Sticktotheplan Out For More Glory After Persian War Triumph

Sticktotheplan is targeting more graded-level success after making a start for Olly Murphy at Chepstow.


The five-year-old moved from Cormac Farrell, for whom he won the Listed Colm Quinn BMW Novice Hurdle in July, to Warren Chase and instantly got off the mark for his new handler on the opening day of the Welsh Racing Festival.


Stepping up to Grade Two company, he travelled from last to very first to claim the ₤ 45,560 reward pot in the Persian War Novices' Hurdle, finishing four lengths clear of the Gordon Elliott-trained Kainsbourg.


Murphy is yet to decide Sticktotheplan's next assignment, with the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham and the Newton Novices' Hurdle at Haydock both under factor to consider.


"It didn't shock me off his home work, he appears like a horse with a lot of ability and hopefully he will pay our rent through the newbies," the fitness instructor said of the gelding's Persian War efficiency.


"He came out of his race well, I'm not sure where he's going to go however he'll most likely either go for the Greatwood Hurdle or go to Haydock for Betfair Chase day in a graded novice obstacle.


Sticktotheplan made a winning start for trainer Olly Murphy at Chepstow (Niall Carson/PA)


"We will see after that, but he's rated mid-140s now so he'll be running in those better amateur obstacles."


Strong Leader will follow a familiar path to recent years, with the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham and Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree amongst his long-lasting targets.


The eight-year-old will head to Wetherby for his very first start of the season on November 1 for the West Yorkshire Hurdle.


"He goes to Wetherby for the West Yorkshire Hurdle, he's in excellent kind and heads there," Murphy included.


"He'll run in all the graded three-mile obstacles."


Resplendent Grey was last seen landing the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown in April and the seven-year-old will go back to action in the Listed Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase on November 2, with lofty aspirations on the horizon afterwards.


"He goes to Carlisle for the Colin Parker a week on Sunday and after that goes for the Hennessy (Coral Gold Cup) if all works out," Murphy said of the gelding.


"He had an excellent season and ideally he is a horse that might run well in the Hennessy. He wishes to go great and consistent."