Perth 2:12 Verdict

Gambino is clearly the class benchmark here with an official rating of 119, well clear of any rated rival in this field (next best exposed mark is Hunters Spring on 99). His form figures 3-11 show a recent win and consistency, and being trained by Dan Skelton with Harry Skelton up is about as strong a stable/jockey combination as you'll find in juvenile/novice hurdles - the Skeltons have an excellent strike rate with this type of runner. He ran just 25 days ago so is fit and ready, unlike several of these rivals returning from long absences (200+ days for Jet of Stars, Master Jack, Plane Sailing, 130 days for Chicker). Those big rivals like Jet of Stars (1/1- form, Lucinda Russell/Brian Hughes) and Chicker (1600-1, Fergal O'Brien) have solid form figures but the long layoffs create doubt about fitness and whether they come forward fresh enough to beat a proven, in-form, highly-rated rival like Gambino. Weight-wise Gambino carries top weight (166lbs) which reflects his superior rating, and that's earned via genuine form, not just novelty. The rest of the field is largely unexposed with single-figure form lines or no form at all (Zebra Star), making them hard to trust at this level against a horse who has already proven he handles this grade with a rating in the teens above 100. Given the form and fitness edge, Gambino looks the swiftest and safest source of profit in a moderate opening event, and represents solid win value even if sent off favourite, since his rating and recent effort clearly justify market confidence.