Conditions & Tactics: This Class 5 contest over the minimum trip features eight runners, with a very weak pace forecast. That significantly enhances the claims of those racing prominently. RAVENSCRAIG CASTLE should be handily positioned, unlike PURE GOLD, who often races too freely and from off the pace. TOP FLIGHT CENTURY, the unexposed improver, looks likely to be close to the front, which may again play to his strengths.


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Main Contenders:

TOP FLIGHT CENTURY [115p] – Progressive 4yo who got off the mark over course and distance last time, showing a good attitude in the finish. Still open to improvement and ideally suited by a slowly-run contest where his sharp turn of foot can be decisive. Strong form for the grade.

PURE GOLD [112] – Ran his best race to date when a close fourth here last time and clearly has ability, but his tendency to race keenly and settle late is not ideal in a muddling contest. Still, a player if settling better.

CUBAN CIGAR [111] – Likeable type with consistent form in modest company, but he’s a hold-up performer and again may find the tactical setup against him. Lucinda Russell has a solid record in this contest, which boosts his profile.

RAVENSCRAIG CASTLE [113] – Has the best chance of those dropping in grade and is tactically well suited if able to break smartly. A patchy profile, but handles Perth and won’t be far away if bouncing back to best.


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Outsiders with a Chance:

PARTY MOON [105] – Lightly raced for his age and ran his best race over hurdles last time out. Still something to prove in terms of winning mentality, but could run into a place if others underperform.

CLAN CHIEFTAIN [101] – Fair fifth on handicap debut and might still be improving. Yard is quiet, and this may be a run too early in his development.

CARNET DE STAGE & DARKEST DAY – Both need significant improvement on recent form and are opposable on what they’ve shown this season.


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Ratings Out of 10:

Horse Score

Top Flight Century 8
Pure Gold 7
Ravenscraig Castle 7
Cuban Cigar 6
Party Moon 5
Clan Chieftain 5
Carnet De Stage 3
Darkest Day 2



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Suitability Overview:

Track & Trip: Favourable for Top Flight Century, Pure Gold and Ravenscraig Castle.

Going: Good ground is no issue for any of the leading players.

Pace Scenario: Strong bias to those racing handily – big plus for Top Flight Century and Ravenscraig Castle.

Progressiveness: Top Flight Century is the only “p” horse and the sole improver in the race.



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Private Tissue Estimate:

Horse Odds

Top Flight Century 15/8
Pure Gold 4/1
Ravenscraig Castle 9/2
Cuban Cigar 6/1
Party Moon 12/1
Clan Chieftain 16/1
Carnet De Stage 33/1
Darkest Day 50/1



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Summary:

This weakly-run affair should be dominated by those able to take tactical control early. TOP FLIGHT CENTURY brings winning course form, unexposed potential, and is ideally suited to the race makeup. PURE GOLD is more exposed but back in form, while RAVENSCRAIG CASTLE is a potential pace beneficiary if bouncing back.


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Smart Play:

Win Bet: TOP FLIGHT CENTURY – A promising 4yo with a progressive profile and race-favoured tactics.

Each-Way Saver: RAVENSCRAIG CASTLE – Back on a handy mark and better suited than most by how this is likely to be run.