In the Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger
Beer Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (2.55) at Perth on Wednesday, Sparkling
Hand has been in excellent form since returning to action, after
nearly a year off, at Newcastle in February and can complete a
hat-trick. The Lend A Hand mare has won two similar races, over 2
miles 4 furlongs and 2 miles 1 furlongs, at Sedgefield off
progressively higher marks in recent months and may be capable of
defying a further 9lb rise.
Peter Atkinson’s 9-year-old has done
all her winning on galloping, testing tracks, so it’ll be
interesting to see how she fares around the sweeping turns at Perth.
Nevertheless, she seems better than ever this season, so deserves
another chance to prove that she’s equally effective here as
elsewhere. Underfoot conditions may be a little faster than she’s
encountered recently, but the prevailing going is good, good to soft
in places, so she shouldn’t be unduly inconvenienced.
Consistency has never really been her
strong suit, but Henry Brooke, who’s ridden her to both victories
this season and has a 4-9 (44%) strike rate for the yard over
hurdles, once again takes the ride, so she looks decent value at
around 6/1 in the early price lists.
Selection: Perth 2.55 Sparkling Hand
to win
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