Rock ready to roll again in hot Exeter field

tips: Hobbs’ six-year-old looks well set after two encouraging outings

ROCK THE KASBAH has an awful lot going for him in a hot-looking Harry Dutfield Memorial Novices’ Chase at Exeter.

The Grade Three-winning hurdler really caught the eye on his fencing debut at Chepstow in October, when he jumped well en route to a twolength defeat of Our Kaempfer.

It was a race which has worked out very well indeed as the fourth horse home, Clan Des Obeaux, absolutely hosed up at Newbury last week and looks one of the brightest young prospects in Paul Nicholls’ yard.

Rock The Kasbah was then sent into action at Cheltenham, where he contested a two-and-a-half-mile novice chase that has produced countless topnotchers.

Philip Hobbs’ six-year-old could only finish third behind the exciting O O Seven, but the ground was relatively quick that day, which did not help his cause.

It was also nice to see Rock The Kasbah stay on late in the piece, which will give his trainer a few more options for later in the season.

This race is usually won by a good one, but the Hobbs runner would not look out of place on the roll of honour from what we have seen so far.

LIGHTENING ROD can arrest a long losing streak at Sedgefield.

Mick Easterby’s 11-year-old has not won for nearly two years, but he is handicapped accordingly and appears to be coming back to hand judged by a decent effort at Wetherby

Expect his wily trainer to have him cherry-ripe for the Bank’s Amber Handicap Hurdle. SELECTIONS EXETER: 12.20 Samson, 12.55 Opening Batsman, 1.30 Vice Et Vertu, 2.05 Gonnabegood, 2.40 Wistari Rocks, 3.15 Rock The Kasbah, 3.50 Amoola Gold SEDGEFIELD: 12.00 Hey Bob, 12.30 Dick Darsie, 1.05 On The Road, 1.40 LIGHTENING ROD (NAP), 2.15 Halcyon Days, 2.50 Royal Supremo, 3.25 Haighall.

DOUBLE: Lightening Rod and Rock The Kasbah.

Philip Hobbs: looks to have options with Rock The Kasbah.