N.H. racing at Perth and Fontwell

Both Irish trainer Gordon Elliott and course specialist Nigel Twiston-Davis were on the scorecard yesterday at Perth and we expect them to carry on the good work today, when they both have fancied runners in several races. Twiston-Davies´ best chances are probably Frontier Dancer (Paddy Brennan) in the novice chase at 16.20 CET and Lodgician (son Sam in the saddle) in the handicap hurdle at 17.20, while Elliott can counter with Supercede in the opening novice hurdle at 15.20 and King Roonah, who loves this track, in the handicap chase at 17.50, both partnered by Paul Carberry.

The most interesting event at Fontwell is the beginners chase at 15.40 over 2 1/4 miles. Only 6 runners, but they include two smart hurdlers making their debut over fences - Harry Trucker (Gary and Jamie Moore) - last seen when a faller in the Tote Gold Trophy at Newbury in February- and Pepe Simo (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh), who last ran at Cheltenham in April. This is Ruby´s only mount of the afternoon so we give him preference, while the Moores can get back on the winning trail with course specialist Space Cowboy, who has bottom weight in the handicap chase at 17.40. The 2 3/4 mile handicap hurdle at 17.10 sees the much-improved Makena (David Rees/ Richard Johnson) attempt to win her 5th race in a row. She was very convincing over this CD last time, so can certainly win again; German-bred Vacario (Mark Gillard/ Tom Phelan) is an each-way alternative.