Gordon Brown – Race Reporter
Gordon has a wealth of experience of racing through his background in the written and broadcast media. His current principle role is reporting and supporting the scene in Scotland on Racing TV and relaying the latest news with Scottish angles.
As You Like leads the charge at Perth on Thursday
LAST year’s narrow Perth Gold Cup runner-up As You Like bids to go one better in the £15,000 feature race at the Scone venue on Thursday.
Trained by Jonjo O’Neill and carrying the iconic silks of J P McManus, the Cotswolds raider is one of nine horses declared for the Racing For Everyone #Racingwithpride Handicap Chase over almost three miles.
He has raised 5lbs for a recent strike at Worcester and is partnered once again by the trainer’s son Jonjo junior.
His rivals include course specialist Amalfi Doug who was over seven lengths back in third place in the 2020 Perth Gold Cup, which was staged in August last year.
Also in the line-up is Denise Foster’s Irish challenger Cuneo who was a disappointing last of three finishers in the Kilmany Cup just 12-days ago.
After two wins at Perth already this spring and summer, Rose Dobbin’s Hitman Fred attempts a third course and distance victory in the Watch Irish Racing On RacingTV Handicap Chase.
The latest 14-length romp a fortnight ago has seen the handicapper penalise him with a 10lb hike to his official rating and he is conceding weight all round to the likes of hat-trick seeking For Jim, trained in Cheshire by Jennie Candlish.
The afternoon meeting will see Perth welcome racegoers to the Grandstand area of the course as the gradual reintroduction of crowds in line with restrictions continues. While Grandstand tickets are sold out for tomorrow, Park & Picnic Bubble tickets remain available.
To purchase a ticket for tomorrow or another July fixture at Perth, visit www.perth-races.co.uk