Racecards
16:20 Exeter
William Hill Freephone Telephone Betting Handicap Hurdle (Class E)
- 10 Runners
- Distance: 3m 110y
- Going: Good to Soft (Hurdle: Soft in places Chase: good in places)
- Form 505-013
- Age 8
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer Mrs L Taylor
- Jockey A Thornton
led until 2nd, chased leaders, lost place after 10th, rallied approaching 3 out, led last, driven out
Monti Flyer
26- Form 04310-3
- Age 6
- Weight 11-7
- Trainer P F Nicholls
- Jockey Ruby Walsh
held up, took closer order 5th, lost place and behind 8th, headway approaching 3 out, soon ridden, weakened 2 out
- Form 01P-
- Age 6
- Weight 11-6
- Trainer D Keane
- Jockey Timmy Murphy
prominent, ridden and weakened quickly after 10th, pulled up before next
- Form 4341P-0
- Age 8
- Weight 11-4
- Trainer Mrs S Williams
- Jockey P Griffiths
in touch, headway 5th, hit next, going well in 2nd approaching 3 out, soon ridden weakened quickly
- Form P4P-660
- Age 11
- Weight 11-2
- Trainer S Lewis
- Jockey Mr D Mansell
chased leaders until 7th, soon behind, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
- Form R03-P5P
- Age 6
- Weight 11-1
held up, ridden approaching 8th, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
- Form 565-UR4
- Age 7
- Weight 10-13
held up in touch, headway approaching 10th, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, virtually pulled up flat
- Form 232032
- Age 9
- Weight 10-7
- Trainer H Manners
- Jockey J A Jenkins
held up headway approaching 8th, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on same pace
- Form P011P2/
- Age 11
- Weight 10-0
- Trainer Evan Williams
- Jockey Christian Williams
led 2nd, ridden approaching 3 out, headed last, kept on but no extra close home
- Form 00/64-53
- Age 11
- Weight 10-0
always behind, tailed off and pulled up after 10th
In depth
Verdict
From the shortlist of Monti Flyer, Rydon Lane, Jaseur, and, possibly, Oysterhaven in the handicap hurdle that closes the card, we will opt for Rydon Lane. Igloo d'Estruval is the sole course and distance winner in the race and, while that form is solid enough, he is now 10 pounds higher in the hurdling ratings and he tends to needs his seasonal return. The lightly-raced Monti Flyer ought to be competitive from his current mark, while each of Rydon Lane's wins has come at this venue and, given that he is four pounds above a winning mark but his rider claims seven, well, we reckon he has every right to go well having had a pipe-opener for the season. Jaseur is back to below the mark from which he won at Bangor in February 2003, so his chance cannot be dismissed. Oysterhaven is lightly raced so is entitled to make improvement. Classic China could improve for the step up to today's trip, and Esterelle has proven herself competitive from her current mark and makes a quick return to the track after chasing home The Sister at Uttoxeter four days ago, while Silent Guest has a bit to find with Igloo d'Estruval on Exeter form last time. However, in a race where stamina will be at premium, we will side with Rydon Lane.