Raise a Glas to Fergal in Perth Silver Cup test

Fergal O’Brien has made Perth one of his stopping points and IORA GLAS (3.05) can make today’s trip pay.

The Irishman is enjoying a fine summer and his last-time out winner is fancied to land the odds in today’s handicap chase.

Provided the weather holds up, it should be fun for one of the biggest crowds of the season at Scone Palace.

The action on the course is decent too and O’Brien and Paddy Brennan can also land the Perth Silver Cup with impressive course and distance winner TANGOLAN (4.10) .

I always make a point of listening to The Bear when it comes to Perth and he pointed out something interesting last night regrading trainer Alex Dunn.

The Somerset-based handler hasn’t had a runner in Scotland but has a terrific record in the North of England.

She runs THURAB IFRAJ (3.40) in the maiden hurdle and this one has improved each time with the three runs so far.

Having already got a handicap mark, you’ d think they wouldn’t bring it all this way for a plot when they could do so down south if they think 109 is too high.

After Perth, it’s on to Ayr tomorrow when the feature race is the Glasgow Fair Handicap.

Roger Varian could send the unexposed Zabeel Prince north while Richard Fahey’s Carnageo won the Carlisle Bell last time.

Scottish trainers are also well represented with Mike Smith saddling course specialist Sophie P, Iain Jardine sends recent winner Hibou and Jim Goldie goes for glory with three-time track winner Nicholas T.

The opening Western House Novice Auction Stakes sees Mark Johnston’s Poetic Steps going for a treble while Michael Dods French Flyer scored at the track in June.

For the second Monday in a row there will be huge fields at Scotland’s premier track and Irish trainers Lee Smith and John McConnell will both be looking to build on their recent good track form.

It was great to see Joseph O’Brien saddle his first runners in Scotland at Hamilton Park’s Highland Show meeting last night which was the first Super Six days of the year at the Lanarkshire track.

Fellow Irish trainer Pat Shanahan’s exploits have resulted in his principal owner Thistle Bloodstock being leading owners for the past two seasons and they’ll be back in Lanarkshire on Thursday and Friday.

I don’t think Team Dunn are heading north for a day out at Scone Palace