Dragonbet Persian War Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Never that dangerous in three Irish bumpers but has improved for hurdles, doubling his tally in a 2m Listed race on good ground at Galway's feature summer fixture; posted an eyecatching RPR and has since joined Olly Murphy who fits a hood; respected.

The same owners as when trained in Ireland and impressed on his final start, a valuable handicap at Cork (2m3f, soft); did beat an exposed handicapper that day but this 5yo looks to have better days ahead of him.

Fourth of 17 in a handicap at the Aintree Grand National meeting when bidding for a hat-trick and returned with a no-nonsense win at long odds-on in a 2m1f novice at Newton Abbot (good to soft); firmly heading in the right direction and could have a fitness edge over some in here.

Grade 3 bumper winner in France; kept performing below market expectations after arriving in Ireland but has won two of his last three (since cheekpieces were added) and beat an improver last time at Listowel (2m4f, good to yielding); hard to dismiss.

Bought for £120,000 after winning an Irish bumper; only 8l away in a Grade 2 at Aintree before probably showing better form in Ireland, finishing 6l off El Cairos who had been fifth in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham; this 5yo is a nice prospect for novice hurdling.