Perth

More glorious weather but close inspection of Perth racecourse last night revealed thoroughly watered ground with a thick carpet of grass, Donald, the head groundsman told me he had been able to cut the grass six times already this year whereas in a normal year he would struggle cut it momore than once prior to the Festival meeting. 

Four Fiddlers

Forcefield

 This enables us to have a few more runners than normal and we start off with four tomorrow; Papamoa makes his belated reappearance in the 2.10, Fearghal Davies rides and 14 run, he was a promising 3rd on his hurdling debut back in November but after such a long break I am just hoping he runs a nice race, he has been ready to run for about six weeks so should be fit. We run two in the 2.45, Northern Flame (Paddy Aspell) and Four Fiddlers (Lucy) - the former disappointed last time out and I have been trying to pinpoint what is troubling him, he seems very well at home and runs in a tongue tie for the first time tomorrow, Four Fiddlers ran a so-so race on his hurdling debut and I hope he can build on that experience, particularly now he is stepped up in trip. Forcefield runs in the 5.35, 18 run and it is a competitive handicap, he runs in a tongue tie and first time cheek-pieces, both really to help him travel, he was second in the bumper at this meeting last year and I think the track will suit him.

Northern Flame

Papamoa

If this weather holds it promises to be a memorable Perth Festival with the Royal Wedding meeting on Friday adding to what I am sure will be an excellent atmosphere, I thoroughly recommend it to anyone who can find the time to come along.