Exeter Racecourse’s eight race card - including the Dartmoor Hillies which race at 12 noon - features a three mile novice chase that has some potentially very smart performers in the line up.
The eight runners include Paul Nicholls’ chasing debutante Danny Whizzbang who won an Irish point-to-point before his English debut at Hereford in November when he won a maiden hurdle and followed up with a win at the track in November.
Philip Hobbs saddles Tidal Flow who was third on his first attempt over fences at Ffos Las last month and is sure to improve on that performance.
Colin Tizzard’s two runners include Darlac, who was running a big race at Plumpton a month ago until falling at the eleventh fence. In form Adam Wedge is on board Evan Williams’ runner Chooseyourweapon who was a decent hurdler two seasons back and can get involved if retaining his ability after a long absence.
The Join Racing TV Now Juvenile Hurdle kicks off the card and Nicholls looks strong handed with Thyme White who has won in France and now joins the champion trainer for his hurdling debut.
In the Subscribe To Racing TV On YouTube Handicap Hurdle Graeme McPherson saddles Telson Barley who wasn’t beaten far at Kelso last time out and could stay on best in the soft ground, while course and distance winner Norse Legend isn’t without a chance
Tizzard sends out Copperhead in the Did Ucheck The Odds? Handicap Chase and the five-year-old has solid claims as well as course form having won a two miles seven and a half furlongs chase in January, easily beating Broughtons Admiral on good to soft ground. He followed up at Sandown, and was then well beaten on his seasonal debut at Chepstow last month, but there will be plenty of room for improvement on that performance.
Venetia Williams’ team have been running well this season and Snuff Box has place claims given he’ll appreciate the trip and the ground.
Williams also has chances in the following Cosmic Handicap Chase where she saddles Espoir De Guye, second on his last start 18 days ago where he stayed on to finish four and a half lengths behind the winner, Simply The Betts. Admirals Secret has plenty of ability, and if he’s on a going day, he has chances too and it might be the best time to back him on his first start since May.
Dartnall also saddles Get Wishing in the two mile handicap hurdle and has chances here too with the seven-year-old running well at Exeter in May where he was beaten just five lengths in fourth. If he strips fit, he could go well.
Fergus Gillard takes seven pounds off Delface in the same race and the David Pipe-trained six-year-old could well go close having made a pleasing return at Ffos las a couple of weeks ago.
Chris Down has his team spot on, and Foxy Act will be popular with local supporters in the concluding Racing TV Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle. The mare wasn’t beaten far in an amateur riders handicap hurdle at the course in October, and she’s sure to improve for that run.
Another to consider is Two Sams who is bidding to follow up on his recent Plumpton win where stayed on well to land a two lengths win.
The raceday is in support of the Devon Air Ambulance, with plenty of free activities for children to enjoy including a helicopter simulator. Under 18s race free, when accompanied by an adult, and there’s a free bus service from Exeter (full details on the website).
