Unibet Persian War Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:18 | Winning time: 4m 45.67s

Bullets Hill^p,t¹²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Nick Scholfield| T: Ella Pickard| OR: 109| CWS

66/1

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.

Form: P311-P6

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Handlethekettle²⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 118

11/1

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.

Form: FF-21

Intense Approach²³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Cobden| T: J C McConnell| OR: 127

11/2

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.

Form: FP-F211

Juventus De Brion²³⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 120

17/2

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.

Form: 33-

Ryan's Rocket¹⁵⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: J J Burke| T: F O'Brien| OR: 122

11/4

£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.

Form: P1/021-1

Vincenzo¹⁷⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Dylan Johnston| T: S Thomas| OR: 120

11/2

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.

Form: 2/32431-

Flying Fortune¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 10-7| J: James Bowen| T: P & M Bowen| OR: 121

2/1

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.

Form: 52-2111

Forecasts

Flying Fortune (2/1), Ryan's Rocket (11/4), Intense Approach (11/2), Vincenzo (11/2), Juventus De Brion (17/2), Handlethekettle (11/1), Bullets Hill (66/1)

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 du 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.