Pace & Draw Angles:
Forecasted pace is weak, which can often favour those ridden handily. Shuil Na Tra is flagged as one who could benefit from this pace setup, while Strike of Lighting may be inconvenienced. There’s no draw bias to consider in National Hunt races, unlike flat or all-weather events.


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Main Contenders:
MAN OF ACTION [8/10] – Progressive 5yo and has made a superb start in handicaps (2 wins, followed by a solid third). Proven over trip and going, stays well, and is likely to be well placed in a race lacking early pace. Draws interest from how he has been placed and developed quickly.

LUMINARIES [7/10] – Won three in a row last season and resumed progress last time with a neck win at Kelso. Stays the trip, wears tongue tie and cheekpieces. Patchy in between wins but clearly has ability and handles good to soft ground.

MAILLOT BLANC [7.5/10] – CD winner and recently returned to form with a game success here. Best when well positioned; repeat of latest could see him involved. Carries a 5 lb rise but still competitive.

Interesting Outsiders:
SHUIL NA TRA [7/10] – New stable debut after a switch from Ireland and gets Brian Hughes in the plate. Has stamina, a previous win under conditionals, and could enjoy the steady gallop. 157-day layoff warrants a market check.

DALILEO [6.5/10] – Course winner, fitness likely improved from reappearance behind Man of Action. Can be expected to come forward, now back to last winning mark.

BURGUNDY MAN [6.5/10] – Runner-up to Man of Action at Perth, might have had the run of the race. Still, that was his best for a while. Not dismissed, but profile still modest overall.

NO REMATCH [6/10] – Veteran, ran well when second to Happy Index, but form is mixed and vulnerable to younger legs. Lightly raced but not especially progressive.

Rest of Field Ratings:
BILLABLE GRANT [5.5/10] – Won here in April but was well beaten since. Handles the track and ground but inconsistent.
STRIKE OF LIGHTING [5/10] – Was running well when falling behind Man of Action. Market support would be interesting second off a break.
THATSY [4/10] – Hard to fancy; poor recent chase form, long layoff, and not trustworthy. Market drift would confirm lack of confidence.


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Trends/Insights:

No previous winners’ trainers represented.

Steady pace could aid those with tactical speed or ability to sit close to the front.

Previous CD winners Maillot Blanc, Dalileo and Billable Grant all return, which often bodes well at Perth.

Be cautious of big layoff horses unless there’s clear market support (Shuil Na Tra, That’sy).



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Private Tissue Estimate:

Man of Action – 3/1

Maillot Blanc – 5/1

Luminaries – 11/2

Shuil Na Tra – 7/1

Burgundy Man – 7/1

No Rematch – 8/1

Dalileo – 10/1

Strike of Lighting – 14/1

Billable Grant – 16/1

That’sy – 25/1



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Summary:
This is a modest but competitive 0–100 handicap hurdle where Man of Action stands out as a progressive and promising contender with track form and tactical pace. Maillot Blanc and Luminaries are dangers with past winning profiles and good recent efforts. Shuil Na Tra is a wildcard on stable debut and may benefit from race conditions. Dalileo is a watch for place purposes on return to peak fitness.


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Smart Play:
Win Bet: Man of Action – Proven, progressive, ideally suited to race conditions.
Each Way Saver: Shuil Na Tra – New yard and booking of Brian Hughes, likely to be suited by pace and trip if ready off break (10+ runners makes EW valid).

Market watching is advised particularly for Shuil Na Tra and Strike of Lighting for signs of stable confidence or fitness.