Jardine says trip and ground ideal for River Icon

In-form Iain Jardine expects a big run from his Dumfriesshire raider River Icon in the feature race at Perth tonight.

The Car ruth erst own trainer, who has been among the winners on the Flat and over jumps recently, is one of eight trainers represented in the £10,800 Salutation Hotel Handicap Hurdle over three miles.

Jardine said: “She is a tough wee mare and she should have her ground as she doesn’t like it too soft. This will be her fourth race of the spring and she won’t mind stepping back up to this longer trip.”

Heading the opposition to River Icon is top-weight Isle Of Destiny for the all-conquering partnership of Gordon Elliott and Richard Johnson. Also in the line-up are hat-trick seeking Shanroe Al C for Irish handler Karl Thornton and Farmer Boy, whose West Country trainer Nigel Hawke landed the 1991 Grand National aboard Seagram.

The evening gets underway with the Grampian Hotel Maiden Hurdle in which the famous J P Mcmanus colours are sported by Sam Twiston-davies on newcomer Lake Baikal, trained by Neil Mulholland.

Also in the field is Miss Batten – a half-sister to smart performers such as Shotgun Paddy – and the first of five runners on the card for Lucinda Russell.