Sticktotheplan Out For More Glory After Persian War Triumph

Sticktotheplan is targeting more graded-level success after making a winning 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 right away got off the mark for his brand-new handler on the opening day of the Welsh Racing Festival.


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


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


"It didn't amaze me off his home work, he appears like a horse with lots of ability and ideally he will pay our lease through the amateurs," the fitness instructor said of the War performance.


"He came out of his race well, I'm uncertain where he's going to go however he'll most likely either choose the Greatwood Hurdle or go to Haydock for Betfair Chase day in a graded newbie obstacle.


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


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


Strong Leader will follow a familiar route to recent years, with the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham and Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree among his long-term 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 great kind and heads there," Murphy included.


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


Resplendent Grey was last seen landing the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown in April and the seven-year-old will return 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 then chooses the Hennessy (Coral Gold Cup) if all works out," Murphy said of the gelding.


"He had a good season and hopefully he is a horse that might run well in the Hennessy. He wishes to go nice and consistent."