Exeter 4.15 Norse Light + Scorpion Star - 1/2 point each way each (all Bookies to 4th - a few may enhance even if non runners below 16)

I narrowed this down to a short list of 5 and think there is a lot of deadwood. DOUBLE COURT will have strong claims and in many ways the obvious winner, but I'm not going down to 9/2 to back a usually inconsistent horse who might not fancy a battle up that never ending hill. If it wins I will take it on the chin and if you want a small win saver feel free. LADIES DANCING always merits consideration here but now 12, rising 13 and has always been best on Good Going and any rain or cutting up of the track negates its chances. Very likely to run a place but not for me today. MOUNT VESUVIUS gets the trip, nice mark, won last time and another who really wants Good Going, might just get its ground but not one I see winning again back to back although another who it is hard to see out of the places. I will speculate a bit deeper down the betting market though with this pair.

NORSE LIGHT won this last year off a mark of 92, then won at Market Rasen off a mark of 96. Back below a mark of 100 and despite some poor recent runs I think this track and likely conditions could revive it and the more drizzle and mizzle and cutting up of the ground during the day the better. One of the more likely to battle on up the hill if the Going deteriorates to Good to Soft or worse. SCORPION STAR recent moved to Jimmy Frost, Bryony rides and that is a big plus. Ran well for a long way on Stable debut over further at Uttoxeter recently and that will have given them a good handle on the horses ability and fitness. I do wonder if it has been bought with this Card in mind as it is a "big deal" to win on it locally.