Devon National at Exeter

the most interesting race today is the Devon National over 3 3/4 miles at 16.30 CET at Exeter and with testing conditions, this will really take some getting. Specialists are required here and several of the runners have been involved in the various other local "Nationals" run this year, usually of course also on heavy ground. Viking Blond (Peter and Sean Bowen) was for example was beaten 2 lengths when runner-up in the Sussex National at Plumpton with Gorgehous Liiege (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) just behind in fourth, while Coolking (Chris Gordon/ Tom Cannon) was pulled up. This is a very open race and Viking Blond must be on every short list, together with Safran de Cotte (Henry Daly/ Jake Greenall) and Ballypatrick (Mick Channon/ Gavin Sheehan), who also have form in these long distance chases. Amd we would not leave out Coolking despite his poor recent efforts; he is very inconsistent but was runner-up here last year and is now much better handicapped.

There is alspo jumping at Newcastle, where we like a couple of oldtimers. Categorical (Keith and James Reveley) is a CD specialist who can repeat his 2014 victory in the handicap chase at 17.50; he is up a bit in the weights, but has won again over CD in the meantime and ran a good race at Doncaster last Friday. The trainer also has a chance at 15.50 with Whichwaytobougie (Colm McCormack), but here we prefer Sam Lord (Jimmy Moffatt/ Tony Kelly) who looks very well handicapped on his old form.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Spellbound - Lady Of Lamanver - Miss Sophierose
2. Race: Bravo Bravo - Brave Deed - Virtuose Du Chenet
3. Race: Catching On - Copper Birch - Finish The Story
4. Race: Silvergrove - Always Bold - Red Devil Lads
5. Race: Great Choice - At Your Pearl - Local Show
6. Race: Arrayan - Fred Le Macon - Greybougg