Young guns can blaze a trail for Ricci

RICH Ricci is looking forward to seeing his exciting new recruits strut their stuff on the track this winter.

With a string of more than 50 horses, all under the care of Willie Mullins, Ricci is looking to some of his recent acquisitions proving their worth.

Four-year-old Senewalk heads most ante-post markets for the 2017 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, although he has yet to jump in public.

“As a son of Walk In The Park, just like Douvan and Min, we have high hopes for him,” Ricci said.

“While we don’t want to put anyone off him he hasn’t jumped a hurdle in public yet.

“He looks a two-miler and, if we can get a clear run with him, hopefully, he will be near the top of the pecking order come March.”

French recruit Francin, a three-year-old by Air Chief Marshal, seems to be impressing at Mullins’ yard and is towards the head of the betting for the Triumph Hurdle.

“We like this guy very much. He won nicely over a mile and a half at Lyon in June this year,” said Ricci.

“Provided he takes to hurdling we would be hopeful he can compete at the top level in the juvenile division.”

Riven Light, a four-year-old gelding by Raven’s Pass, might well be one to follow, according to Ricci.

“He hasn’t got your typical jumping pedigree but he is a strong-looking animal. He will start in a two-mile maiden hurdle and is one to note,” he said.

Looking even further ahead than just this season, Ricci feels Chacun Pour Soi is a fouryear-old with a big future over fences.

“This is an absolutely stunning horse who has been bought as a chaser,” said Ricci.

“His hurdles form held up for the majority of the spring at a strong level in Auteuil and he will stay over those for another season.

“He should pay his way this coming season but we are already looking forward to going chasing with him in 12 months’ time where, hopefully, he will be a leading light.”