Atlantic City (15:16 Perth — Saints In The Community Handicap Hurdle, 2m 4f)
A five-year-old mare trained by Ollie Murphy — in good form at 21% over the last fortnight — and partnered by the classy Sean Bowen. Atlantic City has been in fine heart this season, winning here at Perth on 22 April by 1¼ lengths off a mark 5lb lower than today, before running a solid second at Aintree in May, beaten just 1¼ lengths by Roaring Home as the 3/1 favourite.
She returns to the track where she scored and has a 100% record at Perth. The trip, the going, and the class all suit, and Bowen knows her well from that Aintree run. The only query is whether the handicapper has caught up with her — she runs off a mark 2lb higher than when second at Aintree — but for a mare who clearly loves this track, she’s hard to oppose.
Verdict: Back to win at 6/4 — course winner, loves this track, in-form yard, Bowen in the saddle. Should take plenty of beating.
