Perth - Sun 12 Jul 2026
HOLY JOE made an inauspicious start here in April, but has flourished since. He was in the process of making ground when he unseated at Downpatrick before eclipsing those runs with a cosy success at Clonmel. A 7lb penalty demands more, but the son of Elusive Pimpernel seems progressive and he could be up to the task. L'amalric didn't build on his Worcester victory so it might be more profitable to chance surprise Hexham winner Dolly Dior for the forecast.
Ras Kassar was a capable hurdler in France and also won two of his three starts over fences in his homeland. The seven-year-old travels a long way to make his debut for David Pipe and any support in the betting would be noteworthy. However, the in-form CONQUER THE BREEZE has vital experience of these obstacles and is hard to oppose after a seven-length romp at Hexham. Garde Des Champs is the pick of the rest off 5lb lower than when he beat the selection in this race last year.
Olly Murphy has worked his magic on ATLANTIC CITY and the mare has seemed revitalised in her three starts for the Warwickshire-based trainer. A respectable second at Aintree on her latest start, the improving five-year-old won't need to find much more to supplement her C&D win in April. Bold Light is consistent enough to feature on the shortlist, with Parikarma and Summergrounds also capable of bold showings.
Having finished a respectable fourth over C&D last month, Statuario must enter calculations cutting back in class. A 1lb drop in the ratings can only help the veteran and he's not taken lightly, but BLEU D'ENFER may prove to be slightly better treated. Donald McCain's charge arrives on the back of a staying-on second over 2m4f at Aintree and he looks ready for this distance again. Parisencore is also interesting upped in trip.
Although Dalileo recorded a fourth course victory recently, this step into 0-120 company could find him out. With that in mind, it might pay to persevere with LOWLANDS, who supplemented a maiden victory at this venue with a good second in handicap company at Cartmel. A 1lb higher mark looks workable for the seven-year-old and she's fancied to repel Uttoxeter runner-up Secret Trix.
Sitting at the foot of the weights, LUCKY IN TAIPAN could be poised to make a winning stable/handicap bow. Although the six-year-old hasn't cut much ice in his qualifying runs, he displayed clear ability on his third-placed bumper debut at Worcester in July 2024 and an official rating of 74 looks exploitable. Scots Poet, a winner of three of his last four outings, has enjoyed a resurgence of late and he's feared most, ahead of Centurion's Sister.
Holy Joe sets the standard on form after a 2m win in Ireland last time. However he did disappoint at this track previously so narrow preference is for L'AMALRIC whose debut win has been boosted. He was below par under a penalty next time but his point form hints that he'll have more to come over this longer trip. Moi Mon Vieux matched his French bumper form on stable debut and should come on for that. He can also play a part on his hurdling debut.
RAS KASSAR was successful over hurdles and fences in France prior to joining this yard. All of his best form has come on a quick surface and he looks on a lenient mark judged on his last chase win. He can defeat the hugely progressive Conquer The Breeze who will need another career best having gone up again in the weights. Frustrating C&D winner Garde Des Champs will appreciate the drop in trip and can also play a part in the finish.
ATLANTIC CITY has been in excellent form since a move from Ireland and was a touch unlucky on her follow up attempt last time when given too much to do. If ridden more positively at this stiff venue she can compensation at the chief expense of Summergrounds. That rival got racing too early and set it up for a closer last time but the handicapper is beginning to relent and he ran well over this C&D last summer. Bold Light is another who likes the track and can make his presence felt though he could probably do with some rain.
GRAND CLERMONT may ideally want easier ground than this but he is still fancied to continue the excellent form he's shown since a move from France. He looks on a generous mark based on his emphatic spring win and should appreciate this stiff venue. Course specialist Statuario arrives in form and just 2lb above his last winning mark so he is feared most. Veteran Inis Oirr is another with a good course record and he recent snapped a long losing run. He's held his form in defeat since and remains well treated on his old efforts so is also respected.
Though he does face competition up front BALLINTUBBER BOY is still picked to end his losing run. He's generally been in good form since returning to hurdles from an aborted chase campaign last year and his latest run looks very strong form. Having dropped back to his last winning mark he is chosen ahead of the steadily progressive Lowlands who is completely unexposed as a stayer. Consistent veteran Secret Trix doesn't have much in hand from the handicapper but should still run his usual solid race.
CENTURION'S SISTER remains relatively unexposed in handicaps and should be able to defy top weight here. She was only defeated by a well handicapped dual purpose performer last time and this looks easier. Storm The Dug may ideally want a bit further than this in time but he's proven consistent in his short career and will be staying on at the finish. He can fill the places with veteran Scots Poet who has been thriving of late but is another who will want a stiff test.
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