Race Conditions, Pace Scenario & Draw Angles:
- Trip: 2m 7f 180y
- Surface/Going: Good
- Class: 5 Handicap (0–100), open to 4yo+
- Weight Parameters: 10-2 min, 7lb penalty for chase wins post-August 9
Pace Projection:
A steady, even gallop appears most likely. Shantou Moon, Lights Are Green, and Everyday Champagne are all capable of going forward, but none are guaranteed to dominate. Expect a relatively controlled pace without undue pressure on the lead.
Draw/Track Angle:
Perth’s chase course is tight and rewards jumping rhythm and tactical awareness more than draw. There’s no inherent bias, but handy sitters with good jump fluency are typically favoured.
Strongest Contenders, Main Dangers & Interesting Outsiders
Strongest Contenders
- Raby Mere (8.5/10) – PROVEN
In excellent form, scoring 102 RPR on his last three runs. Course second (hd) in July over 2m5f suggests Perth suits. Handles good ground. Trainer Olly Murphy’s runners often come forward again, and Sean Bowen is a notable booking. 7lb penalty for earlier win looks manageable. - Everyday Champagne (8/10) – PROGRESSIVE
Continues to run consistently well at this level. Two second-place finishes off similar marks (103–108 RPRs) suggest he’s still competitive. His tendency to finish second could limit win potential, but he’s earned a crack at one of these.
Main Dangers
- Am Still Here (7.5/10) – PROMISING
Has found his level since going chasing. Trip is a new test but shaped as though he’d benefit from further when third at Cartmel (103 RPR). Should be competitive off a featherweight, but there’s stamina to prove. - Mcgregors Charge (7/10) – PROMISING
Lightly raced over fences and still on the upgrade. Multiple frame efforts over 2m7f+ off similar marks, with a best RPR of 103. Could be vulnerable late on, but consistent and reliable.
Interesting Outsiders
- Lights Are Green (6.5/10)
A proven 3m+ chaser who is inconsistent but capable. Won at Cartmel in July (RPR 114), but pulled up next time and generally regressive. Will be a threat if able to dictate. - Gina Moon (6/10) – UNEXPOSED
Lightly raced 6-y-o for Gordon Elliott. No wins yet, but early signs of promise. RPR 96 when fourth in a Downpatrick chase hints at some ability. Could step up with more experience. - Bayonetta (6/10)
Best form has come over hurdles, including second over C&D last year. Chase record is moderate, but trainer may be plotting with a return to Perth after encouraging hurdles run. Not discounted.
Runner Scores & Suitability
| Horse | Score | Suitability Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Raby Mere | 8.5 | Track and trip look ideal, in-form, positive jockey booking |
| Everyday Champagne | 8.0 | Continues to run well, trip suits, vulnerable to one |
| Am Still Here | 7.5 | Consistent, trip a potential plus, stamina to prove |
| Mcgregors Charge | 7.0 | Steady improver, jumps well, could find one too good |
| Lights Are Green | 6.5 | Needs everything to drop right but is capable at this level |
| Gina Moon | 6.0 | Lightly raced, potential to improve, needs to settle |
| Bayonetta | 6.0 | Not totally reliable but a fair effort last time over hurdles |
Note: “Keep an eye on the market for support or big drifts for runners returning from layoffs of 90+ days.”
Also: “Watch out for in-form types returning quickly; they can be hot.”
Each-Way Angles
No each-way recommendations due to a field of 7 runners.
Private Tissue Estimate (Fair Odds):
- Raby Mere – 3/1
- Everyday Champagne – 4/1
- Am Still Here – 5/1
- Mcgregors Charge – 7/1
- Lights Are Green – 10/1
- Gina Moon – 12/1
- Bayonetta – 14/1
“Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.” (especially Gina Moon).
Summary & Smart Play
This looks like a winnable moderate Class 5 in which Raby Mere brings the most solid, upwardly mobile profile. His consistent form, positive course run, and trainer/jockey strength suggest he’s the one to beat. Everyday Champagne continues to hit the frame and could finally get his head in front. Am Still Here and Mcgregors Charge are next best, with scope for one to improve further at the trip.
Smart Play
- Win Bet: Raby Mere – proven, in-form, ideal trip, strongest on the figures
- (Each-Way not applicable with 7 runners)
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