A competitive renewal of this 0–140 staying handicap chase, contested over nearly 3 miles on good to soft ground (good in places). A mix of lightly-raced chasers, course specialists, and seasoned handicappers line up. Several arrive in decent nick, while one or two are making their seasonal reappearances and may need the outing.


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Strongest Contender: Coco Mademoiselle (Timeform Adjusted Rating: 148p)

Dan Skelton’s mare has made a fine start to chasing and was travelling notably well when unseating three out in a stronger mares’ handicap at Cheltenham last time. She’s 5lb well-in on adjusted figures and retains plenty of upside from a mark of 123. The slight concern is the forecast weak pace, which might not play to her strengths as a hold-up horse. However, with clear round jumping, she remains a standout on potential and performance.

Timeform note: “Was still going strongly when unseating 3 out at Cheltenham; can confirm herself ahead of her mark.”


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Main Dangers

Ganapathi (TF Rating: 143) – Has filled the runner-up spot on his last three starts, including a neck defeat at Kelso last time. He’s dropped to a career-low mark and thrives at around this trip. Could benefit from a soft lead if ridden forward, and the drying ground is no issue.

Cerendipity (TF Rating: 141) – Has been very consistent this campaign for the in-form Smith yard. He won at Newcastle in March and has since placed respectably in a stronger contest. May need a true test at the trip to be fully effective, but he’s in solid form and remains well handicapped.

Whistle Stop Tour (TF Rating: 144) – Made a promising start to chasing with back-to-back wins earlier in the season. Pulled up in the Ultima at Cheltenham, but was badly hampered early and that run is easily forgiven. Now returns to calmer waters and should stay the trip well.


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Lively Outsider

Annsam (TF Rating: 140+) – Needs to bounce back to something near his best but drops in class and has always been better going right-handed. With a likely tactical pace, he could get a handy sit and has the profile to run into the frame if responding to first-time cheekpieces.

Smart Stat: Evan Williams is +£30.16 to a £1 level stake at Perth with his sole chasers on the card. Market strength would be a plus for this one.


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Watch the Market: Horses Returning From Breaks

Gold Cup Bailly (69 days off): Needs to bounce back from a poor hurdle effort; lightly raced but hard to weigh up. Market support would be a strong clue.

Anglers Crag (41 days off): Has bled and given trouble at the start previously. Best watched unless the betting vibes are strong.



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Notable Trainer Record

Lucinda Russell, trainer of Whistle Stop Tour, has a strong record with staying chasers at Perth and is always respected on home turf.

There’s no recent winning trainer in the field from previous runnings of this race, but the Bowens (Statuario) and Williams (Annsam) have both struck with handicappers at this track over similar trips.



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Summary

Coco Mademoiselle remains the most likely winner if her jumping holds up, and she should prove better than her current mark in time. Ganapathi and Whistle Stop Tour offer solid alternatives with recent placed form, while Cerendipity brings consistency and a positive yard profile. Annsam is one to consider as a tactically suited outsider if the cheekpieces spark improvement.

Advice:
Back Coco Mademoiselle if trading around 2/1+ on the day.
Watch for late money for Annsam or Gold Cup Bailly if the market speaks.
Consider including Ganapathi and Cerendipity in forecasts or each-way multis.