Here are my top 10 horses to follow over the winter:

BIG BUCK'S (Paul Nicholls): Won the 3m World Hurdle last year and he will follow the same route again, starting off at Newbury, then heading for the Long Walk at Ascot, the Cleeve at Cheltenham and then back to the Festival and Aintree. He's going to be hard to beat if he progresses as expected.

BINOCULAR (Nicky Henderson): A narrow third in the Champion Hurdle last year, he has reportedly done very well physically over the summer and his trainer is eyeing the Boylesports Hurdle at Cheltenham on December 12 with the possibility of heading to Ireland at some stage.

CRACK AWAY JACK (Emma Lavelle): One of the leading hopes for the Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival. Emma would like to see a drop of rain before he makes his seasonal debut at Sandown on Saturday. But she says he's in great form and he's reportedly schooled really well.

HURRICANE FLY (Willie Mullins): Hurricane Fly is set to make his seasonal reappearance at Punchestown on November 15 but since he missed his intended engagement at the Festival last season, he could head to Cheltenham before going for the Champion Hurdle.

KAUTO STAR (Paul Nicholls): Hardly needs any introduction. The plan is to attempt a fourth victory in the King George VI Chase at Kempton and a third Cheltenham Gold Cup. He could not be in better hands and whatever happens, horses like him make jump racing the great sport it is.

KALAHARI KING (Ferdy Murphy): Expected to make his debut at Kelso on Saturday. He followed up his short-head Arkle defeat by Forpadydeplasterer with victory in the Grade 1 John Smith's Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree last April. He is a live prospect for the Champion Chase.

MASTER MINDED (Paul Nicholls): It is impossible to leave out the reigning 2m champion chaser for the list. The Connaught Chase at Cheltenham on November 15 is a possible prep race ahead of the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on December 5. Paul says he's the best he's every trained - and he's certainly one of the very best I've ever seen.

PUNCHESTOWNS (Nicky Henderson): Has always looked the type who would make up into a very good chaser, but because of the dry spell, the World Hurdle runner-up is yet to have any experience jumping fences. An exciting prospect, he looks a likely candidate for the RSA Chase at Cheltenham.

TAROTINO (Alan King): This horse's forte is jumping fences and he should be among the leading players for the Paddy Power Gold Cup. Reportedly in great form ahead of next week's Cheltenham engagement and looks sure to pick up a decent handicap chase or two this season.

ADVISOR (Paul Nicholls): A three-year-old by Anabaa, he won on the Flat and was rated at 78 back in June. Formerly with Michael Bell, he is owned by the Royal Ascot Racing Club and his trainer believes he has a bright future. He has the scope to be a progressive hurdler in the juvenile ranks.

BACKSTAGE (Gordon Elliott): Yes, there are 11 horses on my list. That's because there is a bonus window stage in February, so it is often useful to save your Grand National pick until then. This Irish raider, from a National-winning stable, was ultra-impressive when winning over fences at Ffos Las in August and his handicap mark will be protected until Aintree.

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