N.H. racing at Exeter

easily the best racing in Britain today comes from the jumps meeting at Exeter, where the two class 3 beginners´ chases are the most interesting events. Over 2 miles and 1 1/2 furlongs at 16.10 CET, all eyes will be on Straw Bear (Nick Gifford/ Tony McCoy), who is making his long-awaited chasing debut. He is one of the best British hurdlers of recent years and finished fifth in the Champion Hurdle last March, but faces stern opposition from Pasco (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh), who was clearly his inferior over the sticks but is expected to have a great future over fences. Sir Harry Ormesher (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) also has a squeak. Half an hour later thje distance is 3 miles and once again the Nicholls/ Walsh team has a very strong candidate in The Tother One, who after 5 successive wins, finished third in two Grade One novice hurdles. He is also tipped for chasing stardom, and should hold Spare Cash (King/ Thornton) and Gone to Lunch (Jeremy Scott/ McCoy), who was rusty on his seasonal debut here a fortnight ago, but is expected to be much sharper today. It could be another big day for the Nocholls stable, as Gullible Gordon (Walter Biddick) in the amateur riders novice hurdle at 15.10 and Oracle des Mottes (Ruby Walsh) in the handicap chase at 17.40 also have winning chances in their respective races.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Gullible Gordon - Tricky Trickster - Job One
2.Race: The Nightingale - Samurai Way - Shalone
3.Race: Straw Bear - Pasco - Sir Harry Ormesher
4.Race: The Tother One - Gone To Lunch - Spare Cash
5.Race: Double The Trouble - Dalyan Dancer - Mister Wiseman
6.Race: Oracle Des Mottes - Smoke Trail - Beehawk
7.Race: Shalamiyr - Falsino - Cill Rialaig