The meeting at Exeter has several interesting races, and the race I am most looking forward to is the Novices’ Handicap Chase, as I think it could be a race that works out well moving forward.
1.48 – Jumps Is Back With Rhino.Bet Novices’ Hurdle
This is a trappy enough race to kick off the card, but my narrow preference is for Mirabad. The five-year-old gelding is the highest-rated horse in this race, and he brings the best form to the table with his win at Wincanton in April. He will have to carry 7lb for that success, but I think he’ll be able to deal with that. The son of Gleneagles has also had a wind operation to help his breathing, which is something to note. However, I don’t think that is too much to worry about. He should go close in the opener.
Selection: Mirabad (Win)
2.23 – Follow Us On X @betrhino Novices’ Handicap Chase
We’ve got another tight little race, but I thought Magical Escape made a lot of appeal for Kim Bailey. The penny started to drop for this six-year-old gelding in the spring when he made back-to-back victories over hurdles at Chepstow and Ffos Las. In his last win at Ffos Las, he had to shoulder a 7lb penalty, and he pulled clear from the rest of the field that day, beating some useful opposition. Like a couple in here, he’s making his chase debut, but Kim Bailey has a good habit of doing well with these types. Moreover, Kim Bailey always seems to have his string in decent shape at this time of year, and I think the son of Getaway can make the transition to fences.
Selection: Magical Escape (Win)
2.58 – Rhino.Bet Proudly Sponsor Henry Brooke Mares’ Maiden Hurdle
This is a hard race to judge, with many having their first run of the season. However, my vote is going to go to Roaring Home for Henry Daly. She’s shown ability on each of her starts in bumpers, and her second behind Gale Mahler at Southwell rates as one of the best pieces of form in this race. Moreover, she’s attracted the booking of Champion Jockey, Harry Cobden, so that’s also worth a second look.
Selection: Roaring Home (Win)
3.33 – What Is Trending At Rhino.Bet Casino Handicap Chase
I thought that Opening Bid was overpriced here considering he won this race last year. Admittedly it was a smaller field, but the way he won suggested he really likes Exeter, and the good ground should be in his favour again. Moreover, he’s a frontrunner, and he could get an easy lead here, as quite a few of these like to be ridden patiently. His last run was a little disappointing at Worcester, but I don’t think that was his track. He’s now 2lb lower than his last winning mark, and I think it is time to strike.
Selection: Opening Bid (Win)
4.08 – Blog.Rhino.Bet For Daily Racing Insight Handicap Hurdle
This is very competitive, but there isn’t that much strong form to go on. The one who I think will be in the mix is Jo’s Rainbow for Dan Skelton. She’s started to get the hang of things this summer over hurdles, and some of her novice form would give her a chance in a race of this nature. Her best run was her third-placed effort at Stratford, which has been franked on several occasions. She was last seen finishing fourth over 2m4f at Worcester, where she probably didn’t stay, so dropping back to 2m will suit. I’m finding it hard to leave her out of my calculations.
Selection: Jo’s Rainbow
4.43 – Budges Farm Handicap Chase
Begin The Luck has been running consistently well all summer without getting his head in front. The last time we saw him, he ran another solid race to finish third at Stratford. He’s not won since April last year, but that success came at this track, so that is a big positive returning to this venue. I also think returning to this trip will suit him, as he’s a strong traveller, and the 7lb claim of Robbie David will help. With fitness not being an issue like a few of the opposition, he has to finish in the frame.
Selection: Begin The Luck
5.18 – Haldon Hill Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle
Thahab Ifraj normally pops up and wins a race around this time of year, and often at a big price. The 11-year-old has been a great servant to Alexandra Dunn, whose horses are in good form. Last year he won this race at 22/1 and was running off a similar mark. He is often a frontrunner, and he could get his own way out in front here. Coming into this race, he’s already got a few runs under his belt, so fitness shouldn’t be an issue. It wouldn’t surprise me if he had one more win in him.
Selection: Thahab Ifraj EW
Bet Of The Day: 5.18 Exeter – Thahab Ifraj EW
