We have a busy day’s racing on Friday with jumps action from Chepstow, live on Sky Sports Racing…

3.43 Chepstow – Cosmic Connection and Lord Byron headline Grade Two cracker

A deep renewal of the feature Grade Two DragonBet Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow where progressive duo Cosmic Connection and Lord Bryon clash.

The Chris Gordon-trained Cosmic Connection arrives having won three of his four outings over hurdles, dominating the Novices’ Championship Final at Sandown when last seen in April. He steps up in grade and distance but rates a fine prospect for the campaign ahead.

Lord Bryon enjoyed a cracking novice season finishing fifth in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham before claiming fourth at Aintree. He bettered those efforts when chasing home King Rasko Grey at Punchestown and fitness will not be an issue having had a pipe opener on the flat last month.

Plenty with place claims include The Skelton’s North Shore and the hat-trick seeking Lock Stock.

3.12 Chepstow – Unexposed pair Le Beau Madrik and Captain Hugo clash

Unexposed pair Le Beau Madrik and Captain Hugo clash in a super edition of this DragonBet ‘Welsh Champion’ Hurdle at 3.12pm.

Dan Skelton’s Le Beau Madrik has taken well to hurdles suffering just the sole defeat in his four starts. The form of his latest Haydock success has been boosted, and he makes appeal on his handicap debut under Harry Skelton.

Captain Hugo has obvious claims for the Philip Hobbs and Johnson White team. A three-time winner over obstacles, he ran with credit when second in the Scottish Hurdle and remains capable of better.

Sam Thomas took this prize with Celtic Dino last season and fields Doctor Blue this year, while Gibbs Island and Serious Challenge warrant a second look.

1.57 Chepstow – Saint Jeannais bids to go 2-2 over hurdles

Saint Jeannais looks to make it 2-2 in this Wasdell Group Novices’ Hurdle at 1.57pm.

The Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies-trained six-year-old scored on the first of two starts in bumpers and made a sparkling debut over jumps winning easily at Bangor-on Dee. Jumping nicely, he rates a smart prospect with the promise of more to come.

Hive Runner justified favouritism when landing a Larkhill maiden point-to-point in February and must be watched in the betting on rules debut for Tom Lacey and Stan Sheppard.

Dan Skelton’s Dutch Corner is rated 117 after five starts over hurdles and must be feared, while Sharu is another to note on his first start for Carroll Gray.

Best of the rest

1.22 Chepstow – Paddy Brennan runs King’s Scholar.

4.17 Chepstow – 11-year-old Opening Bid debuts for Joe Tizzard.

5.31 Chepstow – Sheezer Diva makes handicap debut for Skelton team.

2.45 Toulouse – Maintain supplemented for this Listed prize.

3.20 Toulouse – Listed contest.

10.16 Keeneland – Grade Two Sycamore Stakes.

3.03 Compiegne – Listed affair. Beckett saddles K Sarra, Haggas fields Chimes Of Thunder.

12.43 Compiegne – Lazzat relative Lazzar features. Merci Mille Fois is an intriguing runner for Christopher Head and Coolmore.



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