British champion trainer Paul Nicholls has won the Persian War Novices’ Hurdle over an extended 2m 3f at Chepstow seven times before.
In Trevelyn’s Corn, the Ditcheat handler has a leading contender for this feature Grade 2 contest on Friday (14:10).
This six-year-old Oscar gelding won an Irish point before joining his current stable. Trevelyn’s Corn was a fine fourth in a competitive novice hurdle at Ascot on debut for Nicholls last November.
The runner-up, Stoney Mountain, has since placed twice at this level. But for an awkward landing after the final flight, Trevelyn’s Corn may have got closer.
Although finding 3m and Grade 1 company too hot at Aintree on his final start of last season, he did win a 2m 4f Wincanton maiden hurdle well by seven lengths.
Trevelyn’s Corn has since had a wind op. He’s also more lightly-raced and less exposed than most of his Persian War rivals with plenty of scope for further progress.
With even more to come from him now eased in grade, Trevelyn’s Corn is 9/2 with Unibet here.
Also prominent in the betting is Harambe. Trained by Alan King, this six-year-old son of Malinas placed in a Grade 2 bumper at the Aintree Grand National Festival of 2018 when third to Portrush Ted.
Harambe has since won two of his seven hurdles starts with fine victories at Kempton and Market Rasen this spring.
He then chased home well-regarded Nicholls inmate Getaway Trump in the Novices’ Championship Final Handicap Hurdle during the Jumps Finale at Sandown.
The winner was previously second at Grade 1 level to Champ. That’s strong form and explains why Harambe is 6/1 with Unibet here.
Echiquier turned out quickly in Persian War
Gloucestershire trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies has won the Persian War four times since 2003. Recent yard recruit Echiquier is his sole representative this time around.
Owned by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, their five-year-old French import has extensive chase experience.
Echiquier also bolted up by 13 lengths on his British debut in a three-runner novice hurdle at Hexham last week.
The son of Network was sent off long odds-on and quickened clear from just two rivals at a canter.
What he beat is questionable, but connections were clearly pleased with what they saw in Northumbria as they pitch him straight into a higher grade so soon after.
Echiquier is prominent in the Persian War betting at 6/1 with Paddy Power as a result.
Some Day Soon heads to Chepstow looking for a five-timer, meanwhile, after stepping up on some promising runs last season.
They include when fifth behind Supreme runner-up Thomas Darby and Grade 1 Tolworth winner Elixir De Nutz in a hot minor event at The Showcase meeting at Cheltenham.
Trained by Jamie Snowden, Some Day Soon also chased home the useful Crooks Peak and subsequent Grade 2 victor Southfield Stone at Exeter and Taunton respectively.
He has since landed four races on the spin, but was sent off odds-on each time and what he beat is questionable. Some Day Soon is 11/1 with Coral for the Persian War.
Champagne and Thyme Hill can go Well at Chepstow
Champagne Well placed in a Grade 3 handicap and lost another race in the stewards’ room last season.
Trained by Fergal O’Brien, the six-year-old son of Gold Well was also a desperately unlucky runner-up to the useful Downtown Getaway at Ascot.
He got chinned in the final stride and went down fighting by a short-head. That form has since been reversed by Champagne Well in a 3m Grade 1 at Aintree.
Although he needed his first run in a bumper here last season, this Irish point winner hails from a yard that targets the Persian War with its second season novice hurdlers.
O’Brien landed the spoils two years ago with a similar type in Poetic Rhythm, so knows what is required.
On the pick of his form, Champagne Well has a chance and odds of 8/1 with Betfair reflect that.
Trainer Philip Hobbs gives Worcester bumper winner Thyme Hill his bow over the obstacles in the Persian War.
The son of Kayf Tara ran very well when placing in two further bumper outings at Cheltenham. He reversed form with Listed conqueror Master Debonair when third in the Champion Bumper.
That run in Grade 1 company makes Thyme Hill an interesting horse to follow this season, especially with champion jockey Richard Johnson again on board.
Provided he trains on, big things are expected of him. Thyme Hill is 10/1 with Ladbrokes for a winning hurdles debut in the Persian War.
