October 10 / 15.43 Chepstow

15.43

Good To Soft

Dragonbet Persian War Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £45560
  • 2m 3f 100y
  • Class 1
  • 8 runners
ITV
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Dragonbet Persian War Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Runners: 8 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

OUR TIP

Form: -82121 D

Last run: 73 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Never that dangerous in three Irish bumpers but has improved for hurdles, doubling his tally in a 2m Listed race on good ground at Galway's feature summer fixture; posted an eyecatching RPR and has since joined Olly Murphy who fits a hood; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

14

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Sticktotheplan

10st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Good start for Olly Murphy when showing a smart turn of foot to win Grade 2 Persian War (novice) at Chepstow (2m3f, good; hooded) in October; hasn't reproduced that in his two subsequent starts, latest when well beaten behind Wilful on Ascot handicap debut, but given a break (had wind surgery) and returns with a tongue-tie added.

33/1

1

10th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 1

15:43 Chepstow

Sticktotheplan

11st 5lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Never that dangerous in three Irish bumpers but has improved for hurdles, doubling his tally in a 2m Listed race on good ground at Galway's feature summer fixture; posted an eyecatching RPR and has since joined Olly Murphy who fits a hood; respected.

5/1

4

29th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

17:05 Galway

Sticktotheplan

11st 6lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: C W J Farrell

Stepped up in trip to win 2m4f Listowel maiden in May (good) and better form week later in 2m1f Punchestown novice when staying-on second to Timeless Treaty, having been slowly away; probably wants a stiffer test so a strong pace would suit.

12/1

Form: 3331- D

Last run: 173 days

W: 11st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
The same owners as when trained in Ireland and impressed on his final start, a valuable handicap at Cork (2m3f, soft); did beat an exposed handicapper that day but this 5yo looks to have better days ahead of him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

16th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

15:20 Bangor-on-Dee

Krak

11st 13lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Made winning handicap debut in Ireland in April 2025 but had disappointing campaign for new stable last season; drops back in trip and sports first-time cheekpieces here; needs to turn a corner.

12/1

1

19th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

16:20 Ludlow

Krak

12st 2lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Won Cork handicap (2m3f, soft) on final start for Stuart Crawford 11 months ago; weakened quickly on stable debut in Chepstow Grade 2 (about 2m3f) in October before being well held in two chases in December; weakened again over 2m5f in Kempton's Lanzarote (good) last time but should do better given this significant drop in grade.

15/2

2

10th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 1

15:43 Chepstow

Krak

11st 3lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

The same owners as when trained in Ireland and impressed on his final start, a valuable handicap at Cork (2m3f, soft); did beat an exposed handicapper that day but this 5yo looks to have better days ahead of him.

10/1

Form: 3114-1 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Fourth of 17 in a handicap at the Aintree Grand National meeting when bidding for a hat-trick and returned with a no-nonsense win at long odds-on in a 2m1f novice at Newton Abbot (good to soft); firmly heading in the right direction and could have a fitness edge over some in here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

24th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 3

15:47 Perth

Jack Hyde

11st 12lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Fergal O’Brien

Didn't feature in the Imperial Cup (Go Dante two places ahead of him) but back on track with his sights lowered when shading a tight finish in 2m Ludlow handicap (good) 25 days ago, taking his hurdles record to 4-12; has won over this trip; should remain very competitive off 6lb higher.

9/2

1st

1

30th Mar 2026

Good

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

16:27 Ludlow

Jack Hyde

12st 2lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Fergal O’Brien

Three-time novice winner on good to soft who has performed admirably in Graded and handicap company; didn't run much of a race in the Imperial Cup but he was single-figure odds and this wouldn't be as demanding as that Sandown race; tongue-tie removed; respected.

7/2

9th

13

7th Mar 2026

Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

14:27 Sandown

Jack Hyde

10st 13lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Fergal O’Brien

Three novice hurdle wins last year (2m-2m4f, good to soft) and second of 15 at Cheltenham (2m, soft) in November when back in a handicap; also runner-up at Taunton last month (2m, heavy; would have been closer granted a clear run) when back from a three-month break (and wind op); each-way player.

