There has been nothing that has really come out as a superstar.
Sixandahalf should be clear fav based on what's been achieved on course.
But there's one lurking down the market that i really like for this - especially if the ground comes up soft.
Flying Fortune won the Persian War Grade 2 against the boys at Chepstow in October - the 3 horses in behind her have all come out and won since and it wouldn't be that common to see a 5yo mare win this race so she has plenty of upside.
4th was Ryans Rocket who has since gone chasing, picked up a handicap win and OR130
3rd was Vincenzo who has also gone chasing, picked up 2 handicap wins over 2 miles, including over Tedley now OR134
2nd was Intense Approach who has since won 2 hurdle races over 3miles at Cheltenham and Musselborough - giving Gale Mahler 7lbs and a 5l beating - now OR133
She absolutely hammered Intense Approach in the Persian War and these were the comments afterwards "Peter and Michael Bowen’s mare was sent off favourite following a hat-trick of wins completed in a valuable Class 2 last month. Held up by James Bowen, the sole mare in the field was pushed along to lead after the second last and soon boasted a clear advantage. Eased down close home, she led by seven and a half lengths on the line.
“This is a race I’ve always wanted to win and she was the best chance we’ve ever had in it so I’m delighted,” Peter Bowen said. “She’s taken a while to get the hang of things but is a good mare. She has a lovely attitude and has been very straightforward to train.”
On future plans, Bowen commented, “She’s been busy and could do with six weeks off. We would have to look at the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle in March.”
She hasn't been seen or heard of since hence she is well hidden in the market - but to me that form stacks up as good as anything else in here. She has the profile of a horse i like for this race as a second season hurdler with plenty of jumping experience under her belt, in a race that has a propensity for the classy horses not to run to their best.
The step back to 2m1 is a slight concern as her best form is over 2m3/2m4 but they way she travelled and then quickened in the Persian would suggest she has a turn of foot to go with these and she won't be stopping coming up the hill - historically horses with plenty of runs and form over further have performed well in this race. That the race is has been moved and is now the 1st race on the Wednesday will probably increase the chances of the inexperienced horses boiling over so she has a lot going for her this mare.
50s available on Unibet if you want 10p each way, or 33s NRNB with some proper books.
