Previews and News from Ireland from one of the most informed Irish experts Declan Phelan. Please note, the Updates are ONLY AVAILABLE VIA EMAIL (Not Post).
It is £6 per Update (except £10 for the Cheltenham Festival version) or £34 for ALL 5 via EMAIL.
Summary of the 2019/2020 Updates:
What The Clients Said:
“Thanks once again for an informative and profitable update the combination of One Jump Ahead and the Updates are not only informative and enjoyable but invaluable for National Hunt fans of all levels of punting interest.” R.J.
“Excellent work as always; I’m a new customer to the Updates this year and have been very impressed with the quality of your work; your enthusiasm and effort is clear from your work.” D.G.
“This edition must be the best ever as the winners just keep on coming from the start of the current National Hunt Season. You must be the scourge of the bookmaking fraternity and long may it continue. Well done.” A.H.
“Thought to drop a note and say great work on the names to note from the November Update. I had two good bets on Epatante and Ribble Valley, and tragically missed Tavus! Brilliant work on pointing these out though.“ W.H.
“Well done with Epatante, glad to see you proved right about her. Perfect race for her today and a good shout from you well in advance - 5/1 in the antepost book, most rewarding.” S.H.
“Wow what a superb ending to the November meeting. Thanks to Top 40 Prospects Israel Champ completed the meeting with a nice hefty profit. Thanks very much.” S.T.
“Have to thank you Mark for highlighting Ferny Hollow. Backed him at 25s a couple of times back Sept/Oct 2019 and its certainly added big time to a wonderful two betting days at Cheltenham. Been with MH Publications for a good few years now and its info like this that highlights why you are so popular.” K.E.
“What a day mate. Envoi Allen 10/1,Dame de Compagnie 10/1 & Ferny Hollow 25/1 absolutely brilliant THANK YOU.” F.R.
“Just to say thanks for Ferny Hollow, took 20's a while ago, I owe you a drink.” J.M.
“Great service mate, I was on Shishkin at 33/1. Keep up good work.” F.R.
“Well Done and thank you, the Cheltenham Update gave great info and a nice winner today with Truckers Lodge taking the Midlands National.” S.S.
“Thank you once again for Truckers Lodge, amazing information.” B.J.
“I look forward to next year’s OJA, I was just flicking through this year’s edition and your Top 40 Prospects worked out very well once again (I know you don’t need me to tell you) and the book as a whole contributed enormously to me having a very successful Cheltenham Festival with my first real crack at taking ante-post seriously. For that I can’t thank you enough.” M.H.
“I bought One Jump Ahead recently and think it is outstanding work. Some of us do not just judge on results but on quality of insight and yours is first class!” D.M.
including postage (except £5 extra for overseas)
“It’s a fascinating mix of trainer interviews, horses to follow and general insight, which continues to mark the author out as one of the very best in the business.”
Andrew BALDING, Ralph BECKETT, Roger CHARLTON, Tim EASTERBY, Charlie FELLOWES, William HAGGAS, Jedd O’KEEFFE, James TATE, Roger VARIAN.
The Top 40 Prospects - last year’s included LORD NORTH (Listed & Cambridgeshire), SPANISH ARCHER (10/1), WIRETAP (8/1), plus unraced three year olds JUBILOSO (2 wins) & UAE JEWEL (2 wins).
Owner’s Enclosure – CLIPPER LOGISTICS – Racing Manager Joe Foley runs through the pick of the high-profile owner’s string for 2020, including six unraced Two Year Olds.
Ballydoyle Juveniles – 38 well bred unraced Two Year olds trained by Aidan O’Brien. Group 2 winners ARIZONA & ARMORY were included in last year’s article.
Handicap Snips – Last year’s article unearthed CARADOC (9/2, 11/10, 5/1), MIND THE CRACK (2 wins), SEA BATTLE (12/1), SWINDLER (9/4 & 100/30) & WISE COUNSEL (3/1 & 7/1)
Maidens In Waiting – 15 lightly raced three year olds who ought to be shedding their maiden tags shortly. DEREVO, DURSTON, EAGLES BY DAY, MAQSAD, RHYTHMIC INTENT & TEMPUS were featured last season.
