Exeter today

This is one of Exeter´s best cards of the year, so the news that the meeting can go ahead is very welcome, despite the heavy ground and a large number of non-runners. The main feature is the listed novice hurdle at 15.30 CET, in which 2 of the 6 runners stand out by miles: Puffin Billy (Oliver Sherwood/ Leighton Aspell) and Melodic Rendezvous (Jeremy Scott/ Nick Scholfield). Both are very exciting prospects and Cheltenham-bound.

Puffin Billy is unbeaten in 4 starts, including 2 bumpers, and was very impressive when winning a Grade Two at Ascot befpore Christmas, while his rival has been 1/2 on all 5 starts, also including 2 bumpers, and won the prestigious Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown last time. The Puffin has the higher rating and is likely to go off at odds-on, but we find it difficult to choose between the pair, as the Rendezvous has arguably beaten better opponents. This is a race to watch but not to bet on, but it is extremely unlikely that any of the others can get involved.

The graduation chase half an hour later is another decent race, in which the promising Harry Topper (Kim Bailey/ Jason Maguire), winner of 5 of his 8 starts, will probably start favourite; however we feel that Hawles Point (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob), who goes well on the heavy and won over CD at New Year, can defeat him in receipt of 3 pounds. Nicholls and Jacob can also take the opening novice hurdle witrh ex-irtish Just a Par.

Colour Squadron (Philip Hobbs/ Tony McCoy), who has been running in better company, can take the novice chase at 17.00, while the consistent Simply Wings (Richard Lee/ Mark Nolan) can go close in the handicap hurdle at 16.30, even though he is now on his highest ever mark.

There is also flat racing on the all-weather at Southwell, but the card is not at all punter-friendly, with some very small fields and odds-on favourites.