PERTH 2.25 - A Class 4 Handicap Hurdle with 12 runners on soft going. The strong favourite What A Johnny is upped in trip but does have a 3 mile P2P background, he should win but isn't bombproof and with the next pair in the market Beaumesnil and Final Edgar also going beyond their usual stamina range, it's a chence to look for some each way value.

 

Maillot Blance may still just need a run to recapture previous decent form, Duyfken has Course form and form at the trip but just looks a bit high in the weights and Jelski is a Cartmel specialist, at big odds Big Bad Bear with some Course and Distance form but now with a new yard came very close to a selection.

 

However both CITY DERBY and EUCHAN FALLS really caught the eye. CITY DERBY in particular finally gets below a winning mark of 100 and runs from inside the handicap. The trip and Going should hold no fears and I'll be disappointed if we're not in the money. EUCHAN FALLS has wins off marks of 95 and 90 and is another who has just been waiting to get to a level it can be competitive off and 89 today gives it a serious placed finish opportunity. (North)

 

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WARWICK 2.35 - Novice Handicap Chase - 3 miles - 15 run - Good Class 5

 

We could talk all day about quite a few of these and whilst the market could be right I think these races are more for looking beyond the form so far over Hurdles and also often inadequate distances and to look at those who may always have been destined to be Chasers and who have sound jumping evidence. This is a tough track even for the experienced types.

 

Whilst others may have more long term scope and come from bigger Yards, on the day I'm happy to take a speculative punt to enhanced places on GETUPEARLY and NOAHS LIGHT. GETUPEARLY has proven it has the stamina both over Hurdles and in 3 mile P2P races and if you take the win on the P2P fields literally and  correlate it back to some UK and Irish collateral form, a mark of 92 does look incredibly generous.

 

Whilst the likes of Carvic, William Ewart, Samurai One, Safe Destination, Barrakhov, Jemura ; Steal My Sunshine could all have plausible cases made for them, I do think the experience and usually steady jumping of NOAHS LIGHT could be a massive asset here on this quirky track where the fences come quickly and fast down the back straight so I hope for a placed finish staying on at very nice Odds. (TA)

 

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HUNTINGDON 4.35

 

A Handicap Chase , Class 5 over just shy of 3 miles on Good Going and that better underfoot ground is key to my analysis.

 

I fear Doyens De Ante who would be a solid reserve if we get a non runner (had a few in recent days) and Calvic who heads the market will be a tough one to beat and a big return run from Kennack Bay who has been off for 674 days would not be a complete surprise. It's been dormant in the TRACKER since its last 2 runs.

 

However, EST ILIC who is proven at the trip and ground variable looks a solid each way punt on its 3rd run back after a beak and should be fully tuned up and VOICE OF HOPE gets optimum conditions since last Spring and does have some form at the course off similar marks and is very capable of getting a place at least under improved circumstances