The Persian War Novices’ Hurdle represents a new dawn for jumps fans, many of whom have been waiting for months for its arrival. A field of seven budding novices go to post this year, and Joe Napier looks to find the race’s next star.
Champion Bumper third Captain Teague enjoyed a great start to his hurdling career in this race a year ago, scoring by 9½ lengths; he would be a Grade 1 winner by the end of the calendar year.
RYAN’S ROCKET
(Fergal O’Brien/Jonathan Burke)
The first we saw of Ryan’s Rocket would not have endeared him to many trackers, but Fergal O’Brien has got him winning over obstacles. He pushed the talented Fiercely Proud all the way on his hurdles bow, then won two races in the spring at Taunton and Kempton, the latter under a penalty.
He retains his novice status under the end of November and comes in with plenty of experience in points and under rules. There should be no ground issues, and he looks solid enough for the trip too. A worthy favourite.
INTENSE APPROACH
(John McConnell/Harry Cobden)
It has not been an orthodox start to the hurdling career of Intense Approach, who failed to complete on his first three starts over timber, falling twice and pulling up in Grade 2 company in between at Kelso. The summer jumps program has aided his development though, as he has now won back-to-back races and seems to have found his groove in the jumping department.
A step up in distance to 2m5f-2m6f has also appeared to help, so it will be interesting to see what he does back in trip to 2m3½f. Equally, his wins have come on good, though there was promise in his bumpers on a softer surface too. This is not often a race targeted by Irish trainers, but raiders from across the sea have to be respected.
FLYING FORTUNE
(Peter & Michael Bowen/James Bowen)
Mares do not have a good record in the Persian War, but Flying Fortune is in the best form throughout the field. This is her second season as a novice after she failed to win last year, but once again summer jumps meetings have proven useful to her.
She has won three races across Market Rasen and Worcester, with all her winning margins being 1½ lengths. She did win on soft last time out, so ground should not be too much of an issue, but though this is a significant jump in class, she has improved substantially of late.
THE FIELD
The least exposed is Juventus De Brion, who did not come through points, and who has recorded only a pair of third-placed efforts so far. However, Dan Skelton will be keen to be in the early winners and his latest third at Ascot in February looks strong form in this context, with plenty of winners around him. He could easily be a big improver this term.
Vincenzo was narrowly behind him that day, but got off the mark at Exeter in April, having been very consistent beforehand. He is another who would not have to step forward too markedly to be heavily involved, nor would Handlethekettle, a recent purchase now in Jamie Snowden’s hands. The runner-up from his Worcester success has gone in since, though he would perhaps require a slightly bigger leap upwards. Bullets Hill is the only contender who looks outclassed on form after some disappointing handicap efforts when last seen.
ITV Racing Tips – Five for Friday at Newmarket and Chepstow
A fabulous Friday of racing action incorporates a race for Group 1 glory at Newmarket and the spiritual return of the jumps at Chepstow. GG’s in-house man Joe Napier has picked out five selections across a whopping ten races live on ITV. 1.47 Newmarket – Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon Project Cornwallis Stakes (Group 3) This…
Thu 10 Oct 2024
VERDICT
They have been off for the longest time, but the strongest form may have been in defeat from both JUVENTUS DE BRION and Vincenzo at Ascot last season. The selection may be a maiden, but is unexposed, represents a yard keen to record as many early winners as possible, and looks the only one who may end up being genuine Graded quality. Vincenzo is second choice having subsequently scored at Exeter, but has 2½ lengths to find, while Intense Approach and Ryan’s Rocket both have similar profiles and could easily figure.
- Juventus De Brion
- Vincenzo
- Intense Approach
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