Significant Sales – 9 horses who will be racing for new connections this summer having gone under the hammer in recent months. ARECIBO (7/1), SHIP OF THE FEN (2/1) & TAWNY PORT (7/2, 7/2 & 15/8) were highlighted twelve months ago
Stable Gossip – the latest news from Sir Michael Stoute’s powerful yard
Unraced Three Year Olds – 31 horses who didn’t see a racecourse last year but are expected to make up for lost time this season. DESERT ICON (2 wins), FIRST IN LINE (3 wins), LADY IN FRANCE (12/1) & LOGICIAN (5 from 5) were amongst those selected last term.
Appendix – sprinters, milers, middle distances, stayers & Classic contenders all covered
Index – anextensive index covering over 580 horses
How To Order
Price: £10.99 including postage (£15.99 overseas)
Available direct from:
Mark Howard Publications Ltd. 69 Fairgarth Drive, Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth, Lancashire. LA6 2FB.
Available from specialist horse racing shops:
RACEFORM (via www.racingpost.com/shop)
ISBN: 978-0-9929224-9-8
Once again, I shall be producing 3 Ahead On The Flat Updates. The first Update will be a preview of the prestigious Royal Ascot meetingin June, the second will be a preview of the historic four day York Ebor meeting in August and the third will concentrate on the major Autumn races. There will be an in-depth analysis of races such as the Cambridgeshire, Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe and Cesarewitch. Please note, the Updates are ONLY AVAILABLE VIA EMAIL (Not Post).
It is £10 for the Royal Ascot Update and £6 for the York & Autumn Updates (or £19 for ALL 3) via EMAIL.
Summary of last year’s 3 Ahead On The Flat Updates:
What The Clients Said:
“Thanks Mark top information again, I had a good start to the week and a great finish with Cleonte.” K.R.
“Well done Mark, been an excellent week for those you earmarked.” S.H.
“Many thanks mark lad £20 ew double Crystal Ocean + Southern Rock paid nearly £350 very grateful.” A.C.
“Just to say well done and thank you for the Ascot winners and, in particular, Southern Rock, which has just won at Hamilton, despite looking beaten a furlong out. As always, top class advice and information and as always, much appreciated.” W.S.
“NICE ONE MARK. 5 WINNING BETS FROM 5 FIRST DAY, CAN’T BE BAD, GOOD FINANCIAL START, THANKS AGAIN.” J.S.
“Cracking day today! Well done with the winners and Circus Maximus you gave it a cracking write up and the rain did come for it.” S.T.
“Just wanted to thank you for a great Ebor Update and pleased to say I backed all the winners you tipped up. Just for good measure, even though not tipped, your summary of Mustajeer convinced me to back him, along with Alligator Alley and Que Amoro in a winning treble. Once again Mark, thanks for a highly detailed and insightful update....and I'm pleased you email to Australia!” S.W.
“Great week, extremely knowledgeable, thank you again.” D.R.
“Great work for the Ebor Update Mark. Well done.” B.M.
“Thanks for a superb York Update 2019, remarkable insight, analysis and tipping selections.” S.L.
“Just to say thanks for highlighting Lampang in your Update. I thought the race was gone after he fell out of the stalls, but his finishing kick in the final two furlongs was seriously impressive. As always, quality information which is very much appreciated.” W.S.
“Been keeping an eye out for Lampang since your Royal Ascot Update. Again with your Ebor meeting Update. Today he showed the horse Tim Easterby knew he was. Your info is unbelievable.” B.R.
“Thanks for the info on Higher Kingdom, following on from Lampang this highlights just why your services are always worth their weight in gold.” A.A.
“Congratulations on Higher Kingdom, tip-top information.” A.M.
“Well done with King Leonidas, excellent information.” A.M.
POST
Mark Howard Publications Ltd.
69 Fairgarth Drive
Kirkby Lonsdale
Carnforth
Lancashire
LA6 2FB
TELEPHONE
015242 71826
FAX
015242 79010
EMAIL
mark.howard@mhpublications.co.uk