BARKIS NOW READY TO BITE
BARKIS (4.10) can be a tonic for punters in the Edinburgh Gin Hurdle at Perth.
Nicky Henderson’s gelding took a while to find his feet over timber but looked more the finished article when a decent second to the useful Petrou at Southwell last time.
The eight-year-old was staying on nicely at the end of 2m4f that day and can go one better over this extra four furlongs.
The Champion Trainer has made a flying start to the new season and he can double up with BEAT THAT (4.40) in the novice chase.
The nine-year-old was a Grade 1-winning hurdler and looked just as good over fences when a game second to the tough Brother Tedd on his chasing bow at Uttoxeter.
WELCOME BEN (2.40) can just shade a trappy 2m4f novices’ chase for Jackie Stephen.
The gelding has hit peak form recently with good wins at today’s venue and Kelso and can complete his hat-trick despite a 9lb penalty.
Kenneth Slack’s BELL WEIR (3.10) can gain due compensation for a string of fine efforts in defeat by landing the handicap hurdle under 10lb claimer Robert Hogg.
Tom George seldom leaves Scone Palace empty-handed and he can take the three-miler with ALWAYS ON THE RUN (3.40).
The seven-year-old has run with credit in decent company over 2m4f on his last couple of starts and can finally get his head in front in today’s extra half-mile.
In-form Roger Varian can land the feature handicap at Thirsk with COMMANDER (4.30) who should come on plenty for his recent Doncaster maiden success.
Barney Roy is likely to run in Saturday’s Eclipse at Sandown.
Trainer Richard Hannon is keen to step the Coronation hero up to 1m2f on Saturday rather than stay over a mile in the Jean Prat at Chantilly a day later.
This year’s renewal is shaping up to be a cracker with Permian also set to take his chance.
The colt is reported to be thriving after his Edward VII success at Royal Ascot by trainer Mark Johnston and could have his seventh run of the season in the Group 1.
Meanwhile, jockey Tom Eaves admits Weekend Offender was “unfortunate” after a blindfold blunder cost him any chance of victory at Hamilton at the start.
He said: “I was shouting at the starter and he’s gutted he didn’t hear me. It’s just unfortunate.”