Nicky Henderson eyeing Persian War for First Street after easy novice success

Nicky Henderson has never won the Persian War Novices' Hurdle but First Street emerged as a leading contender for that early-season prize with an impressive success in the 2m5f novice hurdle.

The four-year-old was bred for the Flat but is instead proving a force to be reckoned with over hurdles as he sauntered home up the straight to slam the 117-rated The Brimming Water by eight and a half lengths.

That was his second win over obstacles and it leaves the master trainer considering stepping him up to Grade 2 level on October 8 at Chepstow's lucrative two-day meeting for his next race.

He said: "I was pleased and impressed, he quickened up nicely. He ran well in a couple of bumpers but he jumped well and Nico [de Boinville, stable jockey] thought he wanted another half a mile so we went to Bangor and he won.

"I think the Persian War at Chepstow would come to mind next. It was a good enough performance to be thinking about it."

First Street boasts a taking pedigree, being by Derby hero Golden Horn and out of Group 3 winner Ladys First.

"He's still improving," Henderson added. "He was meant to be a Flat horse but that didn't go to plan and he came to us as a four-year-old who hadn't run. He's done well considering he only had his first run in May."

Double Vision

Vision Des Flos, who had a stint of appearing regularly in top Graded contests a couple of years ago, backed up a recent Uttoxeter success with a five-length win in the feature 2m4f handicap chase.

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