INKBERROW trainer Tom Gretton says his string of horses has a greater level of ability compared to this time last season.

With the National Hunt campaign about to switch up a gear, Gretton is hopeful of success after more hard work over the summer months.

Last season proved frustrating at times for the Middle Bouts Farm handler, especially when illness hit some of the yard’s equine stars and set back their carefully laid plans.

However, with that now well behind him and the team fresh from a busy period of summer jumping, hopes are high of yet more progress.

One change has seen Tommy Phelan arrive as assis tant trainer. Followers of stable star Little Jimmy, who secured two more victories last term, may remember Phelan taking the ride during the early part of the horse’s career.

It is Little Jimmy once more that could prove an important element to the yard’s success this season.

Gretton is hopeful the consistent eight-year-old can win again for his large group of owners.

“It will be more of the same for Little Jimmy,” said Gretton. “He has been brilliant for us and we’re hopeful he can win a few more yet.

“He will eventually need three miles but we have options. He is very reliable and does well in the spring.”

Meanwhile, Gretton says Armedanddangerous is showing signs of being back to his best after a disrupted previous campaign.

One new recruit to look out for is Your Turn. She will be competing mainly in mares’ hurdle races but may begin with a run in a bumper.

The team at Middle Bouts Farm are also hoping to see progress from Kauto Riko this season but admit he may need another year of experience before he comes into himself.

One horse that got his head in front during the summer was Jackthejourneyman. He secured success at Huntingdon in August and will continue to race into the winter months. He will go back to two miles next time up and needs to go right-handed.

Other inmates at the yard that enjoyed a fruitful summer season were Auld Fyfee and Primo Rossi.

Overall, Gretton is pleased with the horses at his disposal going into the busy winter period.

“The string has a better ability than this time last year and we have more to work with,” added Gretton.

“Again we have a lot of young horse so we will need to be patient as we learn about them.”