Fox Family Persian War Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2)

Off time: 15:26 | Winning time: 4m 46.7s

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Selected odds by:

Coolanly¹⁸⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 134| C

5/2

Decent level of form under Rules and stayed on nicely when fifth in two mile Grade 1 novice hurdle at Aintree Festival in April. First start since and any rain would probably improve his chance. for last year's winning connections.

Form: P1/1205-

Dorking Boy^t¹⁷²

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: Aidan Coleman| T: T Lacey

14/1

Clearly held in soe regard and makes his hurdles debut in Grade 2 company. Won Market Rasen bumper in heavy ground on debut last April then found out but not disgraced in Grade 1 Punchestown bumper. Interesting candidate.

Form: 18-

Double Treasure^t¹¹⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 140| CD

8/1

Useful chaser and has done well since switching back to timber winning both starts this summer on decent ground. Forecast rain is big concern as he steps up in class but big chance if ground holds up.

Form: 1170-11

Equus Millar¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 131

8/1

On a hat-trick after wins in handicap hurdles at Uttoxeter and Perth last month. Faces much stiffer task now but represents top team so cannot be completely dismissed.

Form: 0-14211

Gosheven¹⁷⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: R Johnson| T: P Hobbs & J White

6/1

Has shown promise without winning in his three hurdles to date and may develop into a fair performer. Hails from top yard but on all known form looks to face a very stiff task indeed.

Form: 535-

Minella Warrior^t1²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 130| D

4/1

Nice prospect who bids for a hat-trick following novice hurdle successes at Warwick in May and Uttoxeter last month. Wears tongue-tie for first time and ability to handle easy ground not known, but may not be far away.

Form: 282/11

Push The Tempo^h²³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: T J O'Brien| T: R Stephens| OR: 131

10/1

Unbeaten in three starts under Rules including impressive when in lesser company at Newton Abbot last time. Worth his place in this line-up and needs to improve again to figure here, but that's not out of the question.

Form: P91-111

Secret Investor^t¹⁶⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 137WS

5/1

In good form in the spring ending campaign with wins at Stratford and Kempton. Has had wind op this summer and makes first appearance since, but represents top yard and should be in the thick of the action.

Form: 22721-1

Forecasts

Coolanly (5/2), Minella Warrior (4/1), Secret Investor (5/1), Gosheven (6/1), Double Treasure (8/1), Equus Millar (8/1), Push The Tempo (10/1), Dorking Boy (14/1)

A decent renewal of this Grade 2 event with the vote going to last year's winning yard represnted this time by COOLANLY, who ran very well in a Grade 1 at Aintree in April. There are a number of potential dangers, including the in-form Double Treasure, although his chance may be compromised if the ground eases significantly. Dorking Boy is completely unexposed and could go well, while Secret Investor has to be respected and may improve following his wind op. Push The Tempo and Minella Warrior are others with fair claims in a race that appears hotly contested.