Perth 2.40 Highland Grand National

 

A flat right handed track that is deceptive in terms of stamina as there is a long run in due to the configuration of the fences in the Home straight where the water jump isn't jumped on the final circuit. It's a bit of a Course specialists track for horse and rider as a result. It rarely gets too heavy or too firm though.

 

Not too many of these have absolutely proven stamina at the trip but a few nice progressive types amongst them, it's basically good to be good summer jumping ground with watering to ensure it's not jarring so no excuses really.

 

At the head of the market at around 6/1 I do think there is each way value in DUBAI DEVILS who won impressively over 4 miles at Hexham last time out, it gets an 8lb penalty but the proven stamina can come in to play here and I think there are signs the horse improved over the marathon trip last time too. Poppa Poutine will be well fancied from the Twiston-Davies yard that used to target this Fixture a bit more than they seem to in recent years but nonetheless this horse looks like a stayer in the making and Sam rides the Course as well as anyone. I See You Well would be hot favourite for this if it was in Sussex, but may just be in the grip of the handicapper now I feel and have done its winning for the season.

 

Ladronne is in form but has to prove stamina beyond 3 miles and a few who have that stamina will surely make sure its tested to the full and there will be a genuine pace to aim at, Glittering Love from the Richard yard that I've not read right all season has a chance on some form lines but all of those are on softer Going and solely for that reason I can't see him winning today but he's certainly a danger. Slipway is unexposed at the trip, picked up a small Chase over 3 miles at Southwell at 33/1 but would need to come on considerably I think to figure here. 

 

Heavey is a Course winner who likes these flat right handed tracks but whose jumping is a major concern. SEASTON SPIRIT is in a spell of very poor form but incredibly well handicapped. It did run prominently and OK for around 3 and a quarter miles before fading last time, whatever the physical or mental issues with the horse if they could get it 100% well it would be a really crazy price here so if you want a few quid on the exchanges you'd be looking at good win or indeed place prices.

 

My final pair though to join DUBAI DEVILS are SCHOOL LANE who brings solid Irish form and if you look far enough back it was runner up over just short of this trip in an Ulster National, they've not gone this far since but that means the price is very tempting and it is a horse with scope to enjoy the extra distance. AMATEUR looks a very solid each way bet too, its won at 3 miles 2 furlongs and twice at 3 miles 4 furlongs staying on down the long straight at Ffos Llas, should enjoy the ground and stay on in to a place at the very least.