Be Strong HOBBS IN PURSUIT OF EXETER GLORY
EXETER hosts the jump racing in England today and offers a chance for (3.30) to return to winning ways.
The 10-year-old has been plagued by injuries during his career but if Philip Hobbs has him cherry-ripe, he could well make up for lost time in the Veterans’ Handicap Chase.
The lightly raced gelding made a fair comeback at Newbury in a better race than this when disputing to four out behind the hugely progressive Copperhead.
Dropped 3lbs for that run, the selection can make the most of his light weight at the main expense of Sametegal.
The Pertemps Hurdle Qualifier at 3.00 sees a couple of interesting Irish raiders looking to qualify for the big final next month at the Cheltenham Festival and the pick could be Gordon Elliott’s Cartwright.
However, he may have to give best to
after he hosed up over slightly further here last time out.
An 8lbs penalty in a better race makes things a bit harder but he is lightly raced in this sphere and can cement his place at the Prestbury Park track.
Reserve Tank didn’t really take a cut at his fences last time out and now has plenty to prove and may prove vulnerable to
in the opening novices’ chase at 1.55. There are some competitive small-field handicaps up for grabs at Southwell but Fibresand newcomer
looks the answer to the staying event at 4.15.
The drop down to 14 furlongs off a fast pace looks right up her street and she may be able to make the weight concession tell against Harbour Front.
Jockey Ben Curtis should treble up under top weight (3.40) and
(2.05, nap).
The last named looks a particularly attractive betting proposition as he has been racing over further but this is definitely his best trip and he can return to form to land what will be the best bet of the day.