There's excellent jump racing this afternoon at Newcastle and Exeter with the afternoon's feature Devon National at the latter and a terrific field of thirteen runners going to post. Martin Keighley's Merlin's Wish (3.30) bids to give weight and a beating to his ten rivals but looks to have perfect conditions to suit this mudlark and expected to relish the stamina-sapping conditions. The 10-y-o hasn't been sighted since falling in the National Hunt Chase at last year' Cheltenham festival however has a tremendous record fresh and can get the better of the Jonjo O'Neill trained Catching On. Runners from the Venetia Williams stable are always respected in such contests and as such Gogehous Lliege is a fascinating contender after his second last time out at Ffos Las. He remains well handicapped and is worth a second look should the market speak in his favour.
Stollawaynow (4.00) is one of just a handful off horses with trainer David Arbuthnot however his 8-y-o is well-handicapped to take his trainer off the cold list in the 3m Novices' Handicap Chase. The selection was impressive when landing a Novices' Hurdle at the track last year and has developed into a smart chaser, winning well at Taunton over the trip in December. The son of Oscar is another animal likely to relish the forecast testing conditions and he can claim a third career success under regular partner Tom Cannon.
Donald McCain's Stonebrook won last year's corresponding 2m Novices' Hurdle at Newcastle with the JP McManus-owned Stonebrook and his Court Dismissed will be a likely warm favourite for this year's renewal under Wilson Renwick. The 5-y-o is rated 112 over hurdles over after last month's Sedgefield success however a chance is taken on Alan Swinbank's Bobs Lord Tara (3.20) under regular partner Paul Moloney.
The selection was progressive last year in bumpers, winning well at Carlisle before chasing home Warren Greaterex's exciting Ma Du Fou on his next start at Wetherby. He made a pleasing debut over timber when fourth on his seasonal reappearance behind Doctor Phoenix last month over course and distance last month and should be sharper for that outing, after making his first start for ten months.
Jac the Legend made a successful debut over the larger obstacles last month at Catterick when pulling clear with Lucinda Russell's progressive Itstimeforapint however has to be opposed after receiving a 9lb rise by the handicapper. Rose Dobbin's Vinny Gambini steps up in trip after failing to land a gamble last time out at Musselburgh and is respected however a chance is taken on Settledoutofcourt (3.50) for the in-form Lucinda Russell stable. The selection has been dropped 4lb for finishing down the field in a brace of warm handicap chases at Carlisle and Catterick however boasts winning C&D form and can bounce back under talented conditional Craig Nichol.
On the same card that Vinny Gambini failed to land a touch so did Ginger Jack (4.20) when second to Silver Duke on his handicap debut over the minimum trip. The handicapper has put him up a pound for that effort however the 8-y-o remains potentially well treated based on his flat form; rated 85 in that sphere after enjoying a successful summer. Keith Dalgleish's charge has improved for each outing over hurdles and connections look to have found an excellent opportunity to make it fourth time lucky.
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