Perth 2.10 – why A King Of Magic sets the standard
Perth’s 2m4f handicap hurdle looks the sort of race where exposed profiles can be vulnerable and a progressive horse can take control.
That is why A King Of Magic appealed most. He came into the race with only three hurdle starts behind him, already showing a clear upward curve. His Taunton maiden win suggested he wanted further than 2m, and his Sedgefield second confirmed that impression. He travelled strongly, moved into the race like the best horse, and only found one too good late on. For a young hurdler, that was a very solid effort under a penalty.
The move into handicap company over 2m4f looked ideal. His profile had the right shape for Perth: unexposed, improving, and likely to benefit from a stronger stamina test.
Joeybottles looked the main danger after a wide-margin Bangor win, but that came in a Class 5 and he still had to prove he could back it up in a better race. Monaco Rules had the more workmanlike profile of a solid contender, while King Jon Oliver had ability but not the same trustworthiness under pressure.
In the end, the race looked set up for the horse with the most untapped upside.
Confidence: 7/10