Auto Services Perth Raceday Preview

NICKY RICHARDS is looking forward to another big run from Perth regular Caius Marcius at the Scone track’s Auto Services Perth Raceday on Monday.

A four-time course winner from ten visits, the Greystoke raider – ridden by dual champion jockey Brian Hughes – faces five rivals in the Asp.Scot Commercial Fleet Maintenance Handicap Hurdle (Go North Brindisi Brezze Series Qualifier).

Richards said: “There’s no reason he shouldn’t run his race again. He runs mostly over hurdles these days and some of the other runners are less than half his age and getting weight as well!

“Brian knows him well, so I’ll leave tactics up to him and hopefully it won’t get too soft. He’s been a tremendous servant and he seems to stay that little bit further as he’s got older.”

Opposition to Caius Marcius includes Glen Ava (Iain Jardine), Lake Shore Drive (Laura Morgan) and The Wounded Knee (Ann Duffield), who have six course wins between them this summer. 

Hughes, who is 18 winners ahead of Sean Bowen in his current championship quest, has a full book of rides while Bowen has four mounts.

Another horse with winning Perth form is Herman Clermont, who shoulders top weight in the Auto Services Perth Isuzu Handicap Chase. Trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Sean Bowen, he is on a hat-trick following impressive back-to-back course and distance victories in July.

For tickets to Auto Services Perth Raceday, click here. The first of six races on Monday is at 2.15pm, the last at 4.50pm, all live on Racing TV.