Hammersly looks good for Longsdon

Increased prize money adds to autumn attraction of Perth

Perth Racecourse has its Autumn Raceday today.

With a 75% increase in prize money, to £65,000, the meeting has attracted top trainers from across the UK and Ireland.

Charlie Longsdon is hoping to open his account with HAMMERSLY

LAKE in the inaugural running of the £25,000 Sodexo Prestige and Events Killiecrankie Handicap Chase.

Currently on a BHA mark of 149, making him one of the highest rated horses to appear at Perth Racecourse this year, the top-weight was formerly with Nicky Henderson and will be appearing for the third time since joining his Oxfordshire handler.

Longsdon said: “His two runs for us were good seconds at Southwell and Uttoxeter. I’m hoping the rain stays away as he doesn’t want it too soft, but the main reason we are coming up is for the amazing prize money on offer.

“His owner will be in attendance and he’s already eyeing the American Grand National with him next month. I’ve yet to have a winner at Perth but I haven’t had that many runners in the past, so it would be nice to tick off another course.”

Among opposition to Hammersly Lake is Nicky Richards-trained Guitar Pete, a dual Grade 1 winner over hurdles for the late Dessie Hughes. Also in the five-strong line-up are Master Dee, trained by Fergal O’Brien for borders couple Paul and Clare Rooney, and Dr Richard Newland’s Theo, who has won his last five races.

The dual champion has four booked rides including Mountain King for Gordon Elliott in the £14,000 Prestige Venues and Events Handicap Chase.

His rivals include Amilliontimes, also a three-time Perth scorer, for Inverurie handler Jackie Stephen.

Gates for Perth’s Autumn Raceday open at 12pm, with the first race scheduled at 2.05pm and the last at 5.05pm.

Meanwhile, GOOD LUCK CHARM is certainly no back number at the age of eight, as he can demonstrate by registering his second course success of the season in the Stacatruc Forklifts Up The Handicap at Brighton.

SELECTIONS:

BRIGHTON: 2.25 Monteamiata, 2.55 Rastrelli, 3.25 GOOD LUCK CHARM (NAP), 3.55 Ablaze, 4.25 Av A Word, 4.55 Oakley Pride, 5.25 Intimately.

PERTH: 2.05 Burlington Bert, 2.35 Johnny Go, 3.05 Pikarnia, 3.35 Hammersly Lake, 4.05 Urban Kode, 4.35 The Clock Leary, 5.05 Boris Grishenko.

DOUBLE: Good Luck Charm and Hammersly Lake.