Chepstow’s Jump Season Opener: Anticipation Builds with Star Entries

The annual anticipation surrounding Chepstow‘s jump season opener is reaching a crescendo, as notable entries have been confirmed for the event scheduled this weekend. The two-day event marks the start of the season and is considered a significant fixture in the racing calendar.

Among the race entries generating excitement is a five-year-old trained by Paul Nicholls. This horse demonstrated notable potential in an Irish point race last October, followed by a seven-length victory in an Exeter bumper in February. After being priced at 16-1 for the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival, the runner failed to make an impression, racing avidly upfront. However, it holds an entry for Friday’s Persian War Novices’ Hurdle, aiming to replicate the success of Captain Teague, who clinched victory at the event 12 months earlier.

Veteran chaser Enrilo, also under the care of trainer Paul Nicholls, is set to make a return at Chepstow. Having last raced in March in a Taunton handicap chase, Enrilo comes back on a career-low rating of 132. Despite a losing streak dating back to February 2021, the runner has previously demonstrated its abilities with a neck-second finish at the Chepstow event in 2020 and a Racing Post Rating of 153 from the 2021 bet365 Gold Cup.

Stream Of Stars, seeking a third consecutive win, is also among the entries. The horse, initially trained by John Gosden and sent off as a favorite for the 2018 Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot, has been limited to seven hurdle races due to lengthy absences. It has achieved consecutive wins at Fontwell with the latest by a nine-length margin, making it one to watch in Friday’s 2m handicap hurdle.

Cuthbert Dibble, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, will also be competing at Chepstow. The six-year-old, known for a 12-length victory at Chepstow last season and a subsequent win at a Pertemps qualifier at Haydock, aims to improve on its recent performances, including a third-place finish behind Monmiral in a Pertemps Final at Cheltenham.

Another notable entry is Crebilly, owned by JP McManus and trained by Jonjo & A J O’Neill. The horse broke its maiden over fences in Exeter and placed in the Plate at this year’s Cheltenham Festival. It returns to a shorter trip for the Silver Trophy, potentially better suited to its skill set.

Grade 1-winning chaser Editeur Du Gite, trained by Gary & Josh Moore, rounds up the star-studded lineup. Despite ending last season on a lackluster note, the horse’s earlier form, including a victory at the Desert Orchid Chase, positions it well in Saturday’s 2m3½f handicap chase.

Finally, the Christian Williams-trained Kitty’s Light returns after a commendable performance at last season’s Grand National. Despite failing to secure a win last season, its remarkable feats in 2023, including successes at the Eider Chase and Bet365 Gold Cup, underline its potential going into this Chepstow meeting. Other contenders, such as Welsh Grand National winner Nassalam and Topham Chase winner Arizona Cardinal, are also part of the competitive field.