Exeter, Towcester and Clonmel

Exeter´s jumps meeting this afternoon goes ahead after an early inspection, and there are no problems reported at the other two jumps tracks today, Towcester and Clonmel (Ireland). However the prospects for the next few days do not look so good, with more snow and heavy overnight frosts now forecast. The best race at Exeter is the graduation chase over 2 miles 1 furlong at 14.50 with only 5 runners, but some decent performers among them, notably Paul Nicholls´ pair Royal Charm (Noel Fehily), a most impressive CD winner last time, and Chapoturgeon (Timmy Murphy), who however has to concede 7 lbs. However the one to beat could be the ex-Irish Sports Line (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire), having his first race for new connections. The handicap hurdle over the same trip half an hour later looks very open with 19 runners, among them the German-bred Salontyre (Bernard Llewellyn/ Isabell Tompsett) and Amore Mio (Richard Phillips/ Tom Siddall); both could be involved in the finish, esp ecially the former, who carries a 7 lbs penalty for an easy win over this CD 11 days ago. Another penalised runner is Easter Legend (Emma Lavelle/ Sam Thomas), who has to give away 12 lbs in the mares novice chase at 15.50; however she has clearly the best form in the field and could be up to this task.

Lavelle could also have a winner at Towcester as Stolen Thunder (JM Davies) won so well on his debut that he can follow up on the novice hurdle here at 13.40. The handicap hurdle an hour later is another very open race, but top-weight Asturienne is the one for us, now that the Alan King stable has really struck form and with stable jockey Choc Thornton on board. We also like Noun de la Thinte (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) in the handicap chase at 15.10.

There are huge fields in Ireland, but no stars on view at Clonmel today. Royal Crew (Tom O´Brien/ Paul Townend) was runner-up last time and may be able to go one better in the mares maiden hurdle at 14.05. Torphichen (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNamara) was a smart hurdler and made a decent fencing debut; he can now get off the mark over fences at 15.05, while Quito de la Roque (Colm Murphy/ Davy Russell) is another useful hurdler who can score over fences half an hour later.