This Class 5 handicap chase doesn’t look deep, but it’s a proper Exeter test. Fifteen fences over 2m3½f on ground described as good to soft will expose weak jumping and reward horses that can hold a position and keep galloping up the long straight.
Several arrive with patchy profiles, which makes course form and reliable jumping the key angles.
Saint Cyr De Pail sets the standard
Saint Cyr De Pail brings the most convincing profile. He won over this course and distance in December, handling the stiff track and the fences well before keeping on strongly up the hill.
He couldn’t follow up at Wincanton after a 7 lb rise, but that effort wasn’t a collapse and this race doesn’t look any stronger. Back at a track that clearly suits, he looks likely to race prominently again – a style that tends to be rewarded around Exeter.
A first-time tongue-tie is also applied, which suggests connections are looking to sharpen him up.
Flash Gorcombe solid but exposed
Flash Gorcombe is another who likes the track, having won this racecourse and distance last season. He’s been consistent this winter and placed in three of his last four starts.
The concern is that he’s starting to look a little exposed from his current mark. He should run his race again, but he’s the type who often finds one too good.
Zainy Champ tries fences
Zainy Champ adds an interesting angle on his chasing debut. He won a course handicap hurdle in December, so the track holds no fears.
The Jeremy Scott yard can ready one for fences, but the horse himself hasn’t really progressed since that win. If he takes to jumping he could get involved, though he still has something to prove.
Others with questions
Bertie Wooster has run well in defeat more than once this winter but remains winless over fences.
Wellwillya returns from almost a year off and may just need the outing.
Kingcormac and Rangatira Jack both have bits of form that bring them into the picture, but neither arrives with much momentum.
Verdict
This race may simply come down to which runner handles Exeter best and jumps cleanly. On that front Saint Cyr De Pail makes the most appeal. He’s proven over the course and distance, likely to get a good tactical position, and this doesn’t look a strong race for the grade.
Selection: Saint Cyr De Pail
Main danger: Flash Gorcombe
Interesting alternative: Zainy Champ