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With over 300 horses in the Ten to Follow, it’s a given that some horses are going to be forgotten about, or not even considered, by much of the racing public.

And as much as the likes of Enable, Stradivarius and Battaash have rewarded followers as you would expect, some horses have exceeded expectations.

As the Transfer Window opens, it might be wise to consider bringing in a horse who has done well in the competition so far without being housed in thousands of stables.

This quintet of surprise packages could be worth considering for a differential for your stable.

Even So - 22 stables - 54.1 points

While the potential for quite as many points to come might be a stretch, Even So has landed more Ten to Follow points than Love this season. There’s not a lot between them when it comes to points, but compare the 13,898 stables housing Oaks winner Love to the mere 22 the Irish Oaks heroine calls home.

Ger Lyons’ filly has progressed steadily this term, finishing third in a Group 3 back in March, before a solid fifth in the Irish 1000 Guineas. That’s when the winning started, firstly in an Oaks Trial at Naas, before landing the real thing at the Curragh the following month.

Her targets seem to be up in the air, but there are bonus race possibilities with the Irish Champion Stakes or the Arc potentially within the reach of the daughter of Camelot.

Even So

A’Ali - 133 stables - 52.82 points

Since winning the Norfolk Stakes last season, A’Ali has confirmed in no uncertain terms that he is a five furlong horse through and through.

Defeats in the Prix Morny and a well-beaten display in the Pavilion Stakes at Newcastle were banished into the ether when Simon and Ed Crisford’s charge swooped late to land the Coral Charge at Sandown under Frankie Dettori.

It was a switch of jockeys when he travelled to Ireland, with the man of the moment Colin Keane taking the ride, and duly steering him to victory in the Sapphire Stakes. The colt looks set to swerve the Nunthorpe next week, and could instead head back to Ireland in September for the Group 1 Flying Five Stakes.

Art Power - 533 stables - 31.02 points

Another sprinter who looks to have the world at his feet this year is Tim Easterby’s Art Power. Starting off this term in a lowly novice event at Newcastle worth £3.5k to the winner, the Dark Angel colt had merely hinted that he could be half-decent.

But what he did at Gosforth Park at the start of June would have got the attention of the circa 500 stables to pick the horse for the competition. On the second day of points scoring, he stepped up from that runaway success with an impressive victory in the Palace of Holyrood Handicap.

A Group test was next, and it was one he passed with flying colours putting Group 1 winner Millisle firmly in her place at Naas. A clash with Battaash could be next in the Nunthorpe Stakes, the only remaining sprint Bonus Race. Run well in that and he could be dining at the top table for the rest of the season and beyond.

Art Power

Speak In Colours - 51 stables - 44.00 points

Two wins and a placed effort from five runs since mid-June, Speak In Colours must be a wonderful horse to own, rarely running a bad race over sprint trips.

Wins in the Greenland Stakes and Ballycorus Stakes in his home country succeeded an excellent fifth in the Diamond Jubilee behind Hello Youmzain at Royal Ascot.

A return to five furlongs might be on the cards next month, with the Flying Five at the Curragh potentially on the cards for Joseph O’Brien’s grey. While he won’t run in any Bonus Races between now and the end of the season, he could compete, and compete well, in multiple group contests before October comes.

Highland Chief - 13 stables - 49.55 points

A three-quarter length fourth to Pinatubo in the Chesham Stakes was the highlight of the season for Highland Chief in 2019, but this term he’s firmly establishing himself as a Group class 12f horse.

His big prince ensured bumper points when he landed the Golden Gates handicap at Royal Ascot, a performance which forced a Derby tilt - a race which, of course, wasn’t run in the usual fashion. 

He resumed where he left off at Ascot when chasing home Mogul in the Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood. The three-year-old holds an entry in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York next week, and should he run well there, a crack at St Leger Bonus Points could be on the cards.

Highland Chief


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