The ground at Exeter on Wednesday morning was described as good to firm, but there is rain forecast to hit the south west on Thursday and the ground is likely to be no better than good for this afternoon’s card. Note that forecast rain failed to materialise and the ground was still described as good to firm – good in places at 8am this morning.
Ga Law (2.30) was a hurdles winner on heavy ground in his native France, but bounced off the good ground at Fontwell on his chase debut last time for Jamie Snowden when he beat a subsequent winner in the 147-rated Getaway Trump. As a four-year-old the recommendation receives a 10lbs weight-for-age allowance from his elders and I think he can follow up. With Gavin Sheehan on the side-lines, Daryl Jacob takes over in the saddle and the recommendation is 15/8 with 10bet.
Celtic Joy is a chaser who I feel will win races this term, but there is the possibility that this near two-and-a-half miles might tax his stamina. A check of the market is advised with Ben Jones still able to claim 3lbs.
Truckers Pass (1.15) has finished runner up in all three career starts – 2 x bumpers and his sole point – but he is taken to make a winning hurdles debut in the 2m Novice Hurdle at Ffos Las for Richard Johnson and Philip Hobbs. The well-bred gelding- 13/8 with 10bet – cost £175,000 a couple of years ago and he coped with soft ground when a beaten favourite in the Exeter gloom when last “seen” back on New Year’s Day.
Legends Gold (1.50) won her sole point and can make a winning chase debut for Rebecca Curtis in the Mares’ Novices’ Chase over a trip just shy of two-and-a-half miles. The mare – Evens with William Hill – won three of her five starts over timber last season and it was reassuring to see Wayfinder run such a good race – well backed – when runner up for the yard at the meeting here last week.
I was disappointed by Dell’ Arca at Uttoxeter last time despite not being beaten far and the return to soft ground may see him in a better light although he has been nudged back up the weights by a pound.
My two against the field in the 3m handicap chase are at the foot of the weights and hope to see big runs from Peter Bowen’s Lord Bryan ridden by his son James and Financial Outcome (2.20) ridden by Sean Bowen for Rebecca Curtis.
I remember backing the horse first time out last year at Hereford when he disappointed despite being very well backed. That effort was on good ground and his win last season at Doncaster was gained on soft ground – albeit from a 7lbs lower mark. As with all representatives from the yard a check of the market is advised. The selection opened up at 5/1 on Wednesday but is a best priced 4s with Boylesports first thing Thursday morning.
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