INKBERROW trainer Tom Gretton is hoping a host of young novice chasers will help him build on last season's success.

Gretton once again has a mix of young prospects and experienced campaigners at his disposal as the jumps season prepares to hit top gear, but it's the novice chase team that is exciting the most.

There are big hopes for Kauto Riko, a relation of superstar Kauto Star, as the six-year-old embarks on a season over fences after chalking up back-to-back handicap hurdle wins last term.

Gretton said: "We like him a lot and he's one we're looking forward to this season.

"He may well have a run over hurdles first time up, which will maybe be the first week of November, but he'll then go novice chasing. We schooled him last year and he did well."

Lickpenny Larry, bred in the village and owned by Alan Clarke, grey Snow Rescue and mare Appletree Lane are others set to tackle the bigger obstacles heading into the winter months.

On Lickpenny Larry, Gretton added: "His form wasn't great last season but we know he's much better than that and hopefully he can also progress."

However, as those horses prepare for their chasing debuts, another is ready for his sixth season tackling fences.

Hopes are again high that stable star Little Jimmy can add to his eight careers wins and more than £40,000 in prize money.

His trainer said: "He's had another wind op and has dropped down the weights again so he can hopefully win again this season if back to his best.

"He may have a run over hurdles first and could be ready to run by the end of the month.

"Like many of ours, you'll see he will improve for his first run. We also have the option of stepping him up to three miles in the spring."

Meanwhile, another winner from last season, Yourholidayisover (pictured), will again be campaigning throughout the winter.

After an array of placed efforts last term, he finally got his head in front in a handicap chase at Plumpton in January and will now be targeted at local tracks and could also be seen by the end of the month.

On his overall hopes for the campaign ahead, Gretton added: "We had our best year last season so we just want to improve on that again.

"We also had a lot of seconds so we'll be working hard to turn those into winners this time around.

"I think we have slightly less horses but definitely more quality."

Shares can be bought in a host of horses now in training at Middle Bouts Farm, including Little Jimmy and Appletree Lane.

For more information go to the shares and syndicates section at tomgrettonracing.co.uk