Graeme Rodway's play of the day at Perth

Barbados Buck's

3.45 Perth

It’s worth taking a chance on Barbados Buck’s on his first outing over fences for more than two years.

He beat only one home in two chase starts for previous trainer Paul Nicholls in 2021, but those races were won by Ashtown Lad (peak BHA rating of 144) and this year’s Gold Cup third Corach Rambler. Barbados Buck’s went off 10-11 the first time and 13-2 the second.

He was clearly thought good enough to compete with them and must be of interest off a mark of just 121. His half-brother More Buck’s was a 139-rated chaser, while brother Barbados Blue was 129-rated over fences in his pomp. Barbados Buck’s is evidently bred for the job.

He is 8lb lower than his last success in a handicap hurdle at Carlisle in December and shaped well for a long way when fourth over an inadequate 2m4f at Hexham last month.

The return to 3m will suit Barbados Buck’s and if he jumps well he could spring a surprise.