Course Conditions Set Fair for Quality Action
Sunday's six-race card at Exeter looks a cracking afternoon's sport on what should be ideal jumping ground. The going description of good, good to firm in places tells you everything - lovely ground with no jar but quick enough to favour the sharper types. I've seen plenty of false favourites come unstuck when Exeter rides faster than expected, so those ratings need reading with care today.
The £15,000 Prince of Wales Cup takes top billing as the only Class 3 contest, but there's competitive handicap action throughout the card. With 28 runners across six races, punters won't be short of angles to work.
Prince of Wales Cup the Feature Attraction
The 4:37 Prince of Wales Cup Handicap Chase over two and a half miles represents the day's feature, and it's a proper puzzle. Coastguard Station tops the weights on 124 but brings solid course and distance form to the table. At ten, Henry Oliver's charge knows his job and the faster ground won't inconvenience him.
Hurricane Bay arrives on the same mark having won here in February. Lucy Wadham's veteran has thrived at this track and Tom Cannon's booking suggests connections fancy their chances of following up. The step back up in trip from his last run should suit.
Don't overlook No But I Will from the Julian Smith yard. The nine-year-old is another course winner who's been freshened up since March. Miss Jessica Milly Smith takes the ride and knows the horse well - that 7lb claim could prove crucial in a tight finish.
Handicap Hurdles Offer Competitive Betting
The 4:07 Queens' Dragoon Guards Handicap Hurdle brings together four progressive sorts, with An Bradan Feasa holding obvious claims at the top of the weights. Sean Bowen's presence suggests Jack Jones fancies the six-year-old's chances despite the 116 rating.
Ambiente Friendly represents the in-form James Owen stable and brings course form to the table. At just five, there should be more improvement to come, and Jonathan Burke's booking adds confidence.
In the opening novices' handicap, Madajovy looks the one to beat despite shouldering top weight. Louise Allan's six-year-old has been consistent this season and Jack Quinlan rarely gets it wrong around here. The 100 rating looks fair rather than punitive.
Tuba from the Fergal O'Brien yard brings solid form figures and Fern O'Brien in the saddle. The 8lb gap to the favourite might just be enough on this quicker ground.
Mares and Female Jockeys Add Variety
The 3:05 mares' maiden hurdle sees Dancing Dame as the obvious choice on ratings, but at seven she's getting on for this game. Alibey represents better value as a four-year-old with scope for improvement, and Tabitha Worsley has been riding with confidence lately.
The female jockeys' handicap hurdle closes proceedings, where Nottodaybobo edges the ratings battle. Alice Stevens gets the leg up on Micky Hammond's eight-year-old, who's been running consistently without winning. The longer trip might unlock improvement.
Market House brings course form and looks fairly treated on 98. Miss Gina Andrews has been among the winners recently and James Owen's horses are in good heart.
Ground Conditions Favour the Sharp Types
This quicker ground will play to different horses than we might expect on Exeter's usual testing surface. The course specialists with proven form here gain extra appeal, particularly those who've shown their best on good ground or faster.
In the handicap chases, experience counts for plenty when the ground quickens up. Fences come up faster and jumping needs to be slick. That's why I'm drawn to the older heads like Coastguard Station and Hurricane Bay in the feature.
For the hurdles, the ground should favour those with a bit of pace rather than the pure stayers. Charlie Hammond rides three on the card and knows Exeter like the back of his hand - worth noting for the in-running punter.
Best Bets and Ones to Watch
My banker of the day is Hurricane Bay in the Prince of Wales Cup. The ten-year-old has course-winning form, handles the ground and Tom Cannon's booking screams confidence. At around 3/1, he represents solid each-way value in what looks a competitive renewal.
For a bigger price, Ambiente Friendly in the 4:07 handicap hurdle appeals at around 4/1. James Owen's five-year-old is still learning his trade but showed plenty when winning at Wincanton last time. The step back to two miles on quicker ground could unlock further improvement.
In the female jockeys' race, Market House looks overpriced at early 7/2. The six-year-old has solid course form and Miss Gina Andrews is riding with confidence. The 98 rating looks workable in this company.
Check the full Exeter racecard for latest prices and non-runner updates. With good ground and competitive fields, Sunday's card should provide plenty of entertainment for the Westcountry faithful.
