'He looks overpriced to end a strong season for his yard on a high'

Friday: 2.40 Perth
William Hill Highland National Handicap Chase | 3m6½f | 5yo | ITV4/RTV

The only thing that unites regional Nationals is an extreme trip. The next thing that most have in common is their draw. For all the sniffing about slow horses in some of the lesser examples, attaching National on to a race title almost guarantees a decent field and this Highland National is no exception; it is a notably competitive 0-130.

The Irish affinity with Perth helps, as a fifth of the field are raiders, including Dubai Devils, who won over 4m at Hexham last month. The Gavin Cromwell-trained Jimmil, who won a Grade B two years ago, and School Lane complete the visiting party.

Plenty of the British contingent catch the eye, too. Slipway and Ladronne are relatively young chasers who are due a shot over a marathon trip. Amateur won the West Wales National last time, while Plumpton and Fontwell specialist I See You Well seems to excel in races at sharp tracks where stamina comes to the fore.

Poppa Poutine (for the original Perth-fanatic Nigel Twiston-Davies) and Oscar Robertson renew rivalry having been first and second at Wincanton last month. With the possible exception of the last-named, all are fancied to relish the test.

Rose Dobbin: trainer has enjoyed a fine season

It is also worth noting Rath An Iuir, whose trainer Rose Dobbin looks set to just miss out on a career-best tally of winners for the season.

This horse was aimed at the Eider in February and went off 9-1, but got tired and finished sixth. He was then fourth of four at Kelso, but was not disgraced given his rivals were Potterman, Empire Steel and Big River.

This might be a good 0-130 but it is still a drop in grade for Rath An Iuir and he looks overpriced to end a strong season for his yard on a high.
Race analysis by Keith Melrose

Back in the old Poutine

It is back to the day job for Nigel Twiston-Davies, seven days after beating the Flat trainers at their own game.

Last Friday he landed much his biggest prize on the Flat when Earlofthecotswolds made all in the £150,000 Marathon on All-Weather Championships finals day at Newcastle.

Long-distance chases are a more usual target for a trainer who has won two Grand Nationals, along with Scottish and Welsh Nationals.

Rockcliffe Gossip (right) won the first Highland National for Nigel Twiston-Davies in 2003Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

He has also collected three Highland Nationals, with Rockcliffe Gossip (in 2003, the first ever running), Petite Margot (2011) and Bally Braes (2015) and bids to make it four with Poppa Poutine, a 3m1f winner at Wincanton last month who finished second at Fontwell a fortnight ago.

"I hope he has every chance," Twiston-Davies said. "The slight worry is that he's had a long season and he ran only a fortnight ago but the race should be ideal for him."

What they say

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of Jimmil
Hopefully he'll enjoy the trip. He lacks a gear and is careful in his jumping but we've done plenty of schooling with him. If he gets into a rhythm he'll give himself a chance of running well.

John Flint, trainer of Amateur
He's in great form and it was a very good run at Ffos Las. The trip will be fine. The track doesn't suit big, long gallopers but Lac Sacre was second for us four years ago and he was similar, so we should be all right.

Seamus Mullins, trainer of I See You Well
I hope he has every chance. He's in good form. He's creeping up the handicap but seems to be coping with that at the moment and I don't think a stamina test is a worry as he seems to stay well.

Paul Stafford, trainer of Dubai Devils
He'd been crying out for an extreme trip and won nicely at Hexham when getting it. He's up in the handicap and taking on better horses now but is entitled to take his chance.

Dubai Devils: a taking winner at Hexham last timeCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Rose Dobbin, trainer of Rath An Iuir
He hasn't had the season we were hoping for as he hasn't had soft ground but he likes going right-handed and he's got the stamina. As long as there's enough juice in the ground I'd hope he'll run well.

Tjade Collier, trainer of Ladronne
This has been his aim for a while, it's a nice handicap and he'll definitely improve for the step up in trip. We've given him a wind operation as he was struggling to breathe and we hope that will help.

Nicky Richards, trainer of Glittering Love
He has a few positives. He's in good fettle, he'll be well suited by the trip and he ran a grand race last time - I hope he'll run well again.

Liam Lennon, trainer of School Lane
He's been a great servant and seems to have turned a new leaf this season; being by Winged Love meant he probably was always going to get better with age. We're hoping for a big run. I think he'll stay.
Reporting by David Carr

Friday's race previews

1.50 Sandown: All-weather form not to be dismissed and neither should Botti runner

2.25 Sandown: Can Mostahdaf continue upward curve in puzzling Gordon Richards Stakes?

3.00 Sandown: How vulnerable is Alcohol Free in the bet365 Mile as she makes her reappearance?

3.35 Sandown: Is Charlie Appleby about to unleash another Adayar in the Classic Trial?

GET READY FOR THE 2022 FLAT SEASON WITH OUR BRILLIANT STABLE TOUR SERIES

Over 50% off Racing Post Members' Club! Members' Club is the only subscription racing fans and punters need in order to stay informed and make smarter betting decisions. Features include early access to the Racing Post digital newspaper, exclusive news and interviews, premium tips and form study tools to assist with betting. Select 'Get Ultimate monthly' and enter code TRYME to get your first month for just £14.99* – that's better than half price! Subscribe now If you decide that Members' Club is not for you, then you can cancel at anytime by contacting us.

*Members' Club Ultimate monthly first month will be charged at £14.99, renews at full price thereafter