We send two up to Perth for the third and final day of their meeting, where the going is soft, we also send two to Newcastle, for their evening meeting on the Tapeta surface.
Wind surgery doesn't work every time, but in the case of Polisud it certainly has. On his second start since having his wind done he won at Newcastle in March, and then probably bettered that when finishing second at the same venue three weeks later. He is now 9lb above that winning mark, but remains well handicapped on his previous French form. Polisud runs at Perth, at 1.30.pm, in the 0-120 handicap hurdle, over two miles, with Emma Smith-Chaston taking the ride.
From his lowest rating since winning at Wetherby on his stable debut in October 2022, Geryville made no mistake when powering clear for a 13 lengths success at Carlisle 27 days ago. He seemed to enjoy himself that day helping to force the pace, and although this will be tougher from a 7lb higher mark, he is clearly in good heart at the moment. Geryville runs at 3.50.pm, in the 0-140 handicap chase, over the extended two miles and seven furlongs, with the champion jockey Brian Hughes retaining the ride.
At Newcastle our eight time winner Dragons Will Rise continues his comeback after 19 months off the track with injury. At his peak he achieved a BHA rating of 80, and now he finds himself down to a mark of 60. He is yet to fire fully since his return, but this drop back to 10 furlongs will suit. Dragons Will Rise runs at 6.0.pm, in the 0-60 handicap, with his regular rider Aiden Brookes in the saddle.
Mintnthat was a course and distance winner twice back in January, the later from a 1lb higher mark than now. His three subsequent runs have not been to that level, but this return to Newcastle is a definite plus. Mintnthat goes to post for division 2 of the 0-60 handicap, over a mile, at 7.0.pm, with Aiden Brookes retaining the ride.
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Good luck to the connections, The Cheltenham Trail, R M Howard, The Golden Cuckoo, and Anthony Bithell.
Polisud.
