14:10 Clap of Thunder
14:45 Regatta De Blanc
15:15 Juventus De Brion
15:50 Good Boy Bobby
16:25 Destroytheevidence
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at the time of publishing but subject to change.
A 2m novice hurdle gets us underway as we officially start the new National Hunt season in the UK. Nigel Twiston-Davies usually has his string well forward in the early part of the season and Clap Of Thunder ridden by his son, Sam, fits the bill. The four-year-old travelled to Ireland for a valuable sales bumper last season, when a well beaten second to Kopek Des Bordes.
He’s been sold by the trainer since and looks set to make his mark as a novice hurdler this campaign. French Ship and Kap Boy could be others who should get competitive and be ones to watch for in the weeks and months ahead.
A 2m 3f mares race where Regatta De Blanc is a multiple point-to-point winner and should be returning to the winners enclosure for Paul Nicholls. This looks an ideal opportunity for the six-year-old to win her first race over hurdles.
The Persian War novices hurdle is usually an informative Grade 2 contest and the Irish challenger Intense Approach is towards the head of the market. He sets a good standard off a mark of 130 but I’m not convinced by his jumping. Juventus De Brion looks interesting for the Skeltons. He’s been given time to develop since a very good run at Ascot when a close-up third to Pic Roc and Inthewaterside (now both rated in the 130s) when only a baby last season. The Skelton’s wouldn’t throw him in at the deep end unless they thought he’d really improved for the time off during the summer. He looks a bit of value in this tricky contest.
A veteran’s handicap chase where Good Boy Bobby can repeat last year’s win. The now 11-year-old stayed on strongly to beat Aye Right last year and is just 1lb higher in the weights now. Proven form at Chepstow is always a positive. He can be another winner for Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies.
Kim Bailey has his team in good form and Destroytheevidence has some smart hurdles form in the book as he embarks on a chasing career, in this novices handicap. A good back-to-back winner at Kempton last season, his form tailed off a bit after that but he can make his presence felt over the larger obstacles.
14:10 Clap of Thunder
14:45 Regatta De Blanc
15:15 Juventus De Brion
15:50 Good Boy Bobby
16:25 Destroytheevidence
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
The latest racing odds are on PaddyPower.com now
Leading horse racing advisor Andrew Mount writes for the Weekender and Racing & Football Outlook, both published by the Racing Post, as well
Leading horse racing advisor Andrew Mount contributes to various Racing Post publications including the Weekender and
Leading horse racing advisor Andrew Mount writes for the Weekender and Racing & Football Outlook, both published by the Racing Post, as well
For the casual observer, the horse racing season may seem like it is winding down as we approach the winter months. However, a closer look at the racing ca