N.H. racing at Exeter

The only jumps racing today takes place at Exeter, where the ground is firming up rapidly. It should therefore pay to concentrate on those horses that act in the conditions, which will be much faster than the going most of the runners have encountered so far this year. One example is Ibberton (Sue Alner/ Daryl Jacob), who contests the staying handicap chase at 16.10 CET. He won this race last year, when the going was also fast, and is still on a very reasonable mark. An interesting jockey booking here is Christian Williams for Alan King´s Trigger the Light, as stable jockey Robert Thornton partners Oliver Sherwood´ s Ballygally Bob; in any case we prefer bottom-weight Boomerang (Henry Daly/ Andrew Tinkler), who fell last time but seems well handicapped. Ashley Brook (Kevin Bishop/ Colin Bolger) is entering the veteran stage, but also looks leniently handicapped in the handicap hurdle at 16.40, although the trip is further than he usually runs; in younger days he was at home i n much better company. The opening novice hurdle, also over 3 miles, should mainly concern Express Leader (Paul Nicholls/ Nick Scholfield) and penalised Whenever (Richard Phillips/ Tony McCoy).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: French Leave - Saltagioo - Celtic Spirit
2. Race: Express Leader - Whenever - Penylan Star
3. Race: Trigger The Light - Dancing Mist - Boomerang
4. Race: Dr Hart - Estates Recovery - Orchard King
5. Race: King Ar Aghaidh - Another Brother - Alaghiraar
6. Race: Gentle George - Ask Again - Thirtytwo Red
7. Race: Dunraven Storm - Shrewd Investment - Counttoten
8. Race: Midnight Prayer - Thomas Wild - Morcambe