14/1

Form: 43-141 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Grade 3 bumper winner in France; kept performing below market expectations after arriving in Ireland but has won two of his last three (since cheekpieces were added) and beat an improver last time at Listowel (2m4f, good to yielding); hard to dismiss.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

4th Nov 2025

Soft

2m 4f 110y

14:45 Fairyhouse

Kainsbourg

11st 5lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Gordon Elliott

Grade 3 AQPS winner in France in 2023; took a while to deliver over hurdles last season; odds-on when opening his hurdles account in a 2m Tramore maiden at the sixth attempt; below-par at Roscommon in July before beating the useful Strong Link over this trip at Listowel; underlined improvement when second in last month's Persian War at Chepstow.

2/1

4th

3

4th Nov 2025

Soft

2m 4f 110y

14:45 Fairyhouse

Kainsbourg

11st 5lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Gordon Elliott

Grade 3 AQPS winner in France in 2023; took a while to deliver over hurdles last season; odds-on when opening his hurdles account in a 2m Tramore maiden at the sixth attempt; below-par at Roscommon in July before beating the useful Strong Link over this trip at Listowel; underlined improvement when second in last month's Persian War at Chepstow.

2/1

4th

3

4th Nov 2025

Soft

2m 4f 110y

14:45 Fairyhouse

Kainsbourg

11st 5lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Gordon Elliott

Grade 3 AQPS winner in France in 2023; took a while to deliver over hurdles last season; odds-on when opening his hurdles account in a 2m Tramore maiden at the sixth attempt; below-par at Roscommon in July before beating the useful Strong Link over this trip at Listowel; underlined improvement when second in last month's Persian War at Chepstow.

2/1

Form: 16-3

Last run: 162 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bought for £120,000 after winning an Irish bumper; only 8l away in a Grade 2 at Aintree before probably showing better form in Ireland, finishing 6l off El Cairos who had been fifth in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham; this 5yo is a nice prospect for novice hurdling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

15th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

16:25 Haydock

Kilwaughter

10st 11lb

J: Mr Jack Stenhouse

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Smart in bumpers and getting there over hurdles after digging deep for a successful handicap debut under Jack Stenhouse at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft); 7lb rise seems harsh enough but he'll probably improve again for going 3m.

5/2

1st

6

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 118y

Class 3

16:23 Newbury

Kilwaughter

11st 5lb

J: Mr Jack Stenhouse

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Unraced on soft/heavy; handicap debutant who looks particularly well treated on his strong bumper form; has gradually found his feet since switched to hurdles and latest effort, namely solid second over 2m3f at Taunton, has received a couple of boosts; interesting contender.

15/8

2nd

9

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

12:55 Taunton

Kilwaughter

11st 6lb

J: Mr Jack Stenhouse

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Irish bumper winner on Boxing Day 2024; ran well in hot bumpers at Aintree and Punchestown festivals for new stable last spring but disappointed (albeit in a Grade 2) on hurdle debut in October and was just a respectable fourth at Exeter (2m, good to soft) last month; still has potential but needs to take a good step forward here.

4/1

Form: 122- C BF

Last run: 230 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won the bumper at this meeting 12 months ago and went on to finish second at Ascot (beaten 14l in a Listed) and Kempton (again good to soft) where he narrowly missed out to one who could turn out very good; interesting that his top trainer aims this high on hurdling debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

13

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Moneygarrow

11st 7lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Point/bumper winner with course form having finished fifth to No Drama This End in a Grade 2 in November (behind King's Bucks); had wind surgery before he beat a good horse at Warwick (2m5f, good to soft) and put another in its place at Windsor when proving his stamina for 3m (soft); won't be fazed by the nature of this race and needs a second look.

