15:50 Perth

Wednesday 25 September 2019

All14:1014:4015:1515:5016:2016:55

David Whitaker Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:51 | Winning time: 6m 15.45s

Le Musee^p¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: David Noonan| T: N J Hawke| OR: 147| C| D

11/2

usually runs to his mark and has taken well to fences. Impressive 12L winner over 2m4f at this track last time and respected despite 11lb hike in the weights.

Form: 10-1331

Indian Temple^p¹⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 11-10| J: Harry Reed⁽³⁾| T: T Reed| OR: 145| CD

11/1

Bold front-runner who usually excels at this track. Looked to be faltering when unseating in latest start here behind Le Musee earlier this month and that rival could have his measure again.

Form: F-2112U

Topofthecotswolds¹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 142

3/1

Stratford specialist who made it three wins in a row at that track with 8L success at that track (2m6f) earlier this month. Up another 10lb for that but looks to have more progression in him.

Form: 22F111

Traditional Dancer^b³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Ross Chapman| T: I Jardine| OR: 137| CD

12/1

Won over C&D back in April and put two disappointing efforts behind him with good success in 3m Cartmel handicap chase last time. That looked a weak race though and not the most consistent.

Form: U71-651

Forth Bridge^p¹⁶⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-1| J: Aidan Coleman| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 136

9/2

Game Kempton winner in March but took a backward step when upped to Listed class at Ayr (2m4f) on latest effort. Makes seasonal reappearance in this but has each-way claims.

Form: 322214-

Ned Stark^p,t²⁷

Age: 11| Weight: 10-11| J: R Johnson| T: G Elliott| OR: 132| CD

9/1

Veteran. Winner of C&D handicap chase in July but well held in three starts since. Needs drastic improvement from 38L defeat at Bellewstown (3m) last time.

Form: 0/31408

Graineyhill^b¹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 10-4| J: S Bowen| T: G Elliott| OR: 125

12/1

Fortunate winner at Fairyhouse in February and put up resurgent performance to finish 3L third over C&D earlier this month. Bit to find on ratings in this but holds place claims.

Form: 14P-073

Soupy Soups^p¹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 10-1| J: B S Hughes| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 122| D

4/1

Well beaten by Topofthecotswolds two starts ago but bounced back win fine second over C&D on latest start. 2lb rise seems slightly harsh but should give another bold account.

Form: 2P-2072

Elmono¹³²

Age: 8| Weight: 10-1| J: Blair Campbell⁽³⁾| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 122| D

22/1

Musselburgh winner in February and looked to be putting in a sterling effort when falling at the last over C&D last time. Expected to go well again if that hasn't left its mark.

Form: 21144-F

Forecasts

Topofthecotswolds (3/1), Soupy Soups (4/1), Forth Bridge (9/2), Le Musee (11/2), Ned Stark (9/1), Indian Temple (11/1), Graineyhill (12/1), Traditional Dancer (12/1), Elmono (22/1)

TOPOFTHECOTSWOLDS has excelled at Stratford this summer and while this represents a different test, he remains unexposed at this level and could have significant progression in him against some experienced rivals. Various rivals can stake claims for a place, but Elmono ran a fine raced last time and could be dangerous if getting a soft lead, while Soupy Soups looks to be given a chance by the handicapper but has to find improvement on ratings to match the selection.