15:40 Perth

Wednesday 5 July 2017

All14:1014:4015:1015:4016:1016:4017:10

Lodge At Perth Racecourse Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:40 | Winning time: 5m 59.20s

Always On The Run^h³¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Adrian Heskin| T: T R George| OR: 134| BF

9/4

Yet to win beyond 2m1f over fences (but did win a 2m4f maiden hurdle at Worcester in June 2015), so slight reservations stamina wise. Whilst he plugged on when comfortably beaten by Indian Temple over 2m4f here (good) last month giving some hope he will stay, he does appear a shade too high in the weights.

Form: 3252-33

Russian Regent¹⁸

Age: 13| Weight: 11-12| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott| OR: 134| CD

10/1

Veteran who has won at this two day fixture in each of the past two years, including when landing this race by a neck from Baileys Concerto in 2016. Likely to make another bold show from the front and certain to be sharper for a recent run over hurdles at Downpatrick last month.

Form: 12256-5

Jovial Joey^t¹²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Daragh Bourke⁽⁵⁾| T: M A Barnes| OR: 132| CD

5/1

In command when left clear at the last to score by 2L over C&D in April (novices limited handicap chase). Not able to cope with an 8lb rise at Market Rasen since, and whilst respected back over this longer trip, this is his toughest test to date.

Form: 31231-P

Yes Tom¹²

Age: 12| Weight: 11-4| J: A E Lynch| T: S R B Crawford| OR: 126| D

18/1

Veteran who has done all of his winning (six races) at Ayr and Down Royal. In rear when brought down in a good contest at Down Royal last month (winner a progressive sort), it's difficult to assess whether or not he's quite the force of old on limited racing over the past twelve months.

Form: 3/39P-PB

Kilbree Kid^b,t²⁵

Age: 10| Weight: 11-3| J: C Gethings⁽³⁾| T: T R George| OR: 125| CD

11/2

3m at this track suits this horse down to the ground, and he's always a force to be reckoned with when presented with his conditions at this track. Good ground poses very few concerns, and whilst still a fraction high in the weights, his riders 3lb claim is handy as he seeks to follow up two C&D success from the latter part of 2016.

Form: 3113-65

Mia's Anthem^p,t¹⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-1| J: D R Fox| T: N C Kelly| OR: 123| CD

22/1

C&D winner in July 2014, and has improved 30+lb since then winning on a further four occasions. Not able to back up his 2016 Aintree success when turned out in the same contest last month (tough task at weights), but these conditions are fine and should be more competitive here.

Form: P67P-63

Pantxoa⁶¹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-1| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 123| BF| D

5/1

Fair performer for Alan King in the past, and arrived with this trainer via Richard Phillips. Won on his stable debut at Newton Abbot in April (3m2f hunters chase) before struggling at Cheltenham in early May. More to do back in a handicap, but stable are known for saddling winners at this track.

Form: PP/6P1-P

Baileys Concerto^t⁴⁷

Age: 11| Weight: 10-13| J: B S Hughes| T: Mrs Dianne Sayer| OR: 121| BF| C

6/1

Narrowly beaten by Russian Regent in this contest in 2016, and seems well suited by the Sconce Palace air (course record reads; 3,1,1,2,4.) However, yet to win beyond 2m6F, and not won since November 2014, so equal reasons for concern. Ground conditions should be perfect.

Form: 2P024-4

Forecasts

Always On The Run (9/4), Pantxoa (5/1), Jovial Joey (5/1), Kilbree Kid (11/2), Baileys Concerto (6/1), Russian Regent (10/1), Yes Tom (18/1), Mia's Anthem (22/1)

There was little to separate Russian Regent and Baileys Concerto in this contest in 2016, and the pair renew battle twelve months on with a similar outcome likely in the match contest (based upon Bailey's doubtful stamina). However, the 2017 winner should come from elsewhere. KILBREE KID adores this track, and 3m on good ground suits him perfectly. The booking of Ciaran Gethings provides a valuable 3lb off his back and serves to reduce his mark just enough to record another C&D success.