THE two-day Unibet Jumps Season Opener at Chepstow is seen as the start of the winter jumps season with most of the key trainers wanting to have runners as this important meeting.

This year is no exception with the Grade 2 Unibet Persian War Novices’ Hurdle featuring the Champion Bumper third Captain Teague Unibet 8/11 on trained by Paul Nicholls, with Dan Skelton mounting a strong challenge with Rock House and Olly Murphy has my selection Resplendent Grey.

Earlier on in the Unibet Veterans’ Handicap Chase there are plenty of old favourites with Aye Right making his first veterans’ chase appearance, as is the smart Thomas Darby, who looks the one to take this competitive prize.  

At Newmarket’s Dubai Future Champions Festival Frankie Dettori is making his last appearance at the home of flat racing ahead of what is now a move to California to ride in America next year instead of his planned retirement. There will be an excellent atmosphere across the two days with Friday’s card featuring four Group races including the Group 1 Fillies’ Mile and Frankie Dettori could definitely have some winners too.

Enjoy whether at the races at Chepstow or Newmarket or watching #athome on ITV Racing.

Cheers!

The Wine Tipster

1.35 Chepstow – Unibet Veterans’ Handicap Chase (2m 7½f)

Thomas Darby is an intriguing runner here as he enters the veterans’ chase scene on only his fifth career start over fences. Thomas Darby is very smart over hurdles with a rating of 158, whilst he is at 149 over fences on the back of two unsuccessful appearances over the larger obstacles back in 2019 and two races in 2023. Thomas Darby was outclassed on the second of these in the Grade 1 Mildmay Chase at Aintree won by Gerri Colombe, although at Ayr in February Thomas Darby jumped well and showing plenty of resolution to win on a belated return to fences. If Thomas Darby shows the same ability here for the inform Olly Murphy team, then he has a strong chance in a very competitive renewal.

Unibet 11/2

1.50 Newmarket – Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon Project Cornwallis Stakes Group 3 (5f)

Flora of Bermuda will appreciate the forecast rainfall overnight and in the morning at Newmarket on Friday, which will only enhance her chances here. She’s looked progressive when the ground has been no quicker than good this season, easily beating the subsequent Group 3 Dick Poole winner Juniper Berries at Goodwood and losing little in defeat after a slow start to the speedy Big Evs in the Group 2 Flying Childers at Doncaster last time. Flora Of Bermuda looks very solid and should run her race.

Unibet 4/1

Zoulu Chief looked the best turned out ahead of the valuable sales race at Newmarket last weekend and then wouldn’t settle in front before fading to finish a disappointing fifth after going off as even money favourite. It is worth remembering that he won his second career start at 150/1 and has won twice since then, with a Class 2 his latest victory. He is better than his latest appearance and it is interesting that James Doyle has been booked for the ride.

Unibet 14/1 each way

2.10 Chepstow – Unibet Persian War Novices’ Hurdle Grade 2 (2m 3½f)

Resplendent Grey is an impressive looking individual and can give the hot favourite, the Cheltenham Bumper third Captain Teague, something to think about on the back of two hurdle successes last season. Resplendent Grey won a maiden hurdle at Wetherby and then followed up in a novice at Perth in eye-catching style when moving smoothly clear of the second Charles Street over the minimum trip. The way he finished at Perth suggests the step up in trip will suit and he can continue to progress here.

Unibet 12/1 each way  

2.25 Newmarket – Godolphin Lifetime Care Oh So Sharp Stakes Group 3 (7f) 

Chic Colombine (nap) is the best of these of these on official figures and speed ratings.

She’s proven with a bit of cut and over this trip too, as she showed when beating the improving Lexington Belle in a valuable sales race at Goodwood last time. She travelled well and found plenty for pressure there, with this following a success in a valuable Doncaster nursery. Chic Colombine has a good mix of speed and stamina and ought not to have any issue with the Rowley mile to complete a five-timer.

Unibet 7/2

4.10 Newmarket – Fillies’ Mile Group 1 (1m)

See The Fire is impeccably bred, being by Sea The Stars and Arabian Queen and looks hugely overpriced based on her two starts so far. She won readily on debut at Newbury on good going in August (second and third winners since) and then still looked green when second to Darnation in the May Hill, when well held in the end but four lengths clear of the third. See The Fire should like the Rowley Mile, with the uphill finish likely to suit well, and has very little to find on the figures. The ground should be ideal too.

Unibet 9/1 each way