Clydesdales at Exeter on busy Devon Day

Clydesdales take centre stage at Exeter Racecourse tomorrow with the giants racing for the Devon Air Ambulance at noon.

Frankie Doodle, Solo, Salvo, Jimmy Cliff, Midge and Siryl will put their speed to the test with professional jockeys on board before seven races, sponsored by Smarkets, kick off with an 18-runner handicap hurdle.

Racecourse ambassador Nick Scholfield has a chance on the Jack Barber-trained Shintori.

He made an encouraging return after a long absence at Fontwell a month ago where he finished third and should come on for the run. Course and distance winner Gonnabegood won well at Ffos Las on his last outing and despite going up 5lbs, comes into it too.

Norse Dancer got up by a neck to win at the course last time out, and Colin Tizzard will be hoping the seven-year-old delivers again but this time Vango De Vaige, third in that race, might get the better of him, with the weights shifting in his favour.

Only Gorgeous ran a fine race in defeat at the course last time out, just failing by a length to get the better of Heluvagood.

He was staying on well and deserves to get his head in front to provide a local success on the racecourse’s Devon Day for Sue and Lucy Gardner.

Looks Like Power looks plenty high enough in the weights following his Chepstow success last April while any rain will help Abbreviate.

Plenty of spectators will be at Exeter to see the fabulous Lil Rockefeller in action.

The Neil King-trained seven-yearold made a winning start to his chasing career at Uttoxeter and then followed up at Cheltenham in October.

Prior to that he won the Goodwood Handicap following a successful career in graded company over hurdles. He’s a huge favourite among the race loving public, with his presence at Exeter a treat for local racegoers, with bigger and getter things likely to be on the agenda as the season progresses.

He’ll start a warm favourite to continue his progression through the chasing ranks on winning note.

The two mile one furlong handicap chase looks hugely competitive with recent course and distance winner Watcombe Heights facing Night of Sin, a winner last time out at Taunton, Admiral’s Secret, twice a winner over fences last season, New Millennium who scored the easiest of wins at Fontwell last month and Dark Invader successful at Wincanton 4four- weeks ago.

Our Power was the easy winner of a juvenile hurdle at Market Rasen two weeks ago, and he could follow up in today’s similar race with opposition likely to come from the Tom Georgetrained Fanfan De Seuil who took a novicey fall at Chepstow in October.

Catchin Time always seems to run a solid race and is given a chance in the conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle where Soulsaver could go well on his seasonal return.

There’s plenty of free activities to enjoy for all the family on Devon Day at Exeter, many in the heated marquee. For more information visit www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk