Pace Angles: Moderate to even gallop expected. Burgundy Man and Larkfield Lusive are the likeliest to go forward, with Happy Index and Broken Ice sitting just off the pace. The pace should be fair, though not overly strong.
Draw Angles: Not relevant for a hurdles race over this trip at Perth.
Strongest Contenders + Main Dangers + Interesting Outsiders
Strongest Contenders:
- Happy Index (Progressive) – 3-3 under Sean Bowen, and highly consistent since joining Olly Murphy. Lost little in defeat here in June, narrowly denied when attempting to give weight to a bang-in-form rival. Back down 1lb, and her stamina is solid for this trip. Proven over course, ground, and grade. One of the few with upside from her mark.
- Dalileo (Proven) – Consistent veteran, won over C&D in July off 92 and remains competitive off 97. Not totally convincing to follow up, but he’s been holding form well and his run behind Chillhi last time was solid in the context of this weaker field. Trip/ground hold no fears.
Main Dangers:
- Artic Mann (Proven) – Veteran with strong Perth form. Won here in May and shaped better than result in a falsely run race last time. Mark looks about right now, and he lacks finishing pace, but if the race turns tactical, his stamina will keep him in the mix.
- Burgundy Man (Progressive) – Runner-up three times this summer and holds Dalileo on collateral form. Has stayed the trip well on all three recent efforts and is off a winnable mark. One of the most likely to be in the finish again.
Interesting Outsiders:
- Larkfield Lusive (Progressive) – Two wins this summer, including here in May. Struggled latest when possibly feeling the effects of a busy spell. Now returns to the scene of his best win off a 5lb higher mark with Brian Hughes back on board. A bounce-back would put him in this.
- Tees Comp’s Clive (Promising) – Lightly raced and ran a big race when third at Perth last month. Could build on that now tried over a staying trip for the first time. 7lb claimer offsets his mark and recent wind surgery might have unlocked more.
Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis
- Happy Index: 9/10 – Well-suited to course, distance, going. Stays well and retains upside.
- Artic Mann: 7/10 – Likes Perth, stamina assured, but limited tactical pace.
- Broken Ice: 6/10 – Feasible on Irish runs but profile is patchy; a class dropper and yard is in form.
- Aazza: 6/10 – Not totally convincing but has won twice this spring; capable if back to peak.
- Bishop Hill: 5/10 – Often places here, including this race last year, but looks a maiden type.
- Tamlaght Eyes: 4/10 – Best effort was second in a four-runner maiden; needs more.
- Dalileo: 8/10 – Stays well and consistent, but hard to win with; solid place claims.
- Green Bonnet: 3/10 – Lightly raced but lacks experience and proven stamina.
- Larkfield Lusive: 7/10 – Profile is on the up; possibly needed break before latest.
- Burgundy Man: 8/10 – Very solid form recently and has each-way credentials.
- Amdoinmebest: 2/10 – No form of note and hard to fancy.
- Tees Comp’s Clive: 7/10 – Eye-catching latest, now tries longer trip; unexposed.
Keep an eye on the market for support or big drifts for runners returning from layoffs of 90+ days.
Watch out for in-form stayers returning quickly; they can be hot.
Each-Way Angles (14 runners):
- Burgundy Man – Knocking on the door in similar contests. If granted a smoother trip, could go one better.
- Tees Comp’s Clive – Stamina unproven, but worth a small each-way look on his profile and potential improvement.
Private Tissue Estimate (Top 6)
- Happy Index – 5/2
- Burgundy Man – 6/1
- Dalileo – 13/2
- Artic Mann – 15/2
- Larkfield Lusive – 8/1
- Tees Comp’s Clive – 10/1
- Others 12/1+
Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.
Summary + Professional Punter View
A competitive low-grade staying handicap where the standout is Happy Index, a progressive mare with a superb Perth record and strong trainer-jockey combo. The market should centre around her. Dalileo and Artic Mann offer solid consistency but don’t win as often as they could. Burgundy Man is in form, staying well, and ready to strike, while Tees Comp’s Clive brings a bit of intrigue as a potential stayer with upside.
Smart Play
Win Selection: Happy Index – Proven at the track, tactically versatile, and remains on a fair mark.
Each-Way Saver: Burgundy Man – Consistent and well treated; likely to be thereabouts again.
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