The 0-100 handicap hurdle at 14:50 is atypical of the card, though the very fact that it's so relatively uncompetitive is part of the reason we're using it for our first bet. Plenty of these have something to prove, generally something more ominous than Solway Dandy's unknown fitness. That's the only downside with our selection, who improved to finish second in a C&D event last May and then was gambled on next time, only to fall when making his move three out. Solway Dandy's mark is the same on this return and, given his course form, you suspect that connections have him as fit as they can. He's surely up to winning off a BHA mark of 95 if they've done enough.
The 16:20 will arguably prove the race of the week. There are a number of horses we're used to seeing in top handicaps, such as Old Roan winner Conquisto and Cheltenham underachiever Tap Night. There looks to be more interest contained in others, though: returning Newland inmate Bobowen; Silver Roque, who is reliably excellent when returning from an absence; and, most intriguing of all, Roudoudou Ville. The last-named was once a contender in big handicaps, finishing third in the December Gold Cup a couple of years back. He'd looked a lost cause on his belated return this season but was revived for the return to fences when a strong-travelling fourth at Fontwell last time, seemingly against the grain too. He's now on a mark he'd have no trouble overcoming on old form; in truth, anything within half a stone of that would see Roudoudou Ville go very close.
Finally we look to the closer (17:30), which contains a Perth festival favourite: the repeat runner. Minella Reception shaped really well when finishing a clear second to Strongpoint (also entered today) here yesterday, though this doesn't appeal as the ideal opportunity to make amends: he pulled hard over two miles on Wednesday, so stepping up in trip probably is unlikely to help. Instead, Blue Kascade is the one for us. He came off a break to win at Musselburgh in February and was possibly feeling that hard race when just a respectable second there a couple of weeks later. He's now had sufficient time to recover and appeals as still being well-handicapped off 100. Furthermore, unlike Minella Reception Blue Kascade is very much suited by two and half miles and will stay further.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
All at Perth
Back Solway Dandy @ 7.26/1 in the 14:50
Back Roudoudou Ville @ 9.417/2 in the 16:20
Back Blue Kascade @ 6.86/1 in the 17:30