11/1

1st

1

16th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

12:40 Windsor

Moneygarrow

11st 5lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Point (3m) and bumper winner who showed promise in Grade 2s on first two hurdle starts (including on soft ground) before winning a maiden by 7l at Warwick (2m5f, good to soft) last month; there's stamina in his useful pedigree and he's a leading contender for his top yard.

9/4

6

10th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 1

15:43 Chepstow

Moneygarrow

11st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Won the bumper at this meeting 12 months ago and went on to finish second at Ascot (beaten 14l in a Listed) and Kempton (again good to soft) where he narrowly missed out to one who could turn out very good; interesting that his top trainer aims this high on hurdling debut.

11/2

Form: /211-5 C

Last run: 161 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Last seen finishing tailed off in a Grade 1 2m4f novice hurdle at Punchestown in early May; had booked his ticket for that high-profile assignment with striking wins at about 2m4f at Doncaster and Newbury (both good to soft); held in high regard by his trainer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

16th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

19:20 Uttoxeter

Queensbury Boy

11st 10lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Mickey Bowen

2-4 over hurdles but mixed form in five runs over fences, with his best effort a second of five at Windsor (3m, soft) in January; had wind surgery after disappointing run at Kelso (jumped right) in February and he had a walkover at Hereford on Tuesday; not easy to weigh up at present but both hurdle wins came over similar trips and he has claims if back near best.

9/1

1st

1

12th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 44y

Class 3

14:38 Hereford

Queensbury Boy

11st 10lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Well beaten at Kelso in February last time to make it 0-4 over fences but that was on heavy going and he's had a wind op since, while the return to a right-handed track is a likely plus; good second at Windsor (3m, soft) in January and he seems fine on good ground; solid claims if back on song.

4/6

6th

1

13th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 5f 133y

Class 3

15:35 Kelso

Queensbury Boy

11st 10lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Lightly raced 7yo who ran well when upped in trip at Windsor (3m, soft) last month, finishing second of five; there can be optimism he'll still be seen to good effect now back down in distance and he's one to consider.

3/1

Form: -41111 D

Last run: 83 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Won two staying handicap hurdles once fitted with a visor and has since added a couple of novices at 2m4f; being hard-fit will count for something but debatable whether she's quite up to this level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(2)

11th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 189y

Class 6

15:30 Catterick

Laravie

9st 6lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: James Owen

Unplaced when just 2-1 for last month's Flat handicap debut at Lingfield (2m, AW) but justified favouritism in good style at Salisbury (1m6f, good to firm) subsequently; did it in good style and she still appeals as being well treated under a 4lb penalty, especially in view of her hurdling ability.

13/8

1st

6

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 44y

Class 6

16:55 Salisbury

Laravie

9st 0lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: James Owen

Developed into fairly useful hurdler when fitted with a visor last year, winning four times (2m4f-2m7f); didn't show a great deal in three AW novice races (8.6f-1m3f) in March and was soundly beaten when upped to 2m for recent handicap debut (visor refitted) but she may yet transfer some of that hurdling ability to this code.

4/1

5th

4

(6)

27th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 6

14:15 Lingfield (AW)

Laravie

9st 8lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: James Owen

Developed into fairly useful hurdler when fitted with a visor last year, winning four times (2m4f-2m7f); didn't show a great deal in three AW novice races (8.6f-1m3f) in March but this longer trip ought to suit much better and she has the visor refitted on her Flat handicap debut; must be considered.

6/4

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Queensbury Boy

TOPSPEED:

Sticktotheplan

RP RATINGS:

Kainsbourg

WEST COUNTRY:

Jack Hyde

The Star:

Moneygarrow

D Express:

Kilwaughter

POSTDATA:

Kainsbourg

Daily Mail:

Sticktotheplan

Daily Record:

Sticktotheplan

LAMBOURN:

Queensbury Boy

The Times:

Queensbury Boy

The Guardian:

Queensbury Boy

Daily Mirror:

Queensbury Boy

The Sun:

Queensbury Boy

Telegraph:

Jack Hyde