4 minutes Barry Hill gives his ITV Racing Tips from Perth and Sandown including the 3.00 Bet365 Mile.
1.50 SANDOWN
SERAPH GABRIEL - 11/4
The Esher Cup usually throws up a good one and this year’s no different with a few likely improvers in the mix.
Plenty will fancy Thunder Wonder after his Musselburgh win for Charlie Johnston. He made all in style but had things his own way on a track that suits front-runners. He won’t get that luxury here with more pace in the race.
I’m siding with SERAPH GABRIEL. He won over 7f last season and shaped like a mile would suit when second at Redcar. This stiffer test looks ideal and his pedigree backs it up. If Rossa Ryan gets him into a good spot, he can pounce late.
2.05 PERTH
QuinnBet Highland National Handicap Chase (For The Julian Llewellen Palmer Memorial Trophy) (GBB)
JACKS PARROT - 4/1
JACKS PARROT won on this card last year and looks primed for a big run again. He was a solid third in the Devon National at Exeter and with just a 1lb rise, he’s got strong claims over this longer trip.
Mt Fugi Park is respected for a yard that excels with stayers, while Fairlawn Flyer is chasing a hat-trick and can run well from the bottom of the weights.
2.25 SANDOWN
bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes (Group 3)
ANCIENT WISDOM - 10/1
We’re stepping up in class now for the Group 3 Gordon Richards over 1m2f, and there could be a bit of value in siding with ANCIENT WISDOM to spring a surprise if allowed to dictate under William Buick.
The former Derby eighth ran a cracker when second to Economics in the Dante last season, and this trip on a bit of ease in the ground looks right up his street. His return run at Newbury was frankly poor, but he’s better than that and I’m willing to draw a line through it.
If he gets his own way up front and finds his rhythm, he could give them plenty to think about. Any rain would be a big plus for Charlie Appleby’s charge.
2.40 PERTH
Alastair Down Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)
HIGH TREASON - 6/1
Peter Bowen, Lucinda Russell and Nicky Richards have all landed this race in recent years, and their runners Olivers Travels, Wal Buck’s and President Scottie – all merit serious respect if the groundwork’s been done right.
But there’s a chance Nigel Twiston-Davies could spoil the party with HIGH TREASON, who looks a bit of a dark horse. Lightly raced and now back from a wind op, he’s already shown he can win off this mark over hurdles. With improvement possible and a handy 5lb claim from his rider, he looks a live one in what’s shaping up to be a wide-open affair.
3.00 SANDOWN
HAATEM - 4/1
The Group 2 Mile is another cracking contest on a stacked Sandown card, with strength in depth and serious class on show.
Much like the previous race, you could make a case for the lot, with Dancing Gemini, Lead Artist and Tamfana all bringing solid credentials to the table. But preference is for HAATEM, representing Wathnan Racing and trained by Richard Hannon.
This tough and talented four-year-old had a superb campaign last year, kicking off with a dominant win in the Craven before a fine third in the 2,000 Guineas. He backed that up with a near-miss in the Irish equivalent, going down by just a neck to Rosallion, and capped things off with a deserved Group 3 win in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot.
3.35 SANDOWN
bet365 Classic Trial (Group 3)
WINDLORD - 11/8
It’s Classic trial time in this Group 3 over 1m2f, and WINDLORD makes plenty of appeal for the powerful pairing of Oisin Murphy and Andrew Balding.
Last seen finishing third in a Group 2 at the Curragh behind Hotazhell, he shaped like one crying out for a bit further and should come on for the run. This step up in trip looks ideal on pedigree, and connections clearly think plenty of him with entries in both the Dante and the Derby where he’s currently around 50/1.
