Wednesday Tips: Former winner among Dave Nevison's three Perth bets

Barlovento looked to be a really promising chaser in the first half of this season notably with a win over this trip at Kempton on Boxing Day. Several of those who finished behind him have won races since and the form looks very good for the grade. He has disappointed in two runs since, despite being placed, but he has been entered a couple of times for this meeting and I have faith that excellent trainer Olly Murphy will get him back on song sooner than most. If so, Barlovento could demonstrate that he is still a very well-handicapped horse given he would have won that Kempton race by a bigger margin but for a late error, and is only 3lbs higher here. 

Bollin Matilda won this equivalent race back in 2024 when backing up a last-time-out win, and comes here in a very similar situation as the eight-year-old mare is only 4lbs higher than when winning last time out at Musselburgh and has been in top form in all recent runs. Jane Walton is a very experienced and capable amateur rider and it is difficult to see another in-form horse amongst Bollin Matilda’s rivals. 

Maura Jeanne ran well in this corresponding race last season, only fading late on after being ridden too prominently throughout. This experienced handicapper is normally dropped out in her races and that style of racing definitely seems to suit her much better. Her recent efforts have been very strong with three second-placed finishes and she is not the only one from the Ian Duncan yard who has been hitting the crossbar recently. The yard had winners in Jan/Feb, and although it has drawn a blank since, I feel it is still in top form and deserves a change of luck.