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 and instantly got off the mark for his brand-new handler on the opening day of the Welsh Racing Festival.


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


Murphy is yet to choose Sticktotheplan's next project, with the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham and the Newton Novices' Hurdle at Haydock both under consideration.


"It didn't surprise me off his home work, he looks like a horse with plenty of ability and ideally he will pay our rent through the newbies," the fitness instructor said of the gelding's Persian War performance.


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


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


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


Strong Leader will follow a familiar route to current years, with the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham and Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree amongst 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 excellent 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 goes for the Hennessy (Coral Gold Cup) if all goes well," Murphy said of the gelding.


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