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We take a look through the amazing action at the 2020 Cheltenham Festival and highlight some horses that were beaten on day, but are worthy of following next season for big race honours. In Part 1, there are five classy prospects, who didn't enjoy the thrill of glory this year, but are definitely horses to keep a close eye on.

Day 1 - ABACADABRAS - 2nd in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

If the ground was a bit faster in the Supreme, Shishkin may well have not got there in time to catch the runner-up. Abacadabras is a seriously pacey horse and he comes out of this race as a top prospect for two mile Grade 1 honours next season. Gordon Elliott’s youngster handled the track very well and there’s no reason he can’t develop into a genuine Champion Hurdle contender in 2021.

horses to follow

Day 1 - FAKIR D'OUDAIRIES - 2nd in the Arkle Novices’ Chase

Put The Kettle held on well to deny Fakir D’Oudairies in the Arkle, but Joseph O’Brien’s five-year-old displayed a brilliant attitude up the hill and remains a top class prospect for seasons to come. The JP McManus-owned horse has amassed a lot of valuable experience in his career to date and he could turn out to be even better as he steps up in trip.

Day 2 - THE BIG GETAWAY - 3rd in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle

You can’t take anything away from Envoi Allen, who really found the gears required when asked and ended up well on top come the line. Easywork ran well in second having raced too keenly early on, but The Big Getaway finished  third and is also a very classy prospect. He appeared to not quite get home over the trip, so a drop in distance and fences could be the call for him next season.

Day 2 - SAINT D’OROUX - 3rd in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

Aramax won the Boodles convincingly, but there was a lot to like about the way Saint D’Oroux jumped here. A steadily progressive juvenile to date, he is probably no superstar, but he has a very good jumping technique which will stand him in good stead for a chasing career down the line. One to keep an eye on for sure. 

Eskylane

Day 2 - ESKYLANE - 5th in the Champion Bumper

Ferny Hollow produced a strong staying performance to land the Champion Bumper for Willie Mullins and Cheveley Park Stud. The runner-up, Appreciate It, may well turn out to be the classiest horse in the race when provided nicer ground. The 5th horse home was Eskylane (pictured), a well-built six-year-old who caught the eye through the race. He was a bit one-paced for this race, but appears to be a big, galloping sort for staying chases down the line.


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