Joy for Bowen team as Landofsmiles wins Perth Gold Cup

Landofsmiles just came out on top in a pulsating finish in the £25,000 bet365 Sam Morshead Perth Gold Cup in the Scone sunshine.

Ridden by James Bowen for his father Peter, the 9/2 favourite pipped Talkischeap by a neck at the end of a thrilling three-mile handicap chase in front of appreciative Perth Annual Members.

Based at Haverfordwest in Wales, Bowen senior said: “It’s a ten-hour trip in the horsebox to get here but results like this make it all worthwhile. He’s such a slick jumper this horse and that’s what made all the difference as he’s so quick over his fences.

“He won those three races in a row and I made the mistake of running him too soon at Ffos Las. He might be aimed at the Summer Plate at Market Rasen later in the summer now and James gets on really well with him over fences.”

Front-running Pookie Peekan ran his rivals ragged under Sam Coltherd in the bet365 Handicap Chase as he triumphed by five lengths.

The winning jockey’s father and trainer Stuart said: “That was a pretty good performance and we always felt he might improve on better ground. He seems best going right-handed as well so we’ll see what there is coming up for him next.”

A setback during the week didn’t stop Beyond The Clouds making it two from two over fences in the bet365 Novices’ Chase for Charlie Longsdon and Brian Hughes.

Oxfordshire-based Longsdon

said: “He missed three days' exercise due to a foot abscess, so he was only 95 per cent today. The farrier did a great job and he toughed it out well.”

Meanwhile, Highest Ground, touted as a potential contender for the Covid-delayed 2020 Derby, can get back on track when lowered in class at Leicester today.

Highest Ground has plenty of lofty entries. So in a bid to restore the son of Frankel’s confidence, Sir Michael Stoute gives him his easiest task since his debut in the Shamford Conditions Stakes.

It will be his first try at a mile and a half, suggesting Stoute perhaps has the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot in mind for him.

Night Candle can burn brightly in the British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes at Windsor.

The Richard Hannontrained youngster has shown promise on both her starts at Salisbury and Nottingham, and can get off the mark at the third attempt.