2m7f25y | Class 2 Handicap Hurdle | Good to Soft (Soft in places)

Exeter’s Pertemps Qualifier at 15:33 presents a fascinating puzzle, with a strong early pace expected and several in-form stayers competing for a valuable prize. With plenty of front-runners in the field, the shape of the race could be crucial, and those ridden patiently may find conditions playing to their strengths.

Strongest Contender – Push The Button (8/1, EW)

Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Push The Button looks a strong each-way bet at 8/1, particularly given the likely race setup. The six-year-old has proven stamina over 3m, and his most recent second in a competitive Windsor handicap suggests he is still improving. He looked the winner for much of that contest before being collared late, with the first two drawing well clear. The winner, Titan Discovery, has since franked the form.

Crucially, he was ridden prominently that day, whereas this race is predicted to feature a strong early gallop, which should allow him to settle before being delivered late. Sam Twiston-Davies’ record at Exeter is excellent (23% strike rate), and with the trainer’s horses in good form, he could take another step forward here.

Market Miss – Mayhem Mya (16/1, EW)

At a much bigger price, Mayhem Mya is one the market could be underestimating at 16/1. She was heavily backed in-running last time at Windsor, trading at a quarter of her SP before fading into second. That hints at a hidden performance, where the way the race unfolded disadvantaged her, rather than a lack of ability.

The key angle here is the race shape. With so many front-runners, she should get a race run to suit. She stays well and has acted on soft ground, so conditions shouldn’t pose a problem. With Bryan Carver taking the ride, she is worth chancing at big odds in the place and extra place markets.

Other Notables

• Keable (6/1) – He has been progressive, winning well the last twice, and he could continue improving, but this represents a tougher test.
• Strackan (11/2) – Also thriving but has done most of his work from the front, which could be a problem given the likely pace.
• Phantomofthepoints (15/2) – Another front-runner who arrives in good form but could set the race up for closers.

Betting Strategy

• Each-Way Bet: Push The Button (8/1, 4 places)
• Each-Way Bet: Mayhem Mya (16/1, 5 places – Extra Place Market)
• Cover Keable in win-only markets

With Exeter’s stiff finish and a likely strong pace, closers could be at an advantage. Push The Button looks the best-placed runner to capitalise, while Mayhem Mya is overpriced given the way she shaped last time. Both look solid value plays in a competitive renewal.