Top trainers including Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott and Dan Skelton reveal their dark horses for the new jumps season

THE jumps is back in full swing and already attention is turning to some nice types with the big festivals on the horizon.

Sun Racing went round the yards getting some inside info from the top trainers about their dark horses to follow for the season ahead.

Getty

A whole host of top trainers reveal the little-known horses they fancy to run well this season[/caption]

Gordon Elliot

MY TRUMP CARD is lightly raced and has huge potential for fences.

An imposing type, he had no respect for hurdles and has the physique to jump a fence.

Long term he could be a National Hunt Chase contender — a race Elliott has won four times. Gordon says: “He’s a big, raw horse and we might put cheek pieces on him. He’s all over a chaser.”

Henry de Bromhead

WATERFORD WHISPERS can make his mark in handicap hurdles or as a novice chaser.

Henry says: “We’ve yet to decide if he goes chasing or stays hurdling.”

Dan Skelton

LET IT RAIN was unbeaten in two bumpers last year, including an impressive eight-length victory in a Listed race at Ascot.

Dan says: “She looks good and we have high hopes for her. She is ready to roll and will be out soon.”

Lucinda Russell

INIS OIRR was third on his return at Perth and will target big staying chases.

Lucinda says: “He won the Edinburgh National last year so similar races will be on his radar again.”

Jamie Snowden

GOLDEN MAVERICK kicked on last spring but much more is expected this season.

Jamie said: “We were quietly away with him last season and there is more to come off his mark of 113.”

Olly Murphy

WADE OUT, part-owned by Fergie, is unbeaten in three runs in bumpers and a hurdle.

Olly says: “He’s very likeable. We could take a look at Cheltenham’s November meeting as he’s very professional now.”

Emmet Mullins

HARBOUR HIGHWAY looks a stayer for the future.

Emmet says: “He has a huge engine and should make his mark over hurdles.”

Martin Brassil

JAMES’S GATE was third in the 2022 Champion Bumper for Willie Mullins. He ran well enough over hurdles last season.

Martin says: “We think he retains his old ability.”

Gavin Cromwell

BIOLUMINESCENCE is a smart mare to go chasing with — especially over a marathon trip.

Gavin says: “She’s a galloper, who handles the mud and will thrive once seeing 3m+ and a fence.”

Gary Moore

THE RON DO RON is yet to win but his trainer hopes he can do some damage this season.

Gary says: “He’s got a lot of improvement in him and I think he’ll fly under the radar intially but can win plenty of races.”

Harry Derham

BALHAMBAR was only denied a hat-trick by a smart one and is expected to resume his progression this season.

Harry says: “He will go to Cheltenham in November. He’ll be a good two mile handicapper.”

Jonjo O’Neill

AN TAILLIUR is yet to put it together over fences, but his time doesn’t look far off.

Jonjo’s son AJ says: “He’s starting to get the hang of it over fences and there will be plenty of joy when he does.”

Nicky Henderson

PALLADIUM won the German Derby earlier in the year and was bought at the sales in France earlier this month before heading to Seven Barrows.

He is one of the most high-profile Flat horses to go hurdling in decades.

Hendo says: “He is the most beautiful horse to look at. He is still an entire horse and we will take our time with him. If he likes the hurdles then there will be some races for him but I am sure he will go on the Flat too.”

Willie Mullins

PORT JOULAIN was an impressive winner of a Gowran Park bumper in March. The likes of Yorkhill, Bob Olinger and Journey With Me have all won that race before going on to better things.

He flopped at Punchestown but he still rates a top prospect for hurdling.

Willie says: “I was very pleased with him at Gowran Park. He’s a real galloper and could reach the top as a chaser or hurdler.”

FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.

---

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.