Jumps racing is coming to the fore once again as the evenings close in and that’s evident with a quality Chepstow card (2.10pm-5.55pm) on Friday that includes the Grade 2 Persian War Novices’ Hurdle.
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2.10 – Paul Ferguson’s Jumpers To Follow 4-Y-O Hurdle (2m2f)
Goobinator has shown consistency in four hurdles runs (2121) and comes here fit after a spin on the Flat at Ayr while Gary Moore’s Vorashann dotted up last week at Fontwell and needs major consideration as such. French imports BLACKO and Thyme White were both repelled in the Fred Winter when last sighted at Cheltenham in March but have claims of progress this term. Alan King’s charge was 2-2 on British soil before that and could get back on the up.
Selection: Blacko @ 9/2
2.45 – Dragon TV And Film Studios/EBF Mares’ ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle (2m3½f)
Born In Borris made a winning start over hurdles at Wincanton in March on heavy ground and should go very close under a penalty but Paul Nicholls will like the chances of KILMINGTON ROSE. The Presenting mare was best of the rest behind easy winner Coquelicot at Taunton (2m½f, heavy) on debut in a mares’ bumper in January. That form is strong and she’s the type to well for the Ditcheat team over timber. Stable took this last year with smart Silver Forever.
Selection: Kilmington Rose @ 13/8
3.15 – Unibet Persian War Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2, 2m3½f)
The feature race and a chance for a quick-fire double for Nicholls and Harry Cobden with MCFABULOUS. He was turned over here on seasonal bow last year but is a course bumper winner and made solid progress afterwards when upped in trip. He ended the term with a ready success in a Grade 3 Kempton handicap in March and, with a rating of 145, can concede weight to these rivals. Everglow has pleasing bumper form and could be a place player if taking to this discipline quickly.
Selection: McFabulous @ 4/5
3.50 – Unibet 3 Uniboosts A Day Novices’ Hurdle (2m)
Flic Ou Voyou very much fits the bill for the Nicholls/Cobden alliance, with the best available form and having undergone a wind operation since last spotted. It wouldn’t be any shock if he wins but AT LARGE is an eye-catching newcomer for Colin Tizzard. He cost €70,000 as a three-year-old and represents the connections of smart novice hurdler from last term, Fiddlerontheroof.
Selection: At Large @ 5/2
4.25 – Unibet 3 Uniboosts A Day Novices’ Hurdle (2m)
Soaring Glory was 2-3 in bumpers last season, his only blot a runner-up finish in a Listed contest at Ascot just before Christmas. He’s very much the type to do well over hurdles for Jonjo O’Neill. He might be rather short in the market here and an alternative is TO BE SURE for the Evan Williams yard. He was second in a 2m4f point-to-point in the spring before joining current connections and could be decent. Numbers Man and Bravemansgame are other leading contenders for top yards.
Selection: To Be Sure @ 16/1
4.55 – Professor Caroline Tisdall Supports Heroic Jumpers Veterans’ Handicap Chase (2m7½f)
Some old favourites in this veterans’ contest and it wouldn’t be a big shock if Double Shuffle was able to gain some traction in this sort of contest on his seasonal bow from a reduced rating. Likewise, it’s a while since we’ve seen DON POLI doing his best stuff but he’s now trained by Dan Skelton and might have a resurgence amongst this sort of cast.
Selection: Don Poli @ 20/1
5.25 – Tom Malone Bloodstock Novices’ Chase (2m7½f)
None of these have run in a while so race-fitness is missing but they are all starting from a clean slate. Enrilo goes well fresh for Nicholls and Cobden on what could be a great day for them, while Red River has claims if he gets around. THE CASHEL MAN had useful novice hurdling form last term over staying distance and appeared to relish small-field affairs. He should go well for the champion trainer.
Selection: The Cashel Man @ 7/2
5.55 – iStadia Outdoor LED Screens Supports Racing Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase (2m7½f)
Royal Magic is in good form at this present moment, winning at Newton Abbot last month and doing nothing wrong in second at Market Rasen a week later. He might prefer slightly further however and this wide open finale could go to AMATEUR. John Flint’s charge must jump better but he ought to be sharper for the reappearance second at Uttoxeter (3m2f, good) last month and has scope for better on only his third chase start.
Selection: Amateur @ 7/2
* All odds correct at time of writing