14:50 Chepstow

Sunday 15 October 2017

All13:4014:1514:5015:2516:0016:3517:1017:40

totepool Persian War Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2)

Off time: 14:51 | Winning time: 4m 47.65s

Amour de Nuit²³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 134

7/1

As is the case in the first race, the gelding's yard has won this race five times in the last 10 years, so respected as the flag bearer for a successful set up. Progressive last season but this a step up in grade, so faces his stiffest to date.

Form: 3121-21

Ballymountain Boy^p²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Andrew Tinkler| T: M Keighley| OR: 129

20/1

Progressive this season but already up 13lb in the ratings for future handicaps. This looks a lot tougher than the novice race he won at Uttoxeter but should handle the ground and may be capable of upping the ante once more.

Form: 1343-11

Black Mischief¹⁵⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: N D Fehily| T: H Fry

13/2

Improving individual - placed three times in Bumpers and proved he's unscathed from a fall on his penultimate start by winning last time out. More to do here but going the right way and has scope for further progress.

Form: 3/33F-1

Dear Sire^h¹⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: W T Kennedy| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 138| D

14/1

Won 6-of-15 starts over hurdles and ought to have no issues with the predicted ground. Has a bit to prove stamina-wise but has done very little wrong of late and very feasible he could improve over the extra distance.

Form: 212115

Equus Amadeus³²

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: R Johnson| T: T Lacey

25/1

Decent form in Bumpers before making a winning start over hurdles latest. More to do now upped in grade but jockey booking highly positive and the trip shouldn't be an issue. Interesting contender.

Form: 33-11

Gustave Mahler³²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Aidan Coleman| T: A Ralph| OR: 132

33/1

In great heart earlier this year but hit the buffers at Uttoxter last time out. Noteworthy Richard Johnson prefers Equus Amandeus and possible this trip taxes the gelding to the limit.

Form: 5-11213

Poetic Rhythm²¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 130| C

3/1

Form figures over at Cheltenham mainly read well even though he was put in his place in a novices Grade 1 at the Festival last time out. This is a tad more realistic and, given his consistency, the gelding holds solid place claims once more.

Form: 115330-

Tommy Rapper²¹²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 136

9/4

Consistent type and and not too many miles on the clock. Better than finishing position suggests in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham, which reads well in the context of this race. More to do but very interesting if backed and has to be considered.

Form: 22/U238-

Vision Des Flos¹⁷³

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: B J Cooper| T: C L Tizzard

13/2

Won sole start for his former trainer in a decent looking bumper at Punchestown in April. Stiff test for hurdles debut but now with a highly respected yard and cannot be discounted despite his lack of experience. Cost connections £270,000.

Form: 1-

Non-Runners

Listen To The Man¹⁵

Weight: 10-10| Age: 7

T: D Skelton J: Ian Popham

Forecasts

Tommy Rapper (9/4), Poetic Rhythm (3/1), Listen To The Man (5/1), Vision Des Flos (13/2), Black Mischief (13/2), Amour de Nuit (7/1), Dear Sire (14/1), Ballymountain Boy (20/1), Equus Amadeus (25/1), Gustave Mahler (33/1)

If money talks, then the expense connections went to in securing Vision Des Flos could easily be rewarded; even though the gelding does face a stiff test as he lacks experience as he makes his debut over hurdles. Therefore, it's possible there could be more value in siding with TOMMY RAPPER, who may have plenty more to offer and will find this easier than his last outing at the Cheltenham Festival. Amour de Nuit represents a yard with a cracking record in this race and has to be respected accordingly, while Poetic Rhythm will also find this easier than his assignment at Cheltenham and is another to bear in mind.