Pistol Whipped has the guns to defy top weight in feature handicap chase

2.55 Perth
Thank You Phil Nelson River Tay Handicap Chase | 2m4f | 5yo+ | RTV

With more than £10,000 to the winner and any runner rated 118 or higher being guaranteed a run off its proper mark, a field of five for this handicap chase stands as a disappointing turnout.

The lack of depth is important when considering what might win. In terms of the favourite Pistol Whipped, he is a chaser with a pretty smart turn of foot so small fields like this might always see him in the best light.

He also got the sort of positive ride that is especially useful in small fields when winning last time.

Delire D'Estruval won a valuable race at Kempton last March and has run only twice since, both times in big-field Grade 3s. He was poorly placed the first time and let down by his jumping at Cheltenham last time.

Defi Sacre: could still have more to offer off his current markCredit: Mark Cranham

He is sharper now, 5lb lower in the weights and competing in the most winnable race he has contested since he was a novice.

It may appear that Defi Sacre is priced up on consistency and Boy's On Tour has been well placed for a bit of prize-money. Both are accurate, but incomplete assessments. Defi Sacre has squeezed out a bit of improvement for this trip and might have won off this mark 12 days ago but for a mistake two out.

Boy's On Tour has run at just about every Perth meeting in the last two summers, winning twice and finishing second on all other completed starts.

Eight of the ten best runs of his career have been here and his best would not be far off the required standard even though he is 1lb out of the weights.
Race analysis by Keith Melorse

What They Say

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Pistol Whipped
He enjoyed the drop in class at Plumpton last time and this looks the right race for him and the trip should suit. We’ve sent a team of around half a dozen up there as it seems feasible that their ground will be kinder than the ground down here.

Ben Pauling, trainer of Delire D’Estruval
He finished last season on a high but has had an issue with his epiglottis which has left a bit of a mark on him but we’ve thoroughly investigated it and we’re sure it’s not affecting him. From what we’ve seen at home lately we’re expecting to see his old form as he’s as fit as we can get him.

Richard Hobson, trainer of Defi Sacre
He's a consistent sort and we've the champion jockey on board so we're expecting a big run.

Lucinda Russell, trainer of Boy’s On Tour
He likes it around the track and he’s at the right end of the handicap.
Reporting by David Milnes

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