Caius Marcius comes good

PERTH: Nicky Richards’ runner is a winner on Ladies’ Day

Caius Marcius, ridden by Crain Nichol, was a well-backed winner of the feature race in front of a 6,000-plus Ladies’ Day crowd at Perth yesterday.

Sent off 13-8 favourite, the Greystoke raider came home 2¾ lengths ahead of Verona Opera in the Investec Wealth And Investment Management Handicap Hurdle.

Winning trainer Nicky Richards said: “There are some nice races for him later this summer here and at Market Rasen.

“He needs a good even gallop and we may even try at 2m 4f at one stage. I was fairly confident today although a few of mine have not been running great as we were getting over a bad batch of hay.”

Stuart Crawford was dreaming of Scottish National success after Brian Hughes brought Baby Bach home in front in the DM Hall Novices’ Chase.

The Irish trainer said: “When we bought him I thought he might make up into a Scottish Grand National horse one day.

“He’s got a long way to go but you’ve got to dream and it’s a race I’d love to win.”

Crawford sealed a 15-1 double after Richard Johnson landed the toteexacta Pick The 1st And 2nd Race Handicap Chase with Don Franco.

The champion jockey had earlier initiated his own double with success on Enzani in the opening toteplacepot Six Places In Six Races Maiden Hurdle.

There are some nice races for him later this summer here.

NICKY RICHARDS ON CAIUS MARCIUS

Nicky Richards enjoyed success at Perth Racecourse.