Exeter 4.15 Handicap Hurdle Class 4  - 2 miles 7 furlongs 

 

(The same Going and Fitness concerns raised by Robin)

 

A race full of intrigue and potential and one which we may end up coming back to over and over again, especially if its a "soft/heavy ground winter".

 

A number I will follow closely after today and track post race in here, Ballybough Nora; Buster Edwards; Airton may all need the run and be worth following in any future runs.

 

Sandy Boy and Quiz Master are huge dangers, ones to beat but the prices put me off anything other than being in a Tricast Perm.

 

King of the Sharks is a 3 mile P2P winner, 232 days off a big price and would have been worth a small long price e/w but for MARLEY FIRTH - I'm strangely drawn to this one despite the price. A 3 miles P2P winner, won on Heavy for Dan Skelton and has won in the past off a 550 days break, has gone to Jackie Du Plessis, small stable but one who has a bit of a reputation for plots with sour horses rejuvenated and winning off a break - a small Tracket bet looks appropriate.

 

That leaves me with HEAVEY who I tipped last time, ran a place but not totally convinced this trip and going will suit, will take it on the chin if it bolts up. The tip therefore is FARM THE ROCK who won this race last year off an identical almost break, the going then was "Good" but the handicap mark is within range here and my Going concerns are somewhat allayed by a 3 miles P2P win on "soft" and P2P Going is invariably a tad softer than on a Rules track like Exeter.

TIP - FARM THE ROCK / TRACKER - MARLEY FIRTH @ 50/1 - Tricast Perm (Sandy Boy + Quiz Master)