A close second for Dumbarton

Oh so close, in the 2m 4f handicap hurdle (Class 3) at Perth yesterday.

It may have been a step up in grade for Dumbarton, but the gelding travelled very smoothly in touch with the leading pair who set a blistering pace from the off.
Turning for home with 2 to jump, and there were 3 in a line with every chance. Mountainside (who matched strides with Dumbarton for most of the way until that point), and the eventual third Green Zone, who had been held up.

Jumping the last (see photo below), Mountainside had a length advantage and try as he might, Dumbarton just could not close on the winner, but finished a well-deserved second in a competitive race, run off a true pace.

Jumping the last, Mountainside (No. 1) leads Dumbarton (hidden) and Green Zone (No. 9)

In the paddock at Perth pre-race

Dumbarton in tip-top condition pre race, and doesn't he know it!!