Bayard - Exeter 12.45 2 Dark Lover - 1/2 point e/w 25/1 (Lad/Coral/BV) Exeter 1.20 13 Nail M - 1/2 point e/w 16/1 (generally) (Caution advised in staking likely to be multiple non-runners - see below)
There are a few making seasonal debut who could run big races notably Precious Ground
who has good Course form and thrives going right handed, looking closely though it
may just need the run on this ground. DARK LOVER was once very decent and a 140
rate Hurdler in its prime. It was nursed back to win two Hunter Chases last year after
an injury and showed then enough ability remains to be competitive off a mark of 115
back over hurdles. The trip and Going are no problem, it has had a "pipe-opener" and
it is not hard to visualise a bold front run to get many of them off the bridle sooner than
they would ideally like.
NAIL M is a standing dish here in the mud over 4 miles. This is seasonal debut
over 3 miles and clearly a trip on the short side. Had the Going been as advertised,
we would leave alone. However, again, not hard to imagine some 3 mile Chasers
going off too fast on the ground and needing the run getting tapped late on. The
selection will most likely be "hunted round" at the back of the field but if there is
plenty of pace on, could well nick a bit of place money at a nice price staying on,
and when you stand at that bottom turn, its a long way up to the top of the hill!
CAUTION IN STAKING again advised today, we'll bag the profit from yesterday;
have a bit of sporting fun today and look again tomorrow at about 9am and thankfully;
no more "firm" ground excuses and lets crack on with a great end of the week
of excellent racing to look forwards to next weekend.