Intense Approach makes the trip across the Irish Sea in a bid to bag Grade 2 honours in the Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow on Friday.
County Meath handler John C McConnell has booked last season’s winning jockey Harry Cobden to do the steering on the hat-trick seeker, who tops the field of seven on ratings following victories at Downpatrick and Kelso.
Flying Fortune will attempt to go one better after success in the Fixed Brush Hurdle Series Final a fortnight ago made it three wins in a row and the mare receives 7lbs from her male rivals.
The Dan Skelton-trained Juventus De Brion is the only maiden in the line-up but the form of his third place at Ascot in February – in which the reopposing Vincenzo finished nearly 3l behind in fourth – makes for encouraging reading.
Fergal O’Brien saddled the Persian War winner two years ago and relies on Ryan’s Rocket, while last month’s Worcester maiden scorer Handlethekettle and Bullets Hill complete the field for Friday’s 15:15.
The latest Persian War Novices’ Hurdle odds are on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app, otherwise Timeform’s guide to the runners as well as betting tips from the racing boffins can be found below.
Persian War Novices’ Hurdle verdict
Timeform: Although RYAN’S ROCKET has gained his hurdle wins around 2m his pedigree and a 3m point success at the start of his career suggest he can go on to even better things over longer trips. Dan Skelton’s Juventus De Brion showed plenty of promise in 2 outings last season and is feared most ahead of the more-established pair Flying Fortune and Intense Approach.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Persian War Novices’ Hurdle 2024 runners and riders
The following horses have been declared for the Persian War Novices’ Hurdle 2024.
Bullets Hill
Trainer: Ella Pickard Jockey: Nick Scholfield Age: 6 Weight: 11st 0lbs
Scored decisively in handicap hurdles at Exeter/Ffos Las in April. Better than the result in a Uttoxeter handicap hurdle when last seen in July but looks a bit out of his depth here. Has had wind surgery.
**
Handlethekettle
Trainer: Jamie Snowden Jockey: Gavin Sheehan Age: 5 Weight: 11st 0lbs
Promising second in Listowel maiden hurdle in June. Only workmanlike when landing short odds at Worcester (2m) for new stable 3 months later but remains capable of better now stepping up in trip.
***
Intense Approach
Trainer: John McConnell Jockey: Harry Cobden Age: 5 Weight: 11st 0lbs
Dual bumper winner who took a bit of time to click over hurdles but has landed maiden/novice events in recent months. Thereabouts on form but others look more progressive.
***
Juventus De Brion
Trainer: Dan Skelton Jockey: Harry Skelton Age: 5 Weight: 11st 0lbs
Promise when third on both starts last winter, latterly in a useful novice at Ascot (19f, good to soft) with the reopposing Vincenzo back in fourth. Type to go on to better things this season. Player.
****
Ryan’s Rocket
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien Jockey: Jonathan Burke Age: 6 Weight: 11st 0lbs
£110,000 Irish point winner who has made a very bright start over hurdles, winning novices around 2m at Taunton and Kempton in the spring. The speed he’s shown is encouraging considering there is stamina in his pedigree. Smart prospect.
*****
Vincenzo
Trainer: Sam Thomas Jockey: Dylan Johnston Age: 6 Weight: 11st 0lbs
Placed in some good maiden/novice events prior to opening his account in 17f Exeter maiden in April. First start since. Will need to find some improvement to come out on top here.
***
Flying Fortune
Trainer: Peter & Michael Bowen Jockey: James Bowen Age: 5 Weight: 10st 7lbs
Dual bumper winner who has upped her form over hurdles this season, completing a hat-trick in 2½m Worcester handicap (soft) last month. Should be very competitive in this higher grade.
****
Today’s Racing Tips
- Mick Fitzgerald’s Lucky 31 for Chepstow
- Timeform’s horse racing tips for Chepstow
- Jason Weaver’s ITV Racing tips for York and Newmarket
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