Devon Drama Unfolds on Friday Afternoon
What a cracking afternoon we had down at Exeter! The Devon track served up a proper feast of National Hunt action with seven races that had everything from novice thrills to seasoned campaigners showing their class. The good to soft ground played fair after that vertidrain work a fortnight ago, and the atmosphere was electric from the first race onwards.
This wasn't just your run-of-the-mill Friday card. We had quality lurking throughout the afternoon, headlined by that tasty Class 3 Fakenham Silver Cup Handicap Hurdle that drew some seriously talented performers. But more on that gem later!
Feature Race Sets The Standard
The £15,000 Fakenham Silver Cup Handicap Hurdle at 4:15pm was the jewel in the crown, and what a field they assembled! Bluegrass went off as the talking horse, and rightly so with Charlie Hammond in the plate and a rating of 121 that screams class.
But this wasn't a one-horse show by any stretch. Cinammon Coco brought the highest rating at 124 with Rian Corcoran doing the steering, while Tom Bellamy's mount Nap Hand looked a serious player at 115. The beauty of this race was the competitive nature – you could make a case for half the field!
Jack Andrews had a live one in Takeit Easy, a horse that's been knocking on the door lately and looked well-handicapped off 107. These are the types that can spring surprises when the big guns are expected to dominate.
Ones To Follow From The Supporting Cast
The supporting races threw up some absolute gems for the notebook. That Robert Case Memorial Maiden Hurdle had me reaching for my pen more than once. Mister Ursus with Kevin Brogan caught my eye immediately – a rating of 112 in maiden company suggests serious ability waiting to be unleashed.
Hans Lippershey is another name to file away. Harry Bannister knows his way around this track, and a 107-rated horse in maiden company screams 'ready to strike'. These are the types that can graduate quickly through the ranks once they get their heads in front.
In the mares' division, Jamaicaine looked the part in that birthday celebration chase. Conor O'Farrell's partnership with this 103-rated mare could bear fruit sooner rather than later. The Queen Boudicca Mares' Chase Series qualifier angle adds extra spice – connections will have bigger targets in mind.
Don't sleep on Ghost Dancing either. Tom Bellamy's booking in the 3:34 mares' hurdle suggests confidence, and this 99-rated performer looks capable of better things on the right day.
Jockey Combinations Worth Watching
Charlie Hammond was busy throughout the afternoon, and his association with both Always Stronger in the maiden hurdle and Bluegrass in the feature suggests he fancied his chances. Hammond's been in cracking form lately, and trainers don't put him up without good reason.
The Bellamy brothers – Tom on Nap Hand and Ghost Dancing – brought serious intent to proceedings. When the Bellamys are confident enough to take multiple rides on a card, you know they've spotted something.
Conor O'Farrell's double booking on Jamaicaine and Inappropriate caught my attention too. This jockey doesn't waste his time on no-hopers, and both mounts looked to have realistic chances in competitive heats.
Looking Ahead: Where Next?
Several of today's performers will be worth following as the season progresses. Bluegrass, assuming he ran to expectations, could be aimed at some of the better handicap hurdles through the spring. That 121 rating opens doors to some tasty prizes.
The maiden hurdle graduates will be fascinating to follow. Whoever came out on top from that Robert Case Memorial will likely be fast-tracked to better company – that's the nature of horses rated over 100 in maiden events.
For the mares, the Queen Boudicca Series provides a clear pathway. Jamaicaine and her rivals from today's qualifier could well meet again at a bigger track with more prize money on offer.
The hunter chase brigade deserve respect too. Bowtogreatness with that 125 rating could pop up in some decent point-to-point prizes, while Janika looks a mare going places with the right handling.
Friday's Final Verdict
What a way to kick off the weekend! Today's Exeter card delivered exactly what we want from National Hunt racing – competitive fields, progressive types, and enough talking horses to keep us busy until the next meeting.
The feature race lived up to its billing, the supporting cast threw up several future winners, and the whole afternoon had that special buzz you only get when quality meets opportunity. Mark your cards for the names mentioned today – they'll be popping up again soon, and probably at shorter odds!
Roll on next week's action. If today was anything to go by, we're in for a cracking spring of National Hunt racing. The West Country tracks always deliver when it matters, and Exeter proved once again why it's such a favorite among the jumping fraternity.
