Racecards
14:00 Perth
Drifters Here On July 29th Intermediate Hurdle (Class 4)
- 5 Runners
- Distance: 3m 110y
- Going: Good to Firm, Good in places
- Surface: Turf
- £4,000 added
- Form 6/25120-
- Age 6
- Weight 11-6
- Official Rating 115
- Trainer Ferdy Murphy
- Jockey G Lee
held up in touch, headway 8th, effort and every chance 3 out, ridden next, one pace, no impression approaching last
- Form 44224R-
- Age 6
- Weight 10-13
- Official Rating 112
- Trainer I R Ferguson
- Jockey D F O'Regan
tracked leader, led 4 out, jumped big and hard pressed next, clear when went right last, pushed out flat
- Form P/73125-
- Age 9
- Weight 10-13
- Official Rating 100
- Trainer D W Whillans
- Jockey G Whillans
in touch, outpaced 4 out, ridden and kept on same pace from next, no impression
- Form U00/P0-
- Age 6
- Weight 10-13
- Official Rating 79
- Trainer G Elliott
- Jockey Paul Carberry
tracked leaders, lost place and behind 7th, weakened 4 out
Waterski
22- Form R49640-
- Age 7
- Weight 10-13
- Official Rating 90
- Trainer Mrs J C McGregor
- Jockey P Aspell
led, headed 4 out, weakened next
In depth
Verdict
Carrick Dhu is marginally preferred to Cardinal Spirit and Polly Whitefoot. The selection appeared a likely winner when tried here in April but ran out with three hurdles to take. Granted, we'll never know whether he would have won or not - but today's race has cut up badly and he won't get too many easier chances than this to atone. Cardinal Spirit was never sighted at the Punchestown festival. He acts on this surface and does stay albeit at one pace. Polly Whitefoot failed to land a gamble at Newcastle and is exposed as being very ordinary indeed. Aga Khan castoff Saraban has shown no ability thus far under rules. Waterski was sent off at big odds at the last meeting and a similar scenario appears likely on this occasion. An uninspiring opener and we are with Carrick Dhu.
Formwatch
Cardinal Spirit 9-1 (11-0) Towards rear for most, never a factor, 23rd of 25, well behind Hidden Agent (10-11) at Punchestown 3m hcp hdl 0-130 gd in Apr.
Carrick Dhu (IRE) 9-4fav (10-7) Raced keenly, led until ran out 3 out in race won by Solway Bee (10-2) at Perth 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gd in Apr, 14 ran.
Polly Whitefoot 9-2jt-fav (10-8) Held up, outpaced 3 out, never on terms, 5th of 11, 17l behind Bonnie Rock (11-2) at Newcastle 2m 6f cnd hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Mar.
Saraban (IRE) 50-1 (11-5) Chased leaders early, 8th halfway, no extra from 3 out, tailed off, 13th of 16, well behind Prudent Honour (11-9) at Fairyhouse 2m mdn hdl hvy in Feb.
Waterski 100-1 (10-5) With leader, led 4th, headed 3 out, weakened next, 12th of 15, well behind The Great Alfie (10-11) at Perth 3m nov hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Apr.