Five horses to follow in Chepstow jumping season opener – including hunter Kim Bailey with Chianti Classico connection

The opening of the two-day Chepstow jumping season was a sign that winter is coming and typically provided plenty of hints for the upcoming campaign. Here we chose five horses to accompany at the meeting. . .

3rd, division one of the 2m hurdles for beginners, Friday

Farland, trained by Paul Nicholls, was the beaten favorite on day one but caught the eye in third place.

It appears most of Nicholls’ runners will be quite successful in their first race and Farland, a half-brother to bet365 Gold Cup winner Minella Cocooner, will have the best effect as he progresses through the trip.

The five-year-old can handle himself and it may not be the easiest course, but he’s got the skill and should take all the beating at a beginner’s obstacle next time.

5th, 2m3½f beginner mares hurdle, Friday

This double winner caught the eye by remaining in fifth place, coming from an unpromising position under Marc Goldstein.

The Lydia Richards-trained mare left the impression that endurance will be a strong point in her first attempt on this trip.

The first two at home had the fitness for the race but this was a promising return from My Louise who ran strong and it will be interesting if she finds the right opportunity next time.

1st, 2m7½f novice handicap chase, Friday

Rebecca Curtis’ horses ran particularly well at the meeting and a mistake at the final fence cost Haiti Couleurs in this event, but it was still a highly encouraging chase debut from Destroytheevidence.

Kim Bailey won this race with Ultima’s top scorer Chianti Classico last season and looks to have another progressive novice chaser in this six-year-old.

Destroytheevidence (left): winner of the 2m7½f novice handicap chase at Chepstow on FridayCredit: Steve Davies

Destroytheevidence, a second-ranked Grade 2 rookie last season, jumped and traveled well and looks capable of taking his form to the next level in this sphere.

2nd, 2m youth hurdle, Saturday

Kerry Lee and owner Will Roseff would never miss City Of London, a half-brother to stable star Nemean Lion, at the May sales and he made a tremendous run on his debut.

Kerry Lee: has a good youth barrier recruit in the City of LondonCredit: Edward Whitaker

The City of London belied their inexperience against four horses who plied their trade on the Flat, but were only denied later by the favorite My Noble Lord.

Nathaniel’s son showed a friendly attitude up front and looks like a good recruit with 38,000gns for connections.

7th, 2m3½f Silver Trophy with Handicap Hurdles, Saturday

Titan Discovery proved to be Robbie Llewellyn’s flag-bearer last season and had a promising format in its return in the feature film Silver Trophy.

Liam Harrison’s mount caught the eye coming into contention and entering the final stretch before being well beaten.

The progressive six-year-old should come for his reappearance, he is versatile in travel and to stay by side.

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