The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Charlie D has class to deliver in handicap
TIPS: Three-year-old enjoys himself at Wolverhampton and can strike again
CHARLIE D has yet to win beyond a mile and a half but is worth another try at a longer trip in the Betway Stayers Handicap at Wolverhampton.
The three-year-old seems to really appreciate the challenge of the Tapeta surface at Dunstall Park, having won two of his five outings at the track, with both victories coming over 12 furlongs.
He definitely hits the groove at Wolverhampton, as shown when he won his second start there at 100-1, and has been placed on all his other outings at the course, too – most recently when third last week.
Charlie D had to come from behind that day – but the way he stayed on suggests this step up to a mile and six furlongs could be up his street now after narrowly failing over the distance earlier in the year.
SHAMSHON recently got back on the winning trail and can make it backto-back victories in the Betway Heed Your Hunch Handicap.
A Listed winner in his juvenile days, Shamshon is now a seven-year-old with a rating of 75 compared to his lofty heights of 106 a few years ago.
Nevertheless he remains capable on his day and, after scoring at Newmarket in July, he returned to the winner’s enclosure again when dropped slightly in grade last time out.
Shamshon finished with a flourish and is worth another shot back in this slightly better company.
John Gosden’s SHE’S GOT YOU showed up well on her debut when fourth of 14 and should know more in the first division of the Ladbrokes Home Of The Odds Boost Fillies’ Novices’ Stakes.
The daughter of Kingman is a halfsister to Without Parole, who sports the same colours, and it will be somewhat disappointing if she fails to get off the mark at the second time of asking.
LIVA was twice a winner on the Flat for Eve Johnson Houghton and can now make his mark over obstacles for Donald McCain, starting with a win in the Enjoy The Jumps On Racing UK Introductory Juvenile Hurdle at Musselburgh.
He was sent off favourite on his first attempt at Catterick, but had to settle for a six-length second behind a runner who had been a bit quicker on the level.
Liva edged slightly right at a couple of hurdles on that occasion, and the experience should not be lost on him.
COURT LIABILITY makes his return from a year on the sidelines in the Musselburgh Best Jumps Action On Racing UK Handicap Hurdle and is one to watch.
He won three on the bounce last term, culminating in a novice hurdle verdict when shrugging off a winner’s penalty to still come home in front at Hereford last November.
Court Liability has been absent since then, but as a point-to-point second he has plenty of scope and looks a promising contender for Harry Whittington.
SELECTIONS: MUSSELBURGH: 12.15 Outcrop, 12.45 Nefyn Point, 1.15 Wolfcatcher, 1.45 Civil Unrest, 2.15 Liva, 2.45 Court Liability, 3.15 Thyne For Gold.
WOLVERHAMPTON: 3.30 Magical Molly Joe, 4.00 Involved, 4.30 Steel Train, 5.00 She’s Got You, 5.30 Perfect Grace, 6.00 Shamshon, 6.30 CHARLIE D (NAP), 7.00 Lunar Deity.
DOUBLE: Charlie D and Liva.