It looks like an interesting day at Exeter today on their feature day of the year and I’ve got an interest in a couple. First up in an ultra competitive Mares handicap hurdle I like the claims of BONNIE BRESIL who must go close off such a low mark. Henry Daly is a shrewd operator and I have no doubt that this mare will improve quite a bit this year now upped in trip in handicaps. Daly enjoyed success with a similar type yesterday at Ludlow and is clearly in form.
The big race of the day is a small field event but I think GREANETEEN is massively overpriced at 10/3. Granted he tired badly in this race last year but connections have stated he is a lot fitter today and should run a big race. He won the Grade 1 Tingle Creek last year which is an awful lot more than his rivals have achieved. He is the class horse in the race and is certainly good enough to carry the weight.
Exeter 1.50 – Bonnie Bresil
Exeter 3.35 – Greaneteen
Saturday
The Badger Beer chase is an interesting renewal this year as Frodon is clearly a cut above the rest but has to concede plenty of weight. I was impressed with LORD ACCORD when he won at Cheltenham last time out which confirmed my suspicion that he is a better horse when fresh. Obviously now he has had a run he will have to prove his ability to sustain form but he travelled like a very good horse at Cheltenham and I’m hopeful this quick ground will be in his favour tomorrow. He looks a solid each way bet.
I’ve long been keen on Senior Citizen for one of these races over the National fences but I fear the ground may have just gone against him here. I’m tempted to look elsewhere at horses like SPIRITOFTHEGAMES and GESSKILLE who should both appreciate the ground. The former performed well over this course in the Spring and his shrewd trainer looks to have trained him for the race so he must be respected at a double figure price. The latter took a listed chase in France last time out and clearly appreciates a stiff jumping test and soft ground. Oliver Greenall campaigned him in Hunter Chases last year and it will be interesting as to which way he goes this year. I’m sure he is better than a mark of 133, it’s just how he copes with this test but is certainly worth a punt each way. Wincanton 1.50 – Lord Accord
Aintree 2.11 – Spiritofthegames / Gesskille
