The National Hunt season might be giving way to the Flat, but for lovers of jumps racing there’s still a competitive looking card at Exeter, where Paul Nicholls looks well placed to produce a winner or two.
Thank You Jennifer “Rabbit” Slattery Handicap Hurdle (15:45 Exeter)
One of Nicholls' runners is the much-fancied Ioupy Collonges, who steps up in trip for his handicap debut. A bumper success was followed by a hurdle maiden win sandwiched between a couple of promising runner-up spots, and it would be no surprise to see him in the first two again here, aided by Ben Bromley ’s handy five-pound allowance.
One likely to give him a run for his money is Gerico Ville, who has won two of his last three outings, including over a slightly longer trip at Plumpton last time out, for which he has only been penalised a couple of pounds.
Ballydisco is another to merit consideration after dead-heating with The Impostor (a subsequent outright winner) at Ffos Las last time out, while the Skelton team should never be ignored, with Snipe offering potential each-way value, especially with any bookie offering an extra place.
Elsewhere on the card, Shantou Flyer belied her 13 years to grab third in the Hunters’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and as long as she has fully recovered, then she can provide another well-supported winner for Nicholls in the last race of the day (17:05).
Earlier on, Sporting Mike looks like he might carry the best form of the 13 runners in a wide open novices’ handicap hurdle (13:45) after winning on his handicap debut at Southwell in November, and he is now reunited with the same jockey, Kielan Woods.
The following race, the City of Exeter Challenge Cup Handicap Hurdle (14:15) should see Gyenyame continue his successful transition from the Flat, and his 26-length success on his third trip over obstacles at Wincanton last month suggests there is plenty more in the tank from this progressive handicap hurdler.
Exeter selections
13:15 Captain Jack
13:45 Sporting Mike
14:15 Gyenyame
14:45 Shutthegate
15:15 Haldon Hill
15:45 Ioupy Collonges
16:15 Shantou Flyer
