Perth Betting: 2.50 Betfair Scottish Racing Fortnight Novices' Chase

Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 24 September 2008 / Leave a Comment

Six go to post for an intriguing-looking novice chase on the second day of the final meeting of 2008 at Perth.

Gordon Elliott's runners must always be respected at the course and the Irish trainer looks to hold strong claims with the improving Franc Villez who has won twice already at Perth this summer.

The six-year-old has done most of his racing over fences at the Scottish track since leaving Jessica Harrington in June and followed up his quick-fire double in early July with even better efforts when second to Love That Benny and Premier Dane within twenty-four hours at the end of the month. Given a short break since then there's no reason to imagine that he won't continue on the upgrade and he holds leading claims.

Mister Gloss is unbeaten over fences and looks an exciting prospect ahead of the new National Hunt campaign. His two successes to date have both come at Exeter and he followed up his debut-win (when beating subsequent Market Rasen winner Ruairi) with a convincing display a month later when seeing off Ocean du Moulin by two and three-quarter lengths, his one jumping mistake of note coming when in control at the last. Prior to that, and not for the first time, he'd planted himself at the start but providing his temperament holds he could well develop into a useful chaser.

Crescent Island hasn't always looked the most straightforward over hurdles but there's no doubt that he's a good prospect for novice chases this season, his stand-out effort last term coming when second to top hurdler Elusive Dream at Cheltenham in April. His trainer's record at this meeting is well documented and conditions will be ideal.

Omix D'Or looks the best of the remainder, he's another who's clearly got temperament issues but more patient tactics from his rider could yield a better performance than what we've seen so far. King's Envoy and Seek The Truth both look out of their depth.