Grade Two Persian War Novices' Hurdle Guide 2022

Louis Moir | @LouisMoir99

Chepstow - October 06 2022
Chepstow 13:10
5
Brian Hughes

Presentandcounting

J: Brian Hughes
T: Donald McCain
N/A
Age: 8
Weight: 11-0
OR: 136
Days: 14

Whenever jockey Brian Hughes and trainer Donald McCain team up you always have to take note of their runners. He was very impressive over fences last season, winning five times in novice company.

He is currently 3-3 and is looking to make it a four timer by winning again here. This fine jumper took apart the rest of the field in a 12-runner handicap hurdle at Worcester last time out winning by 10 lengths.

Has to be respected off that showing.

DateCourseDistanceTypeWeightPosition
01/08/23PER20GS12-01
24/06/23PER24Gd11-102
08/06/23FFO24Gd12-01
19/05/23AIN20Gd11-74
19/04/23CHL20.5Gd11-46
Chepstow - October 06 2022
Chepstow 13:10
1
Paddy Brennan

Accidental Rebel

J: Paddy Brennan
T: Fergal O'Brien
N/A
Age: 8
Weight: 11-0
OR: 122
Days: 51

He has definitely improved since leaving trainer Henry de Bromhead to go and join a trainer in form Fergal O’Brien.

The oldest horse in the line-up, but a progressive one as he completed a hat-trick in elegant success in a Worcester handicap in July.

This 8 year old was only beaten a neck off a 6 lb higher mark back at Worcester last time out, and he will have to show more in this company if having a chance to go close.

Cheekpieces will be applied on him for the first time which could potentially make a difference. One at a bigger price who may be able to threaten.

DateCourseDistanceTypeWeightPosition
04/03/23KEL18GS11-108
07/10/22CHP19.5Gd11-01
17/08/22WOR20Gd11-132
26/07/22WOR20Gd11-71
26/06/22UTT20Gd11-31
Chepstow - October 06 2022
Chepstow 13:10
6
Harry Skelton

Quid Pro Quo

J: Harry Skelton
T: Dan Skelton
N/A
Age: 6
Weight: 11-0
OR: 133
Days: 128

One of two for trainer Dan Skelton in this race. He won a Hereford bumper on debut and the form has worked out very well from that race.

The J. P. McManus owned horse then returned from 15 months off with a success on hurdles debut in May, he won that very cosily.

Steps up massively in class and has to tackle Grade Two company here, but for sure the worthy favourite.

Won really impressively last time out at Newton Abbot beating Vis a Vis by 7 lengths. No reason why he will not improve again, looks like an exciting individual.

DateCourseDistanceTypeWeightPosition
30/07/23UTT21Gd10-113
28/05/23UTT20Gd10-72
13/05/23WAR20Gd11-102
28/04/23STH20.5GS11-101
12/04/23STH16GS10-63
Chepstow - October 06 2022
Chepstow 13:10
2
Lorcan Murtagh

Deeper Blue

J: Lorcan Murtagh
T: Harry Fry
N/A
Age: 6
Weight: 11-0
OR: 132
Days: 199

This 6 year old gelding got back on track when making all of the running in a Fontwell maiden in March, and then improved again when defying a penalty back in a handicap at Exeter only a few days later.

Is certainly a strong contender in this field as he comes from a yard who have hit the ground running so far this campaign. Highly respected.

DateCourseDistanceTypeWeightPosition
22/03/22EXE18.5GS11-131
19/03/22FON17.5GS11-61
18/01/22NCS20.5GS11-85
16/12/21EXE18.5Sft11-36
26/10/21CHP19.5Gd11-12
Chepstow - October 06 2022
Chepstow 13:10
7
NON-RUNNER

Scipion

J: NON-RUNNER
T: Tom Lacey
N/A
Age: 6
Weight: 11-0
OR: 131
Days: 201

This 6 year old son of Shantou notched up an impressive third in a Warwick Grade 2 on just his second start under rules in January.

Three of his four career starts so far have come on soft/heavy ground so he will want better conditions here.He was a remote third in the mud at Haydock before progressing nicely to win at this course in March.

He may need the run, but can play a part if fully ready to give his all. Not out of things.

DateCourseDistanceTypeWeightPosition
12/05/23MAR24GS11-95
24/04/23KEM24GS11-82
18/03/23UTT34Sft10-2PU
14/02/23LIN23.5Gd11-101
07/01/23SAN20Sft11-134
Chepstow - October 06 2022
Chepstow 13:10
4
Harry Cobden

Outlaw Peter

J: Harry Cobden
T: Paul Nicholls
N/A
Age: 6
Weight: 11-0
OR: 118
Days: 158

Was a bumper winner over 2m at Worcester and did not disgrace himself over hurdles in some deep looking races (Class 3 events)It is important to mention this horse won really, really well last time out following a breathing operation at

Kempton in May and certainly remains with potential over hurdles considering he will be stepping up in class here.

Cannot be ignored and can make himself a player if progressing from last win.

DateCourseDistanceTypeWeightPosition
15/04/23AIN24.5GS11-29
18/03/23KEM21Sft11-61
01/03/23WCN21.5Gd12-01
04/02/23MUS24GS11-82
14/01/23KEM21Sft10-11PU
Chepstow - October 06 2022
Chepstow 13:10
3
Tom Bellamy

Hector Javilex

J: Tom Bellamy
T: Charlie Longsdon
N/A
Age: 5
Weight: 11-0
OR: 123
Days: 193

Beat nine other rivals in a maiden hurdle at Southwell in May, he won that well showing a lot of enthusiasm that day. Made it 2-2 as he followed up at Ludlow and is for sure open to more improvement.

Huge step up in grade and an outsider for a reason, but can be one to potentially have a decent season.

Just has not won his races as well as others in this race so hard to fancy here.

DateCourseDistanceTypeWeightPosition
16/03/23CHL24Sft10-1219
27/01/23HUN25GS11-74
01/01/23CHL24Sft9-131
11/11/22CHL21Gd11-104
07/10/22CHP19.5Gd11-05
Chepstow - October 06 2022
Chepstow 13:10
9
Lorcan Williams

Gentle Connections

J: Lorcan Williams
T: Dan Skelton
N/A
Age: 5
Weight: 10-7
OR: 119
Days: 108

Trainer Dan Skelton’s second runner in this race. The only filly in this contest and she hit form when she completed a four timer back in June.

She was faced with another easy assignment on paper in a six runner novice at Newton Abbot, winning that by 3 ¾ lengths.

This is much harder for her so she may find it tough, one of the more unlikely winners.

DateCourseDistanceTypeWeightPosition
01/05/23WAR20Gd11-85
11/04/23EXE16.5GS11-1212
25/10/22CHP23.5GS11-9PU
07/10/22CHP19.5Gd10-76
21/06/22NAB21.5Gd11-101