A Rare Gathering of Elite Mares
The Fair Maid of Perth has carved out a unique niche in the racing calendar. This Listed mares' chase at Newton Abbot might not carry the prestige of Cheltenham's big prizes, but it consistently attracts quality fields who relish the tactical nature of the Devon track. With just four declared for Wednesday's renewal, we've got a proper match-up between proven performers.
The £40,000 prize pot reflects the race's status, and the fact we've got mares rated between 127 and 147 tells you everything about the competitive nature of this contest. I've watched this race develop over the years, and small fields here often produce the most thrilling finishes. When quality meets at Newton Abbot's tight turns, class usually tells.
The Standout Contender
Panic Attack arrives as the form pick, and rightly so. That 147 rating didn't come by accident. Harry Skelton takes the ride for his brother Dan, which immediately catches the eye. The Skelton operation has been in stellar form this season, and when they target a Listed prize like this, you sit up and take notice.
At ten years old, this mare has seen it all. The distance winner tag is crucial here – 2m 7f can catch out mares who've built their careers over shorter trips. Panic Attack has proven she stays every yard, and that experience will be gold dust if this turns into a slog in the testing ground.
The weight allocation gives her no favours at 11-4, but with her rating advantage, she was always going to shoulder top weight. Skelton's booking suggests connections fancy their chances despite the burden.
The Local Specialist
Apple Away brings something different to the table – genuine course form. Those flags reading 'course winner, distance winner' aren't just statistics; they're race-winning advantages at a track like Newton Abbot. Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore have done a fine job with this nine-year-old, and Derek Fox knows his way around here better than most.
The 138 rating looks workable against this field, especially with the course knowledge factor. I've seen plenty of horses outrun their ratings when they're comfortable with their surroundings, and Apple Away fits that profile perfectly. The 11-4 weight matches Panic Attack despite the nine-point rating difference – the handicapper clearly respects what she brings to the table.
Fox has been riding with confidence lately, and his partnership with this mare has clicked before. Don't underestimate the value of that combination at Newton Abbot's demanding fences.
The Dangers and Dark Horses
Shecouldbeanything represents Gordon Elliott, which automatically demands respect. The tongue tie suggests they're pulling out all the stops, and Sean Bowen wouldn't be making the trip without genuine chances. That 140 rating puts her right in the mix, and the 11-2 weight allocation looks generous.
Elliott's runners often improve for the trip to British tracks, particularly when they're well-handicapped. This mare's name suggests optimism from connections, and with Bowen's claiming days long behind him, we're looking at a serious booking for a serious chance.
Ruby Island looks the outsider on ratings, but Danny McMenamin and Nicky Richards make a capable team. The 127 rating means she needs significant improvement, but the 11-0 weight gives her every chance if the pace collapses. Sometimes these small-field affairs can level the playing field more than the numbers suggest.
Ground Conditions and Tactical Considerations
Good to soft, soft in places – that's proper jumping ground that will test stamina reserves. Newton Abbot's undulating track becomes even more demanding when the ground has some give, and this surface should suit the more battle-hardened members of the field.
Panic Attack's experience in testing conditions gives her an edge, while Apple Away's course knowledge becomes even more valuable when the ground is testing. The soft patches could catch out any runner not fully tuned up for the task.
With only four runners, expect a tactical affair early on. The pace will be steady until they turn for home, where class and stamina will separate the field. Newton Abbot's finishing straight rewards horses who can quicken off a strong gallop – exactly what we should get here.
Who will win the Fair Maid of Perth Mares' Chase?
This comes down to class versus course knowledge, and I'm siding with class. Panic Attack has the form figures and rating to take this, despite carrying top weight. The Skelton team's confidence in booking Harry for the ride suggests they expect a bold show, and this mare's proven stamina will be crucial if the ground continues to ease.
Apple Away poses the biggest threat with her course advantage, but that rating difference might just tell in the closing stages. For each-way value, Shecouldbeanything could outrun her odds if Elliott has her primed for this target.
What are the key factors for the Fair Maid of Perth?
Course experience and stamina will be paramount on Wednesday. Newton Abbot's unique challenges mean horses who've won here before hold significant advantages, while the testing ground will expose any fitness doubts. The small field suggests a tactical race that will reward the mare who can quicken best from the final fence.
Which jockey has the best chance in the Fair Maid of Perth?
Harry Skelton's booking on Panic Attack stands out. His partnership with the Skelton stable has been prolific this season, and when he travels to Newton Abbot for a Listed prize, it usually means business. Derek Fox's course knowledge on Apple Away makes him dangerous, but Skelton's current form gives him the edge in what should be a thrilling finish to Wednesday's Newton Abbot racecard.
