Olly Murphy hopes to apply a Sure Touch to seal hat-trick  

Olly Murphy has his eye on the £25,000 feature race at day two of the AK Bets Perth Festival on Thursday with his hat-trick seeking Warwickshire raider Sure Touch.

Ridden by Sean Bowen, the eight-year-old has been raised a total of 9lbs for his wins at Uttoxeter in December and Taunton in February.

“The ground should be fine and I don’t have any issues about him coming back in trip,” Murphy said.

“He obviously stays well and is in decent order - it’s a nice prize for him at this time of year so we’re hoping for a big run.”

Opposition to Sure Touch in the Phil Nelson River Tay Handicap Chase includes Willie Mullins-trained Feu Du Brasil and A Different Kind, who is on a five-timer after course and distance wins in August and September and two at Uttoxeter last summer.

There is plenty of Scottish interest in the £15,000 AK Best Price Premier League Handicap Hurdle. Lucinda Russell saddles market principal Lady In The Park while Jackie Stephen and Sandy Forster have outside chances with Guernesey and Gypsey’s Secret respectively.  

Perth Racecourse’s 2024 season continues on Thursday, 25th April with the second of three days of the AK Bets Perth Festival – for more information and to book tickets, visit: www.perth-races.co.uk.