Perfect Pastime is back down to his last winning mark and makes plenty of each-way appeal at 14/1 in the 5.00 at Lingfield today.
Jim Boyles’ gelding got back to winning ways over course and distance in November whne running on strongly from off the pace to beat Larghetto by a head off a mark of 57.
That was his first win since landing a class 4 handicap over 6f at Warwick back in June 2012 off 77, although he did run well on a couple of occasions last year to finish fourth off marks of 71 and 69.
Since his last win he has run well in three of his five starts, including when third to Bertie Blu Boy over course and distance in January when beaten 1 3/4 lengths and attempting to give the winner 12lb.
He is now set to meet that rival on 15lb better terms compared to that run, having caught the eye last time out when fifth of 12 to Ghost Train – again over CD.
Bertie Blue Boy and Black Truffle finsihed in front of him that day in third and fourth respectively, but he dwelt badly at the start and ran on strongly without ever threatening to land a blow and was arguably unlucky not to finish much closer.
He was not beaten far by those two rivals, and granted a level break has every chance of turning the tables.
That run came off a mark of 58, and having been dropped 1lb since he is now back down to the rating from which he was last successful.
I certainly don’t think that he should be as big as 14/1 given that Bertie Blue Boy and Black Truffle head the market at 4s and 6s, and at the odds on offer he looks terrific value
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Perfect Pastime (14/1 Hills – BOG)
