Exeter, Kempton and Southwell (a.w.)

Jumps racing today at Exeter and Kempton ad all-wearher racing from Southwellm were there is free engtry to the racecourse. Even so, one cannot expect there will be many racegoers, as the fields are mainly small (4 od the 6 races have 5 runners or less) and uninspiring. This will probably not worry trainer Mark Johnston, who could easily take the best 3 races with Nightjar (Greg Fairley) at 15.55 CET, the unbeaten Boscage (Joe Fanning) at 17.05 and he has two chances in the 17.40 race, a handicap for 3yo´s over 6 furlongs, with Fesko (Fairley) and Takeover Bid (Fanning). At Exeter the fields are much bigger, but hardly more exciting. Or Jaune (Gary and Jamie Moore) was an easy winner last time out from Oracle des Mottes (Paul Nicholls/ Christian Williams) and despite the distance being much shorter and the fact that he is now 4 lbs worse off, can repeat this performance in the novice chase at 16.15, where Oscar Bay (Jimmy Frost/ Seamus Durack) is the only other danger.

Easily the best racing comes from Kempton. Conflictofinterest (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Thomas) is far from the best novice hurdler in his powerful stable, but should certainly account for today´s opposition at 15.00. The novice handicap chase half an hour later looks more open, but German-bred Soprano (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) should be involved, as well as two other last-time-out winners Shake the Barley (Tom George/ Sam THomas) and Funny Fellow (Richard Rowe/ Marcus Foley). Another ex-German horse with chances is Laredo Sound (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily), who has top weight in the handicap hurdle at 16.40; Royaleety (Nicky Henderson/ McCoy) and Mendo (Noel Chance/ Rhys Flint) look the main dangers. Dominican Monk (David Arbuthnot/ Timmy Murphy) was an easy winner at Sandown last time and can follow up unde a penalty in the handicap chase at 17.15.