Friday's Fare at Haldon Hill
Right then, Friday the 13th at Exeter and if you're the superstitious sort, you might want to look away now. Seven races on the card and the going's sitting nicely at Good, Good to Soft in places after they gave the track a proper vertidrain a fortnight back. That's music to the ears for those who like their horses to travel with a bit of zip, and there's plenty of pace to go around on today's Exeter racecard.
Haldon Hill's been kind to us punters over the years, and with the ground riding faster than it has in weeks, we should be in for some proper sport. The feature race is the £15,000 Fakenham Silver Cup at 4:15, and by Jaysus, it's got more twists than a Cork country road.
The Main Event: Fakenham Silver Cup Handicap Hurdle
The headline act is Cinammon Coco, and at just four years old with a rating of 124, David Pipe's charge looks the business on paper. Conor Ring takes the ride, and this lad's been flying lately. The worry? Well, he's giving lumps of weight away to some seasoned campaigners who know every trick in the book.
Bluegrass catches the eye at 121 and sports both the course and distance winner's badge - always a telling sign around Exeter's unique undulations. Charlie Hammond knows this track like the back of his hand, and Stuart Edmunds has his string in cracking form. At seven years old, this fellow's entering his prime jumping years.
Don't be writing off old Tapley either - nine years young and rated 115, but Isabelle Ryder's 5lb claim brings him right into this. Course and distance winner, and Suzy Smith's horses have been running with real purpose lately. Sometimes experience trumps youth, especially when the ground's good enough for the older legs to show their class.
Early Doors Opportunities
The opener at 12:55 is a right puzzle with just three runners in the Prince Carlton Cup. Brother Boris looks a cut above on ratings at 94, but Mr Cian Murphy in the saddle means we're dealing with amateur ranks. Lucy Wadham's been having a decent season, mind you.
Uncle Al under Conor Rabbitt could be the value play at 84. Jessica Bedi's horses have been showing improvement, and ten points lower in the ratings might not tell the full story. Sometimes it's not about the highest number, but who's moving in the right direction.
The Robert Case Memorial Maiden Hurdle at 1:35 has Mister Ursus as the standout on a mark of 112. Olly Murphy's having another stellar season, and Kevin Brogan rarely gets these big rides without good reason. Hans Lippershey for Ben Case is interesting too - Harry Bannister booking suggests they mean business.
Mares' Races and Hidden Gems
The ladies get two chances to shine today, and both mares' contests look competitive affairs. In the 2:14 chase qualifier for the Queen Boudicca Series, ratings suggest little between the top three. Jamaicaine, Where's Cato, and Gotthereintheend are all bunched on 102-103, which usually means we're in for a proper scrap.
Where's Cato brings both course and distance form to the table, and that's not to be sniffed at around Exeter's demanding chase course. The turns come up quick here, and local knowledge counts for plenty.
Later in the day, the 3:34 mares' hurdle sees Graecia top-rated at 100 for Charlie Longsdon. She's a course winner which gives her a significant edge. Ghost Dancing represents Alan King and catches the eye as a four-year-old still learning her trade but with obvious ability.
Going Conditions: The Great Leveller
Here's where it gets interesting - this Good ground with soft patches is going to sort the wheat from the chaff. The recent vertidrain work means the surface should be fair and consistent, which tends to favour horses with genuine ability over those who rely on testing conditions to level the playing field.
For the staying chases, this ground should allow the better jumpers to build rhythm and momentum. In the hurdle races, expect to see more tactical speed coming into play, especially over the shorter trips.
The hunters' chase finale at 4:50 over three miles will test stamina reserves, but on this ground, class should tell. Bowtogreatness tops the ratings and represents the pointing Peters family operation that knows how to win these grassroots events.
Tom's Verdict: The Ones to Follow
Right, here's where I nail my colours to the mast. Cinammon Coco in the feature race has too much class for this field, despite the weight. The ground's perfect for his style, and Pipe's juveniles often improve rapidly through the season.
Bluegrass is the each-way play in the same race - course and distance form plus Hammond's local knowledge makes him a solid proposition at likely odds.
Earlier in the day, Mister Ursus should take care of the maiden hurdle business, while Graecia looks the pick of the mares with that crucial course-winning experience.
For the brave punters, Uncle Al in the opener could provide some early fireworks at a decent price. Sometimes the second-string runners surprise when the pressure's off.
There you have it - seven chances to get it right at Exeter on Friday the 13th. The ground's fair, the racing should be honest, and there's enough quality on show to make it worth your while. Just remember, even the best-laid plans can go awry when the tape goes up. That's what makes this game so bloody addictive!
