Striking A Pose (second choice) could be dangerous on this return to Exeter, while the very lightly raced 9yo Night Duty has given some positive signs in recent starts. Preference, however, is for THE LONG POINT who can build on his second at Kempton last month, which was his handicap debut.[Richard Austen]
Watch Live UK & Irish Racing
Simply place a bet of £5 or more on
any UK or Irish race to watch the action live!
The last four of his five wins under rules were at Exeter, including two in a row early last year; started this season with echoes of that and is now 2lb below his last winning mark; had blinkers first time on latest start (not disgraced) and they are retained; considered back down in class and back at Exeter.
Took well to hurdling as a juvenile for Fergal O'Brien last season but has a point to prove following his last two starts (one Flat) for Alan King and one recently for current yard; has nearly always worn cheekpieces and also tongue tied on latest start, but neither of them today.
Huntingdon bumper winner on good; built on that in his third attempt over hurdles, when front-running second of 13 on handicap debut at Kempton (2m5f, good to soft) over five weeks ago; needs better again but early days and it may be possible.
Won his only point; 0-6 over hurdles but fair form, notably when placed in a C&D handicap and 3m1f Catterick maiden on two of his last three outings; wore cheekpieces last two; major each-way contender.
Made all in a novice at Warwick (2m3f, good) in November; good third on handicap debut there next time and not disgraced at Kempton (again 2m5f on good to soft) latest, albeit 10l behind the first two in the latter; possibilities under his usual rider James Turner.
Two disappointing efforts in autumn this term but seemingly boosted by change from visor to blinkers when running well for long way at Chepstow (2m3f, good to soft) in November when last seen; tried cheekpieces once (well beaten) but they now return and his usual tongue-tie is missing.
Won by 5l here (2m2f, good) in November and followed up by a head at Windsor (2m, good to soft) in December; progressive sequence came to halt in no uncertain terms on latest start, at Newbury in late December; needs to resume improvement but stamina is in doubt after her one go at 2m5f.
0-9 but minor honours in four of his five races at this track, the latest over C&D three starts ago; no encouragement from either start since but first-time headgear and return to Exeter could be plus points.
2m maiden winner here on good ground last April; second on handicap debut at Bangor (2m3f) in December and respectable fourth over C&D next time, both on soft, but he tailed off at Warwick over three weeks ago on latest start; mixed messages.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
