Sassanian shaped with plenty of promise on his hurdles debut and looks to have been found a golden opportunity to open his account in the opener at Bangor-on-Dee (2.00).
The three-year-old was a decent maiden on the flat before joining Tim Vaughan and was sent off favourite on his first outing over the obstacles when chasing hime Gulf Punch at Newton Abbott.
He looked a slightly unlucky loser as he lost vital ground when stumbling badly yet still managed to get within 1 1/2 lengths of the winner.
The gelding also lacked fluency at a few of his obstacles, but the experience is sure to have brought him on and he is sure to have been well schooled since.
Tony McCoy teams up with him again this afternoon, and in what looks a weak contest where only a few runners have realistic chances he looks the day's best bet.
*Sassanian is currently a top priced 15-8
