Race Preview: 5:15 Perth Handicap Hurdle

We end the day with a competitive Class 4 handicap hurdle over a staying trip of three miles. With the ground described as Soft, stamina will be the key attribute required to win this contest. The field has been reduced to nine runners after a couple of non-runners.

(Please note: Artic Mann and Asa are non-runners)

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Analysis of the Main Contenders

• Spit Spot (11/5 Fav): This mare from the powerhouse Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore yard is the one to beat. The step up to this three-mile trip last month unlocked a huge amount of improvement, as she bolted up over this very course and distance. She’s gone up 7lb in the handicap for that comfortable victory, but as she’s still unexposed as a stayer, she could easily have much more to offer. She will handle the soft ground and looks like a worthy favourite.
• Stiletto (4/1): This horse is in the form of his life, arriving here in search of a quick-fire hat-trick. He has won his last two starts since being stepped up to staying trips, including a game win over this course and distance last time out. He’s been hit with another 6lb rise by the handicapper, but he’s a horse full of confidence, and the booking of champion jockey Sean Bowen is a significant plus. He is the clear and obvious danger.
• Blakey Boy (11/1): An interesting contender at a bigger price. He was on a steep upward curve when last seen in the spring, winning and finishing second over two and a half miles at Hexham. This is his first try at three miles, a trip that promises to suit him well. The big question is his fitness after a 164-day absence, but if he’s ready to go, he could be very well-handicapped and is one to consider for an each-way bet.
• Dalileo (7/1): This ten-year-old is a real course specialist, with three wins and eight places from his 21 starts at Perth. He won over C&D in July and has been running consistently well recently, including a good fourth at Carlisle just five days ago. He is tough and race-fit, but may prove vulnerable to younger, more progressive rivals.

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Verdict

It’s difficult to oppose SPIT SPOT, who looked a completely different animal when winning over this course and distance on her first try at the trip. She has the most potential for further improvement and can defy the 7lb rise in the weights.

The main threat is undoubtedly the hat-trick seeking Stiletto, who is thriving at present and has the best jockey on board. If you’re looking for an each-way play, Blakey Boy is the unexposed horse in the field and could run a big race if fit enough on his return.

1. Spit Spot
2. Stiletto
3. Blakey Boy