PAUL NICHOLLS hopes Paso Doble can dance his way to a Persian War success on Friday.
Bought off the Flat in Ireland, his four-year-old is the 11-4 favourite with sponsors Unibet for the Grade 2 hurdle at Chepstow’s jumps season curtain-raiser.
Nicholls said: “This looks the perfect starting spot, he’s a novice for the rest of the year so it makes sense.
“I was going to go to Kempton with him in a couple of weeks but the prize money is so good at Chepstow it was a no-brainer.
“We think he’s up there with our better novice hurdlers, but it’s always easy to say that. I think he’ll want a trip in time but he’s a lovely horse and one to look forward to.
“It’s a meeting we like to start well at and have a few nice ones over the two days.”
Meanwhile, potential star Bravemansgame will start his chasing career at Newton Abbot on Sunday.
Nicholls had entered his Grade 1 winner at Chepstow but will target the likely softer ground in an Intermediate Chase where The Big Breakaway and Fusil Raffles are also entered.
The trainer said: “We’re set for Newton Abbot on Sunday. It should be soft enough unless it really dries up.
“Chepstow was an option, but it might be quicker ground there. We want to run in the Rising Stars Chase at Wincanton next month so this is a good chance to get some practice in.
“He’s been in and done plenty of practice and we’ve liked what we’ve seen.
“The conditions of the race should help him, he’ll get some nice weight from the others if they all turn up.”
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