Horse Racing Tips: Katie Midwinter's best bets on Sunday including strong Perth fancy

Dundalk, 14:00 - Back Kerdos E/W @ 10/111.00

5 (9)

Kerdos (Ire)

• J: J. Kearney
• T: Stephen Thorne, Ireland
• F: 95-296860

• SBK 11/1
• EXC 5.2

From a mark of 89, Kerdos could be capable of a bold showing for Stephen Thorne in this 5f handicap. He has been inconsistent so far this year but has shown snippets of good form, proving he still retains plenty of ability, and is now 22lb lower than his highest ever mark.

In a Listed Naas contest in April, the six-year-old was beaten only two-and-three-quarter-lengths in sixth by subsequent King Charles III Stakes winner Mission Central, now rated 115, and wasn't beaten far, despite finishing down the field, in a Navan handicap when sent off at 9/25.50 in his penultimate outing.

He has finished second twice in two all-weather appearances, but could make it third time lucky in this contest and, from a lenient rating, could pose a threat.

Sligo, 14:15 - Back Steps In The Sand E/W @ 13/27.50

10

Steps In The Sand (Ire)

• J: J. H. Williamson
• T: Ciaran Murphy, Ireland
• F: 45090/88-4

• SBK 13/2
• EXC 5.3

Ciaran Murphy-trained Steps In The Sand has proven course form and finished a decent fourth, although well beaten by winner Nakassama, in a recent Downpatrick appearance when rated 1lb higher. She's currently 6lb lower than her last winning handicap mark over obstacles and was in excellent form this time last year on the Flat, recording three successive wins during the summer.

Having returned to some form when last seen, following two disappointing previous efforts this year, this could be another chance for the experienced seven-year-old mare to make the frame at the least in familiar surroundings. She's on a workable rating if at her best and warrants each-way consideration.

Sligo, 14:50 - Back Cappucino E/W @ 13/27.50

5

Cappucino (Ire)

• J: Richard Deegan
• T: Miss Elizabeth Doyle, Ireland
• F: 085B2P-94

• SBK 13/2
• EXC 3.9

Seven-year-old gelding Cappucino didn't enjoy the most consistent campaign last term over fences, but did go close at Tramore on New Year's Day. He shaped with promise on his hurdling return when last seen, however, bouncing back from a disappointing effort at Wexford when found to have suffered leg wounds, and could take a step forward from his latest outing.

In the past, the Liz Doyle-trained contender has shaped as though a handicap hurdle win is within his capabilities, but is yet to strike in this sphere. He has run well from a much higher mark, including when fifth from 120 at odds of 25/126.00 in a 19-runner Leopardstown handicap and when sixth to McLaurey in a Listed handicap at 28/129.00, therefore could be worth keeping the faith in from a mark of 112 here.

Bet of the day: Perth, 15:16 - Back Atlantic City @ 7/42.75

3

Atlantic City

• J: Sean Bowen
• T: Olly Murphy
• F: 33/33421-2

• SBK 15/8
• EXC 3.55

Course-and-distance winner Atlantic City shed her maiden tag on her previous appearance at this venue when getting off the mark in April.

She has recorded form figures of 212 for Olly Murphy this year, having switched from the Ciaran Murphy yard in Ireland, and should be capable of showing further progression, still unexposed in only her 13th career start, her third in handicap company.

The five-year-old mare is 7lb higher than when successful on handicap debut here, but remains open to further improvement beyond her current rating and has valuable course form over the trip in her favour as she bids for a second victory. She's a likeable performer representing an in-form yard with plenty to like about her chances.

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