Pace & Draw Angles

The pace forecast is weak, and at this trip over hurdles at Perth that usually brings hold-up types into play. However, in a steadily run race, positional advantage can flip – making tactical speed and placement more critical. On this basis, Go Go Chicago, who can race prominently, may end up better positioned than Belle Of Annandale, a typical hold-up type.


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Strongest Contenders

Hay Meadow – TFR 121
Lightly raced and still improving. She looked the likely winner when unseating at the last over C&D on handicap debut in April. Stays well, tongue tied again, and returns quickly (22 days). Trainer Lucinda Russell has a strong record at Perth and remains in good form.
Rating: 8/10

Go Go Chicago – TFR 124
Only fourth hurdle start and improved to finish second in a novice at Kelso last time. That race has worked out well and he’s unexposed at this trip. Proven on good ground and may well progress again in handicaps.
Rating: 8/10

Summergrounds – TFR 121
In the form of his life, landing back-to-back wins at Musselburgh and Ayr. Up in the weights but strong traveller and stays this trip well. Nicky Richards’ runners often hold form when in rhythm.
Rating: 7.5/10


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Main Dangers

Frisby – TFR 119
Showed promise when third over C&D last time despite looking in need of the run off a 10-week break. Brian Hughes retains the ride. Unexposed, tongue tied again, and could improve off this mark with fitness edge.
Rating: 7/10

Park Annonciade – TFR 122
Bits of form last season make him a player, but he’s been disappointing the last twice. Drops in class slightly and represents a shrewd travelling yard in Stuart Crawford. Not discounted if bouncing back.
Rating: 6.5/10


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Interesting Outsiders

Wasdell Dundalk – TFR 115
Hard to catch right these days but ran his best race in months when runner-up over fences at Ayr in January. Back hurdling off a break (133 days) and has place claims if sharp enough, though trainer Lisa Harrison is winless in recent weeks.
Rating: 6/10

Artic Row – TFR ?
Patchy profile but not without ability. Travelled strongly before a late mistake cost him at Haydock last time. Conditions fine, but he can find little off the bridle.
Rating: 5.5/10

Belle Of Annandale – TFR 123
Handy rating and former course winner, but well held last two starts. Breathing op may have had an effect but needs to show more now. May fare better if they go a strong pace.
Rating: 5/10


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Trends & Trainer Notes

Recent winners of this race include horses aged 6–8 rated in the 105–115 bracket.

Lucinda Russell (trainer of Hay Meadow) has won this race-type before and is a key local trainer to monitor at Perth.

Irish raiders from Stuart Crawford’s yard (Park Annonciade) have a fair record when sent over for spring/summer Perth meetings.



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Each-Way Angles

With 8 declared, 3 places on standard terms. Frisby and Park Annonciade look credible each-way options against the top two.


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Tissue Estimate

Go Go Chicago – 11/4

Hay Meadow – 3/1

Summergrounds – 4/1

Frisby – 13/2

Park Annonciade – 15/2

Wasdell Dundalk – 12/1

Belle Of Annandale – 14/1

Artic Row – 16/1



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Note: Monitor the market closely for Frisby and Wasdell Dundalk, who return from 22- and 133-day layoffs respectively. Any support or significant drift may offer clues regarding readiness.