Ballyben is Jefferson star tip

● Trainer has high hopes for his charge in Perth feature

Malcolm Jefferson fancies the chances of Brian Hughesridden Ballyben in the feature race on the first day of Perth’s penultimate meeting of the season today.

Clerk of the course Harriet Graham said: “The going is heavy to soft in places for our Glorious Finale on Wednesday and Thursday.

“We’re not expecting any rain until the evening so as far as Thursday is concerned it’s a case of monitoring the overnight forecast very closely and hope that any rain misses us.

“Tomorrow’s meeting will be testing but we do have a great mix of top-class runners, so we’re sure it will be a fantastic day of racing.”

The highlight on day one is the David Whitaker Handicap Chase and Malton raider Ballyben faces three rivals – Arctic Gold, Carrigdhoun and Urtheoneiwant.

Jefferson said: “He’s a lovely big horse that joined us last season. He handles soft ground and is a thorough stayer, so this is the ideal opportunity to start him off.”

Nigel Twiston-davies is a great supporter of this fixture and is represented by topweight Arctic Gold, ridden by son Sam. The gelding ran in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham and was also third over the hurdles at Perth in April.

Gordon Elliott, who has won the race three times in the past, saddles Urtheoneiwant under dual champion jockey Richard Johnson. Trained in Ireland, Urtheoneiwant has won four of his last five races at Perth including over course and distance in July.

This year’s Grand National-winning combination of Derek Fox and Lucinda Russell team up in three races including with Sky Khan in the Weatherbyshandicaphurdle.