Perth Thursday 22nd April

Many will swear by the old adage of backing the outsider of three, and it is amazing how many times it comes to fruition – of course that could easily be a self-fulfilling prophecy as you would always be on the lookout for it.

Today, I am hoping that adage can be extended to the outsider of five, as there is no way Boys On Tour should be the 12/1 outsider in the ‘Thank You Phil Nelson River Tay Handicap Chase’ at Perth at 2.55, and is well worth backing each-way at those odds with Bet365.

In addition to being the outsider of five (if you like that theme), Boys On Tour is also a course specialist with 4 wins and 4 seconds from 11 starts at Perth, should be finely tuned now after two spins this season, and hails from a stable that will have positivity coursing through every vein of every horse and every member of stable staff.

Lucinda Russell, in addition to winning a Grade 1 at Aintree two weeks ago, picked up the Scottish Grand National with Mighty Thunder last weekend, notched up a nice double at Kelso two weekends ago, and generally all her horses can be relied upon to show their form at the moment.

It will be no coincidence that Boys On Tour shaped well at Kelso last time out, and now appears in a valuable race at his beloved Perth on his next start. Lucinda Russell is based very close to Perth, and many of her string will have targets in mind in the grounds of Scone Palace this season. It wouldn’t be a shock if Boys On Tour were to start the ball rolling there this season for her and her team.

On the face of it, Boys On Tour has four stern rivals to take on, but I could give you a few negatives about all of them, that could potentially rear their head today. Thus making 12/1 each-way about Boys On Tour a very good bet in this field of 5.

Favourite Pistol Whipped was impressive last time out, but has been very lightly raced and not guaranteed to back up that run. Defi Sacre is very consistent, but he seems to appreciate a galloping left-handed track more than anything. Niven is also more likely to prefer a left-handed track, and isn’t a guaranteed stayer on ground with a little dig in it. While Delire D’Estruval comes here on the back of two pulled-up efforts, and would prefer softer ground on his best form.

All in all, Boys On Tour has a very solid profile compared to his opposition, and is a very good each-way bet at 12/1 with Bet365 in the 2.55 at Perth today.