A Proper Day Out at Perth
I remember my first visit to Perth racecourse with my father back in the eighties – he'd insisted we make the journey north because 'the ground's always fair up there, son, and the racing's honest.' How right he was. Today's seven-race card epitomises everything that makes Perth such a gem, with good to good-to-firm going in places providing ideal conditions for what promises to be a cracking afternoon's sport.
The Perth racecard kicks off at 1:43pm with a maiden for the two-year-olds, but it's the handicaps later in the afternoon that really catch the eye. With prize money ranging from £6,500 to £12,000, there's enough on offer to attract some decent sorts, and the going conditions should suit those who appreciate a bit of cut in the ground without it being too testing.
Feature Race: The Sir Peter O'Sullevan Charitable Trust Novice Stakes
The day's feature is undoubtedly the 2:13 Class 3 novice stakes over a mile and two furlongs, carrying the name of the great Sir Peter O'Sullevan – a man who knew a thing or two about calling winners. With £12,000 on offer, it's drawn a competitive field of six, headed by the Gosden-trained Leighton.
John and Thady Gosden don't send runners this far north without good reason, and with Robert Havlin making the trip, you have to respect their three-year-old. The booking of Tom Marquand for William Haggas's Infraad also catches the eye – Marquand's been riding with real confidence this season, and Haggas horses often improve markedly for their first run of the campaign.
Don't overlook Karl Burke's Asia Force either. Burke's had a flying start to the season, and Sam James has struck up a profitable partnership with the yard. The good ground will suit, and at this trip, stamina could become the deciding factor.
Handicap Highlights and Course Specialists
The real meat and drink for us punters lies in the handicaps, and there are some fascinating puzzles to solve. In the 3:23 mile handicap, BillyB tops the weights on a mark of 86, but it's hard to ignore Walsingham for David O'Meara. The six-year-old is a course and distance winner – always a significant advantage at a track like Perth – and Daniel Tudhope knows the horse well.
Vincent Rocks for Hugo Palmer represents an interesting southern raider. Palmer's horses often travel well, and at just four years old, this gelding could still have improvement in him. The step up to a mile should suit, particularly on this good ground.
The 4:33 six-furlong handicap looks a hot little contest. Veblen Good heads the market for David O'Meara, but I'm drawn to Alpha Magic from the Easterby yard. David Allan takes the ride, and this four-year-old has shown consistent form without quite getting his head in front. The good ground should play to his strengths, and he's overdue a change of luck.
Ground Conditions Playing Their Part
These good to good-to-firm conditions are absolutely ideal for most of today's field. It's proper spring ground – the kind that allows horses to show their true ability without the energy-sapping effects of heavy going or the jarring impact of firm summer turf. This should particularly favour the older handicappers who've been waiting for conditions to come right.
In the longer handicaps, stamina will tell, and horses with proven course form have a distinct edge. Perth's undulating track can find out the genuine stayers from the pretenders, and today's ground will allow the race to develop into a proper test.
Ones to Watch and Value Bets
Looking through the card for value, I'm particularly taken with On The River in that competitive mile handicap. This seven-year-old has course and distance form, and P.J. McDonald's booking suggests connections fancy their chances. At his current mark of 80, he looks reasonably treated.
In the finale, the 5:08 mile handicap, How's The Guvnor could outrun his odds. Jennie Candlish's five-year-old has distance-winning form and handles this ground well. George Wood's claim could prove valuable in what looks a tight contest.
For those looking at the early races, don't dismiss Black Cuillin in the opening maiden. Craig Lidster's two-year-old is an interesting newcomer, and the stable's been among the winners recently.
Best Bets Summary
If I'm having a proper bet today, Walsingham in the 3:23 gets the nod as the main selection – course and distance form allied to Tudhope's booking makes plenty of appeal. Alpha Magic in the 4:33 represents excellent each-way value, while On The River could surprise a few in the earlier mile handicap.
For the feature race, Infraad and Leighton look the principals, though don't rule out Asia Force if the pace develops kindly. It's the sort of card where patient punters who wait for their moment could be rewarded – just like my old dad taught me all those years ago on our first trip to this lovely Scottish track.
