‘Shark’ will show his teeth
On a day of few runners, Perth keep the best to last, and the closing handicap hurdle may go to an Irish raider.
John “Shark” Hanlon runs Mullins Cross, three weeks after spreadeagling a competitive Sligo field in a maiden hurdle.
Still only five and lightly raced, it’s likely that there will be more to come, in a race where top-weight Speredek is feared most.
Peter Bowen brings a squad from Little Newcastle, Pembrokeshire, with runners today and tomorrow, and Shake Him Up might be best.
He runs in the maiden hurdle, having been moved from Emmet Mullins two weeks ago after a solid second at Sligo.
Bowen adds first-time cheek-pieces to the puzzle, and the five-year-old – with only six runs – might improve past these.
Alpine Stroll was out of his depth in the Melrose Handicap last month, and today’s Class 4 two-miler is much more suitable.
His neck second to Pleasant Man at Salisbury four runs ago – in a better grade
– looks promising, and Silvestre De Sousa takes over.