The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Ballim can Lord it over Gold Cup rivals at Perth
Hawke makes journey north with eyes on prize
Perth hosts its richest ever meeting tomorrow with the Energy Check City Of Perth Gold Cup Handicap Chase at 4.10 sure to be the highlight of the day.
There is £40,000 on offer for the Class 2 feature with 11 contenders.
Nigel Hawke is never afraid to travel his horses long distances in search of a good prize and he sends LORD BALLIM on the near 970-mile round trip from his Devon base.
The eight-year-old should be used to the long journey by now having done it three times, winning once in April 2017.
Lord Ballim is making the journey to Scotland alone, but heads north in good form having won at Worcester recently on his first day following a 74-day break.
While he is in such good heart he can strike again.
CURIOUS CARLOS can follow up on his recent Sedgefield success in the Coretrax Technology Novices’ Chase
Rated as high as 139 over hurdles, it was no surprise to see Peter Bowen’s charge win with ease on his first attempt over the bigger obstacles.
He turned in a fine round of jumping that day and a similar effort should be rewarded here.
INDIAN TEMPLE should be primed to complete back- to- back victories in the Mackie’s Celebrate The Summer Handicap Chase after two runs at Aintree this spring.
Trainer Tim Reed gave him a break after he finished third at Musselburgh on New Year’s Day and the nine-year-old is likely to be at his peak now.
SELECTIONS:
PERTH: 2.00 Roo Roo, 2.35 Indian Temple, 3.05 Politeness, 3.40 Curious Carlos, 4.10 LORD BALLIM (NAP), 4.40 Jack Devine, 5.10 Accordini. DOUBLE: Lord Ballim and Indian Temple