BACK to Perth this week with three runners over the two days as the summer jumping really gets into gear and we search for our first winner of the new season.
We start off on tonight with SHANBALLY ROSE (7.10) who we have now concluded has to go right-handed so you can forget the run at Newcastle last time because she jumped right the whole way round. I actually thought she jumped quite well but it was just the wrong direction for her so she was losing ground each time. Her runs at Musselburgh the twice before were far more like her so coming back to Perth will suit.
The only shame is that Dylan Johnston isn’t available to ride because he’d done well with her this season. He’s on the mend from his broken leg but I’m sure he’ll be watching from home in Ireland wishing he was at Perth instead!
CLIFFS OF DOONEEN (8.40) steps up to two and a half miles after winning over shorter at Carlisle last month. The step up in trip will suit him, although he’s going to be worse off at the weights because of Dylan’s absence and that means he’s not got a claim coming off. Ed Austin takes over and is riding very well, so we are sure he will do a good job. He won in good style last time out, the third has won since as well so hopefully there’s more to come.
On Thursday GET WITH IT (4.55), above, is our sole representative in a two-and-a-half mile handicap chase. He ran really well two runs ago when he was narrowly beaten at Newcastle and then disappointed the following time back there. Warrior’s Story, who we oppose with Cliffs of Dooneen tonight, sluiced up in that race - so it will be interesting watching how that pans out first.
We have decided to go chasing with him and see how he takes to the bigger obstacles. He’s fit and well, he’s schooled well at home and hopefully he’ll get back to the form of a couple of runs back. If he can do that he should have an each-way chance.