Race-By-Race Tips: Perth, Wednesday 25th September 2019
Sean Raymond is in the hot seat today and has picked out a selection in each of this afternoon's races at Perth...
We start the card with a novice hurdle over two miles and four furlongs, sponsored by the Paul Ferguson Jumpers To Follow book, which is out now. The scratching of the Gordon Elliott-trained Carrie Des Champs this morning has changed the complexion of the race, and in her absence it is Queen's Magic who looks the best option. She ended a long wait when opening her account over hurdles at the ninth attempt at Worcester 15 days ago, and although the return to two and a half miles will ask more of her, she looks capable of defying a penalty and doubling up in this very winnable opener.
A six-runner handicap chase is next up at Perth races, and like the opener, this looks like a cracking little contest for punters. Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies team up with Double Court in this one, and he is looking for a fourth win on the spin after a terrific run of form over the summer. Carrying top weight is a big ask, and Lucky Robin looks a strong opponent, but there looks to be more to come from Double Court, and that should be enough to see the eight-year-old claim a fourth win on the bounce and complete a stunning summer.
Next up is the Weatherbys Handicap Hurdle, and this could be the toughest race of the day with a host of well-fancied runners according to the early show of betting this morning. On balance though, this could be another success for team Twiston-Davies thanks to Arctic Gold, who looks ready to win again off a fair mark and can give the father and son partnership a big race win.
Another tough betting heat for punters with both Elliott and Twiston-Davies once again having strong chances, but Soupy Soups is the one to follow. The Neil Mulholland-trained in-mate ran an excellent race over course and distance last time out and looks primed to go close again at a more than fair price for the Conkwell Grange handler.
The fact that there's non-runners in here is not ideal for each-way punters, but there is still money to be made with Lady London one of the strongest fancies of the day for rose Dobbin and Conor O'Farrell. A win over three miles at the Perth last time out shows she is in excellent form at present, and although this will be tougher off a higher mark, she should still be good enough to win again.
The lucky last is big-field handicap hurdle, and this could see Gordon Elliott head home with a big smile on his face. Holy Motivation sees the Grand National winning trainer once again team up with Richard Johnson, and the pair will be hopeful of another big display. She was enough to win over three miles here on his most recent start, and the six-year-old can cope with the sharper trip and claim the win.