Richard Hannon: “Persian Force is the real deal”

NEWBURY

1:35 Listed

Ehraz (Jim Crowley)

He ran well in a Group Three at Ascot last time when he would have badly needed it so he’ll strip much fitter here and I’d like to think he’s capable of running in the Commonwealth Cup which means he’d have to go very close if we’re still going to go down that route. He wants fast ground and has a very big chance.

 

2:45 Handicap

Marsoul (Rossa Ryan)

He showed improvement and a good attitude to win at Nottingham last time and the step up to a mile and a quarter will suit him well. It’s his first run in a Handicap and he should be capable of making his presence felt.

Razzle Dazzle (Andrea Atzeni)

He’s a colt we’ve always liked and he’ll be much sharper for his reappearance at Newmarket last time. The step up in trip is a plus.

Zoom (Thore Hammer Hansen)

I loved the way he finished his race at Goodwood last time when he flew home to finish third so the step up to ten furlongs will be right up his street and he’s run well at this track twice before. Of our three in the race, he’d be the one I’m keen on most.

 

3:20 G1 Lockinge

Chindit (Pat Dobbs)

Obviously the favourite is going to be incredibly hard to beat but Chindit came back with an impressive win at Doncaster on his first run of the year and the good ground will be perfect. There’s likely to be a decent bit of pace which will suit and I can’t see any reason why he won’t finish in the money.

Etonian (Rossa Ryan)

He ran a nice race on his first run in a year in a Handicap last time which has brought him on nicely, but this is an entirely different ball game and if he can pick up some place money we will all be absolutely delighted. He’s got a very sporting owner in Julie Wood who is never afraid to shirk a challenge and I hope he runs well for her.

 

3:55pm

Persian Force (Rossa Ryan)

He was always very forward which is why we ran him in the Brocklesby and he won it in great style, the form of which has worked out very well. We’ve had some nice two-year-olds through our yard and this colt could end up being one of the best. I think he’s the real deal.

Indian Renegade (Silvestre De Sousa)

He’s a smart colt out of Jewel In The Sand, who was a Group winner for us a few years ago, and this horse has done everything right but he’ll need to be very good to beat Persian Force.

 

5:04pm

Oh This Is Us (Tom Marquand)

His form is there for everyone to see so there’s not much I can say that you don’t already know! He ran a great race at Haydock last month and gets on very well with Tom Marquand.

 

NEWMARKET

2:25pm

River Pride (Sean Levey)

I thought she was handicapped to win at Salisbury last time and she duly got the job done but got put up 8lbs for it which obviously makes things harder. The drop down to six won’t be a problem because she’s not short of pace and she has a solid chance.

 

3:35pm

Distinguished Lady (Sean Levey)

She’s a lovely filly who has shown plenty at home and is ready to go. This will probably turn out to be a decent little Novice so if she can finish in the money I’ll be very happy – she’s decent and could easily go close.