Today on Sky Sports Racing: Champion Bumper third Captain Teague set for hurdling debut

Captain Teague was a star in the bumper ranks last year and is brought in at second grade level on his hurdles debut in Friday afternoon’s Persian War Novices’ Trial at Chepstow, live on Sky Sports Racing.

2.10 Chepstow – Captain Teague seeks perfect start over hurdles

Friday report Persian War Novice Obstacle Level 2 (2:10) sees an impressive field of nine – including Champion Bumper third Captain Teague – go to post to Chepstow.

All eyes will be on the Paul Nicholls runner who performed with credit at the Cheltenham Festival and he will rule the market as he makes his hurdling debut under Harry Cobden.

Team Dan Skelton’s field rock house who impressed when clearing a maiden hurdle at Worcester last month and will look to capitalize on that fitness and experience, while the Milton Harris-trained five-time winner Mullinaree is also worth noting.

1.35 Chepstow – Old favorites clash in veterans race

Earlier on the map, the Unibet Veterans Handicap Continuation (1:35) looks great with 10 old favorites to post.

Olly Murphy Saddles Thomas Darbywho, at the age of 10, has only had four chase starts and should find it easier than in his Grade 1 business competition at Aintree in April.

Land of smiles is a seven-time winner over jumps and should come close after returning to form with victories at Uttoxeter and Carlisle this summer. Chic Good boy Bobby is another one of note for Nigel Twiston-Davies’ in-form side.

6:00 Newcastle – Team Varian head to Gosforth Park

Functionality Margaret Macklam Memorial Handicap (6:00) see that of Roger Varian Grandgadian making the long journey north to headline a field of nine in Newcastle.

The five-year-old will appreciate the drop in class after contesting several big handicaps this summer, and if he returns to his best he looks well handicapped with a rating of 87 under Jack Mitchell.

Charlie Johnston’s Pillar of hope notched another success on the Redcar turf last month, but must replicate that on an all-weather surface.

Sky Bet Odds I Today’s racing cards

Watch every race from Chepstow and Newcastle on Sky Sports Racing on Friday October 13.