N.H. racing at Exeter and Limerick

Today´s jumps racing comes from Exeter, where the going is good, and the Irish track of Limerick, where the ground will be soft, and there are large fields at both tracks. German-bred Donatessa (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) was a big disappointment last time out, but appeals as an interesting each-way longshot for the novices handicap hurdle that opens proceedings at 15.10 CET at Exeter. Rawdon (Michael Bell/ Tony McCoy) and CD winner Dovedale (Jeremy Scott/ James White) are the likely favourites here. The two main races at Exeter both demand plenty of stamina. The marathon handicap chase over 3 3/4 miles at 16.10 looks very open; Yann´s (Richard Philipps/ Richard Johnson), Potts of Magic (Richard Lee/ Timmy Murphy) and Mister Apples (Ian Williams/ Jason Maguire) are all consistent performers at this level and should be on the short list. The 3 mile handicap hurdle half an hour later can go to Venetia Williams´ Never so Blue (Sam Thomas), who is having his first race over the sticks for some time. He won 4 successive chases during the winter, but has fallen the last twice; he can get back on the winning track over the smaller obstacles today, as the opposition does not look that strong. Trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Ruby Walsh, who have been mopping up in Ireland in recent weeks, can keep up the good work at Limerick´s evening meeting. Equus Maximus, in the maiden hurdle at 18.55, Ballytrim at 19.25 and Emma Jane in the mares beginners chase an hour later all appear to hold winning chances.