IT’S that time of year when National Hunt trainers start firing their bullets. Here are a few horses who have caught the eye in recent days and are worth keeping on the right side of as the jumps season hits full swing…

FOREST BIHAN: Brian Ellison’s strapping five-year-old (pictured above) was still in contention when parting with young rider Nathan Moscrop at the last flight at Market Rasen. He would have gone close and would have been raised a few pounds regardless of winning or placing. So he is on a rating that is more than workable and should be watched closely next time. A horse with plenty of potential it will be interesting to see when connections decide to send him chasing.

BALLYDAGUE LADY: Looked on very good terms with herself when winning over 2m 7f at Worcester with a lot in hand under Richard Johnson and looks up to running up a sequence in mares’ novice chases. She is consistent, looks an uncomplicated ride and jumps well. Entered at Hereford on Monday.

BY THE BOARDWALK: Won nicely at Market Rasen and has been raised just 5lb. He gets on especially well with Tom Bellamy but needs decent ground and a right-hand track to show his best. In at Exeter on Tuesday.

AZZERTI: Travelled kindly on his hurdling debut at Fontwell and only found a Paul Nicholls hotpot too good. He looks a surefire winner.

RAVENHILL ROAD: From the same connections of Forest Bihan, this point winner made a spectacular winning debut on his bumper debut at Market Rasen despite showing inexperience. He looks likely to be a 3m chaser in time but he should be more than capable of winning plenty over hurdles.

CKALCO DES LOGES: Many of Dan Skelton’s horses have been needing a run and this one looks likely to come on a ton for his decent third at Ayr where he travelled kindly into the race before settling for third. A big, rangy four-year-old he will benefit from being given some time but should still win a novice hurdle or two.

BOA ISLAND: The Paul Nicholls winner machine keeps on rolling and his horses are in rude health. This one hacked up in a novice chase at Wincanton and looks the type to run up a sequence of victories.

Be lucky!