Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece you can read my thoughts on the best of the action at Perth on Thursday.
Thursday's action at Perth continues the intense battle between Willie Mullins and Dan Skelton for the UK Trainers' Championship. With the season nearing its conclusion, every race and prize pot becomes crucial.
Perth
🏇 3:25 – Handicap Chase – 3m
Lady In The Park: Yet to replicate her promising Wetherby chase debut across five subsequent starts. Returns from a short break with first-time blinkers; potential for improvement if the headgear has a positive effect.
Everyday Champagne: Notably, his two best Racing Post Ratings have come over this course and distance, including a narrow second last June. Now back from a break and racing off his last winning mark, he presents a compelling case.
🏇 3:59 – Handicap Hurdle – 2m 4f
Hidden History: Trained by Dan Skelton, this 7-year-old improved when dropping back to today's distance, securing a win at Uttoxeter last month. The form was boosted when the runner-up won a valuable handicap hurdle at Aintree next time. Now up 7lb but still on a competitive mark, especially if he handles the likely quicker surface
Florida Dreams: Finished a commendable second in a higher-grade race at Ayr 13 days ago. Still unexposed over 2m4f and could capitalize if the favourite underperforms on better ground. His yard is among the winners and has a strong record in this race, having won it in 2022 and 2023.
🏇 4:33 – Phil Nelson River Tay Handicap Chase (Class 2) – 2m4f
This is the most valuable race on the Perth card, boasting a £25,000 prize fund. Despite a small field of seven, competition is fierce.
Heltenham: Returned to form with a second-place finish at Newton Abbot just five days ago. He has a 100% record when racing within a week of his last run so the quick turnaround shouldn’t faze him. He’s now back down to his last winning mark, making him a strong contender.
Doctor Ken: Showed promise as a novice in 2022-23 but had a lengthy 616-day layoff before finishing second at Kempton in November. Now returning from another break, but trainer Olly Murphy has a knack for readying horses after layoffs. Notably, Murphy won this race last year.
Tommy’s Oscar: Performed well under top weight when third in the Scotty Brand Handicap Chase at Ayr 12 days ago. While 2 ½ miles may test his stamina, he's now 3lb below his last winning mark and could be competitive on suitable ground.
Dubai Days: A consistent handicap chaser, he showcased his ability with a win at Haydock in February. He's making a quick return after unseating his rider in the Veterans Chase Final at Haydock last Saturday. If none the worse for his mishap, he's a contender.
Statuario: After a winter break, has delivered two promising efforts and is just 1lb above his last winning mark. While he might prefer a slightly longer trip, his impressive record at Perth (4 wins from 6 starts) makes him a notable threat.
Walk On Quest: Won his first four starts over fences but was pulled up at Uttoxeter last month, suggesting something was amiss. Given his prior progressive form, he shouldn't be dismissed but is best approached with caution.
In tomorrow’s column I’ll be looking at Sandown’s’ Classic Trial fixture.
Good luck with your Thursday bets.
John