What to look out for as star names line up at Chepstow on Saturday

A host of big names and exciting prospects are out in force at Chepstow this weekend, giving clear notice that the jumps action is well and truly back. Here are some of the runners to look out for:

Grade 1 winning-hurdler makes his chasing debut

One of last year's leading novice hurdlers, the strapping Finian's Oscar, was just playing in the shallows last season and is now being pointed down the path his career was always going to take. He makes his chasing debut in the novices' race (3.05), run for the first time at Listed level.

The Potts-owned gelding has arguably been given a stiffer assignment than stablemate Thistlecrack was on his first start over fences a bit less than 12 months ago at the same course.

Alcala has been the horse of the summer and would, in theory, force Finian's Oscar to match the best of his hurdles form on his first run. It would be expected that Sam Twiston-Davies will do everything he can to exploit the fitness and experience edge held by his mount, the winner of the Summer Plate in July.

The other two declared runners, Aintree My Dream and Tintern Theatre, are also useful in their own right over hurdles and are not exactly going to be a fence behind the main two should they take to their new jobs.

See also: Coo Star Sivola, who has the hallmarks of a smart chaser and takes on Captain Chaos and the promising (but not debuting) Mr Mix in Sunday's 2.15.

Juveniles join their elders

This autumn is a crossroads for most of last season's juveniles, who will have to take on more experienced sorts from now on. First, they get one more day among their classmates in hurdling's equivalent of the Free Handicap on Saturday (3.35).

These four-year-olds run the gamut from those who have been handled patiently up to this point – the likes of Champagne City and Talent To Amuse – and a selection that have already ticked off many of the big meetings, such as Fidux and Dino Velvet.

Somewhere in the middle lies Ibleo, who makes his second start for Venetia Williams, the first having been the Adonis. He is just the first of many youngsters whose lids will be lifted in the coming months.

Old Guard: the classy hurdler runs in the Silver TrophyCredit: Grossick Racing 07710461723

Class acts in handicaps

Once Don't Push It drops off the ten-year trends list next year, the Silver Trophy (4.10) will no longer resemble the bellwether it is sometimes made out to be.

Nonetheless, it is still seen as the first big handicap of the season. In terms of renown, the runners are far stronger than, say, the similarly valuable handicap chase held at Market Rasen a fortnight ago.

It is not so long since Old Guard was single figures for the Champion Hurdle, or Alary was backed for the Gold Cup before he set foot on a British racecourse. Three Musketeers fell just short of the top over fences, while Wholestone takes the route used by his yard's Ballyoptic last season.

Further down the list there are also less exposed types such as Whatduhavtoget, Sumkindofking and Peak To Peak. It is among their kind that some refreshment of last season's form really pays dividends in the opening weeks of the season proper.

See also: Sizing Codelco and Label Des Obeaux, who are progressive and high enough in the weights to think graded races might be within reach this year, clash in Saturday's 4.45.

Old faces return for another season

This is perhaps the most oft-cited reason jumps fans give for their preference and is never better catered for than in veterans' chases, whose popularity is duly easy to fathom.

There are plenty of recognisable names in Sunday's veterans' race (3.25) – in fact, three of the first four from last year are back again. Double Ross was third in the Hennessy when he was last seen, while just about everyone can picture Loose Chips' running style.

There are a few relative newcomers to the veterans fold, too. Lamb Or Cod is a former Silver Trophy winner, Potters Cross won at this meeting last year and Killala Quay, who is a former Grade 2 winner.

See also: Sunday's 4.35, which hosts the reappearance of Village Vic, Sizing Granite and Double Shuffle.

Paul Nicholls: runs some promising types at Chepstow in the novice hurdlesCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Points (and bumpers) make prizes

The Persian War is a race that has arguably fallen victim to fashion in the last couple of years. Nowadays, a novice hurdler being aimed at the spring festivals will be given an easier time in the autumn, such as running in races like the first two on Saturday.

Frankly, parsing the promise of bumpers and points, of which there is a glut in the 1.55 and 2.30 on Saturday, is a Friday-evening job for the less sociable among us. It suffices to say that when Dan Skelton, Paul Nicholls, Jonjo O'Neill, Fergal O'Brien and Jamie Snowden unleash above-average pointers and bumper performers over hurdles, you want to be watching.

See also: The Persian War (2.50 Sunday) is still, at worst, the summer's Baring Bingham. A good winner is still worth giving a try against the best novices at the open or international meetings.

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