Lucinda Russell's high hopes for Bold Sir Brian over fences

Lucinda Russell's Bold Sir Brian will be back over the bigger obstacles at Perth today. Picture: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images

The ten-year-old, who bounced back to winning form over hurdles at Ayr in March, faces seven rivals in the Mackies Handicap Chase which is staged over nearly three miles at the Scone track.

Miss Russell, based just 20 minutes down the M90 at Milnathort, said: “He was a very good chaser but then had a heavy fall at Cheltenham three years ago and hurt his back. He was off a year and had to have an operation so we were delighted when he won at Ayr.

“It was great to see him winning again and we’re trying him back over fences. He was one of several horses we took to the beach at St Andrews recently and he loved having a paddle in the sea.”

Derek Fox-ridden Bold Sir Brian is up against some decent opponents including dual course scorer Russian Regent, partnered by new champion jockey Richard Johnson, who will also officially open Perth’s new stable staff accommodation before racing, The Lodge.

Johnson has a full book of rides on the seven-race programme at a venue where he rode more winners (18) than any other UK track last season.

Britain’s most northerly trainer, Inverurie-based Jackie Stephen, saddles a trio of course winners in Amilliontimes, Ballinvegga and Mo Rouge.

Today’s racing starts at 2:10pm with Caius Marcius looking gilt-edged for favourite backers in the curtain-raiser under champion conditional jockey, Hawick’s Craig Nichol.

At Hamilton yesterday, Adam McNamara lost his 7lb allowance when Spirit Of Zeb gained a narrow victory.

The Richard Fahey-trained gelding gamely held off 9-4 favourite Born Innocent by a short-head in the totepool Chatelherault Handicap.

The Irish-born apprentice, partnering his 20th winner of the season, will now have his claim reduced to 5lb and Fahey said: “Spirit Of Zeb wasn’t beaten far in third at Hamilton earlier this month and he showed great attitude today.”

There was a minor upset in the EBF Stallions Soba Conditions Stakes when 11-2 chance Monsieur Joe saw off 5-4 joint-favourites Move In Time and Line Of Reason.

Both the winner and Line Of Reason are trained by Paul Midgley who said: “ Monsieur Joe is an absolute gent and has won plenty of good races.”