Class 3 Handicap Chase | 2m | Good ground (rain around) | 6 runners

A small-field handicap chase where tactical pace could prove decisive. With only six runners, track position and jumping rhythm become particularly important.

Pace Assessment

Likely leaders: Newtown Rambler, Hypotenus

Can race prominently: Captain Cool, Classic Maestro

More patient types: Garde Des Champs, Itwasfate


With both Newtown Rambler and Hypotenus happiest forcing the issue, the pace should be honest rather than steadily run. In a six-runner field there is less danger of traffic problems, reducing the usual risks for hold-up horses, although those racing off the speed may still struggle if the leaders get into a rhythm.

Draw Bias

Not relevant over fences at Perth.


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Suitability Assessment

1. Captain Cool — 8/10 (p)

Going: Slight concern if rain eases conditions significantly; best recent chase form on good/good-firm.
Field Size: Fine in small fields.
Pace: Should get a good stalking trip behind the pace.
Class: Faces a stronger mark than for recent wins.
Track: No obvious concerns.
Distance: Proven at around 2m1f.
Trainer/Jockey: Jennie Candlish team in excellent form; Sean Quinlan a positive booking.

A progressive chaser who arrives in peak form after two chase wins. The question is whether a mark of 124 fully catches up with him and whether any rain blunts his speed.


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2. Newtown Rambler — 9/10 (p)

Going: Effective on good and good to soft.
Field Size: Comfortable in this setup.
Pace: Major pace angle; could secure the ideal front-running role.
Class: Still looks workable from current mark.
Track: Proven C&D winner.
Distance: Ideal.
Trainer/Jockey: Keatley stable going well; useful 5lb claim from Oakley Brown.

Made all over this course and distance last time and Perth often rewards positive tactics. Remains relatively lightly raced for current connections and looks very well suited by conditions.


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3. Classic Maestro — 8.5/10

Going: Good ground suits and any easing conditions should not inconvenience him.
Field Size: Handles small fields well.
Pace: Likely to sit just behind the leaders.
Class: Strong Class 3 form.
Track: Course winner.
Distance: Two miles is no issue despite winning over further.
Trainer/Jockey: Candlish and claiming rider Luke Scott combine effectively.

Produced a career-best RPR of 135 when winning here in April. The form requires some scrutiny, but he is only 2lb higher and has several pieces of form suggesting he belongs at this level.


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4. Hypotenus — 8/10 (p)

Going: Fine on good or good to soft.
Field Size: Small field suits a free-going type.
Pace: One of the principal pace influences.
Class: Competitive off current mark.
Track: Encouraging C&D run last time.
Distance: Ideal.
Trainer/Jockey: Mulholland’s runners continue in decent order.

Finished third behind Newtown Rambler over C&D and is now 6lb better off at the weights. There is scope for improvement on just his third start for the stable.


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5. Garde Des Champs — 6.5/10

Going: Good ground suits.
Field Size: No issue.
Pace: May find himself needing the leaders to come back.
Class: Well treated on old form.
Track: C&D winner.
Distance: Proven.
Temperament: Modest strike-rate remains a concern.

Well handicapped compared with last year’s winning mark but has not shown enough recently to command maximum confidence.


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6. Itwasfate — 4/10

Going: Should be fine.
Distance: Fine.
Class: Big concern.
Fitness/Rules Form: Major question mark despite point-to-point activity.

Interesting on old Irish form but difficult to assess and lacks recent rules evidence that he remains capable of winning a race of this nature.


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Contenders

Strongest Contenders

Newtown Rambler (9/10) – Proven C&D winner, likely pace advantage, excellent tactical setup.

Classic Maestro (8.5/10) – Strong recent Perth form and arguably owns the best established handicap chase form in the field.

Captain Cool (8/10, p) – Progressive chaser seeking a hat-trick over fences.

Main Danger

Hypotenus (8/10, p) – Better weighted relative to Newtown Rambler than last time and could improve again for his new yard.

Interesting Outsider

Garde Des Champs (6.5/10) – Back to a workable mark and a previous C&D winner.


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Timeform/Profile Notes

Captain Cool (p): Progressive over fences, won first two chase starts.

Newtown Rambler (p): Revived by stable switch and headgear adjustments.

Hypotenus (p): New stable may unlock further improvement.

No runner in the field qualifies as a clear P (Promising) type due to lack of unexposed profiles.



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Are We Weighing the Race Correctly?

The key factors here are:

1. Course-and-distance suitability – highly important at Perth.


2. Pace advantage – crucial in a six-runner race.


3. Current wellbeing – Captain Cool and Newtown Rambler score strongly.


4. Weight swing – Hypotenus being 6lb better off with Newtown Rambler deserves significant respect.



I would place slightly more weight than usual on tactical pace and course form because of the small field.

No non-runners apparent from the card provided.


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Adjusted Ratings

Horse Rating

Newtown Rambler (p) 9/10
Classic Maestro 8.5/10
Captain Cool (p) 8/10
Hypotenus (p) 8/10
Garde Des Champs 6.5/10
Itwasfate 4/10



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Private Tissue

Horse Tissue

Newtown Rambler 27% (11/4)
Classic Maestro 23% (10/3)
Captain Cool 22% (7/2)
Hypotenus 18% (9/2)
Garde Des Champs 8% (12/1)
Itwasfate 2% (50/1)



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Summary

This looks likely to revolve around the recent C&D form of Newtown Rambler and Hypotenus, the progressive profile of Captain Cool, and the proven class of Classic Maestro. In a race where tactical position should matter greatly, Newtown Rambler may again get his own way near the front.

ChatGPT Smart Plays

Win Selection

Newtown Rambler

Proven over C&D

Likely tactical advantage

Conditions ideal

Stable in good form


Saver

Classic Maestro

Strong Perth record

Consistent Class 3 handicap chase performer

Conditions expected to suit


Danger: Hypotenus, particularly if supported in the market and building on his latest C&D effort. Keep an eye on market signals for all four principals, but especially Hypotenus and Captain Cool.