Second up in our 2008-09 Ones To Watch series, is the hugely impressive novice hurdler, Dunguib.

The Philip Fenton trained six year old is already off and running this jump season with a comfortable victory at Punchestown and he will head to the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle this Sunday, a clear betting favourite.

Since finishing as runner up in his debut race, back in April 2008, Dunguib has won five of his six races and is already as short as 3.4 to win the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

His next run should be his toughest test to date, as up to six competitors await in the Grade 1 contest at Fairyhouse. This will be the highest standard of opposition Dunguib has faced, with possible entrants including Some Present and Shinrock Paddy, as well as the unbeaten Sweeps Hill.

One of the keys to his early success has been amateur jockey Brian O’Connell, who has ridden the  gelding on every one of his career starts. O’Connell will link up with Dunguib again this Sunday, after their success in the Cheltenham race, and has also decided to turn professional prior to the race.

“Having Dunguib to ride, so early on, is a dream come true and I had a great season as an amateur last year,” said O’Connell,

“but it was always part of the plan to turn professional, and after discussing it with Philip we’ve decided now is the best time.

“I think I need to turn [professional] if I’m to further my career so I will do it either for Woodbine Willie on Saturday or wait until Fairyhouse on the Sunday.”

Such is the quality of Dunguib, that any less than a career best season for both jockey and horse, would surely represent a backwards step.