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14:40 Brighton
A competitive enough looking 7F 0-60 handicap, with last time out winner Red Alert likely to popular in the market partnered by Hollie Doyle but at the age of 8 and after 66 runs it seems strange that he is having his first start over this trip. Canagat has tumbled down the weights since heading back to these shores but is yet to look like capitalising on the falling mark. Sapphire’s Moon looks to have a chance and will be one to watch in the market with a C&D win off 2lb lower last month.
Big Bard will be the one for me in this after a closing fifth last time out over 6F and this step up to 7 looks sure to suit on that run. Also, he was dropped 2lb for that run which leaves him only 2lb above the mark of his 6 and half-length win at the track in October of last year.
BIG BARD (WIN) 16:50 Perth
A poor turnout for this mares handicap hurdle over 3 miles with only four taking part, Ayr Of Elegance comes here with the best form figures and takes a step down in grade today. Due to that she has to give away 20lbs and up to the rest of the field when also taking claims in hand. Ten Gs has shown very little so far and even had a spin over fences last time out, that avenue has been quickly aborted and going back to hurdles today and being in a small field still doesn’t tempt. Misscarlett has the assistance of champion jockey Bryan Hughes is well out of form and looks to be very much on the downgrade at 8.
Topkapi Star is yet to win for these connections from 12 starts but she has now fallen 12lbs from her stable hurdles debut in November where she finished second. The fall in weights along with the very Peter Kavanangh’s 5lb claim could she her get her head in front today.
TOPKAPI STAR (WIN)
written by Michael Taylor