If you were looking for high-octane theatricality at Perth today, you’d have been better off watching a soap opera. On the track, No Drama This End lived up to his name in the most satisfying way possible, proving that his Cheltenham “pull-up” was merely a brief interval in an otherwise stellar production.
The 8/11 favourite didn’t just win the Listed British EBF Gold Castle Novices’ Hurdle; he systematically dismantled the opposition. Under a cool-as-a-cucumber Harry Cobden (who, by the way, notched his 100th winner of the season with this ride), the six-year-old sat comfortably while Dan Skelton’s Tormund Giantsbane tried to steal the show from the front. For a moment, it looked like Skelton might pull a fast one, but Cobden simply nudged the accelerator. No Drama This End responded like a horse who’d finally read the script, pulling clear to win by a comfortable 3.5 lengths.
Paul Nicholls has already confirmed this was the curtain call for his hurdling career. He’s off to the larger obstacles in November, and judging by today’s grit, the chasing world should be very, very nervous.
Jonbon: The Final Act at Sandown Park
As we hurtle toward the jumps finale this Saturday, all eyes are on the ginger sensation, Jonbon, in the Celebration Chase. If racing were a heist movie, Jonbon would be the guy in the sharp suit who never breaks a sweat.
The Real Scrappers: Jonbon’s Opposition
If Jonbon wants to stroll into the winner’s enclosure for the third year running, he’s going to have to fend off a much more immediate threat than my previous “ghosts of seasons past.”
The Main Threat: Thistle Ask
Forget the Irish veterans; the real danger is Thistle Ask. While Jonbon is the 11/8 favorite, Thistle Ask is snapping at his heels at around 13/8. This isn’t just a race; it’s a heavyweight title fight. Thistle Ask has been in scintillating form, and many pundits think this is the horse to finally dethrone the king of Sandown.
The Best of the Rest
Solness: The sole Irish raider in the mix. He nearly pinched the Melling Chase from Grey Dawning recently, finishing just a neck behind. He’s the “dark horse” who could easily spoil the party if the front two get into a suicidal pace battle.
Edwardstone: The old rival is back for more. He finished fourth in this race last year and, while he’s the “elder statesman” of the group now, you can never truly rule out a horse with his engine.
JPR One: A young pretender who’s looking to bridge the gap to the elite. He’s got plenty of toe, though he’ll need a career-best to trouble a peak Jonbon.
The Verdict: A Tactical Tussle
Unlike my previous “easy glide” assessment, this looks like a tactical nightmare. Jonbon was a bit flat when finishing second in the Ryanair at Cheltenham, and Nicky Henderson has specifically skipped Aintree to keep him fresh for this.
The Cheeky Call: Jonbon is still the class act, but Thistle Ask is the “younger model” looking to steal his shine. If Jonbon shows any of that Cheltenham lethargy, the “Ask” will be answered.
Tomorrow’s Horses in Focus at Perth.
American Mike (15:40) – It’s hard to look past him. He’s a Grade 1 performer running in a Class 3 handicap. It’s almost unfair.
Next Best (NB): Viscountess Nelson (13:40) – A Nicky Henderson raider in Scotland? Usually, they don’t make the long trip for the fresh air. Rated highly and expected to improve. Although Dunsy Rock is the leading charge in the opener.
Tommy’s Oscar (15:10) While he found things a bit tough at Haydock last week, he’s back in slightly calmer waters here. He has a massive weight-carrying job (12st), but his rating of 144 gives him a significant buffer over the rest. He’s a veteran who knows exactly where the finish line is at Perth.
Watch Burgundy Man (17:15) 14/1 now 15/2 and William of York was 33/1 now 16/1 for EW nibbles.
🔍 Course Specialist Secrets
The “Long Traveller” Factor. Watch out for Mickey Bowen tomorrow. He’s hauling horses 384 miles (Flying Fortune, King Roly). Historically, trainers don’t pay that fuel bill unless they expect a return on investment.
Nicky Henderson currently boasts a 42.9% strike rate at Perth with his recent runners. Despite the distance from Seven Barrows, his “selective” entries here are deadly.
Currently Soft (Good to Soft in places). At Perth, the ground can “deadon” quickly. Look for horses with proven stamina who don’t mind a bit of a slog in the final 200 yards.
If a horse has won at Musselburgh, it will likely love Perth. Both are flat, right-handed, and reward horses that can maintain a high cruising speed without needing to “climb” hills.
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