Proper Monday Entertainment at Exeter

Well now, wasn't that a grand way to spend a Monday afternoon? Exeter served up a proper feast of National Hunt action, and fair play to them - the ground was riding a dream after that weekend vertidrain work. Good going the whole way round, and by Christ, didn't the horses appreciate it? Six races of genuine entertainment, with enough talking points to keep us busy until the weekend.

The Exeter racecard might not have been stuffed with household names, but that's often when you find the real gems, isn't it? And there were plenty of those on show, from progressive novices to wily handicappers plotting their next moves. The kind of Monday card that reminds you why we love this game in the first place.

Sonigino Shows Class in Feature Novice Chase

The standout performance of the day had to be Sonigino in the novices' chase over two and a half miles. Freddie Gingell had the 130-rated gelding travelling like a dream throughout, and when he asked the question turning for home, the response was immediate and emphatic. This lad has all the hallmarks of a proper staying chaser in the making.

What impressed me most wasn't just the winning margin, but the way Sonigino quickened away from his rivals without Gingell having to get serious. That's the mark of a horse with plenty in hand, and with a rating of 130, he's still got room to improve before the handicapper really gets his claws into him. The way he handled Exeter's undulations suggests he'll be even better when stepped up to three miles.

Walking On Air ran a cracker in second, and Kielan Woods gave him a peach of a ride. Don't be writing him off just yet - he's another who'll appreciate a stiffer test of stamina, and there's definitely a race in him before the season's out.

Juvenile Hurdle Throws Up Future Stars

The juvenile maiden hurdle was always going to be about Tralee Girl with her lofty 118 rating, but it was the performance of some of the unrated newcomers that caught the eye. Cotton Socks under Freddie Gingell showed plenty of promise, and you'd have to think this Dan Skelton-trained youngster will be winning races before long.

Winston's Oath was another to note, travelling strongly for Lee Edwards before finding the pace just a bit too hot in the closing stages. That's exactly the kind of run that sets a horse up nicely for next time, and I'd be surprised if we don't see him in the winner's enclosure soon enough.

The beauty of these juvenile contests is you're often watching next season's stars taking their first tentative steps. Mark my words, there'll be a few from this race popping up in better company come the autumn.

Handicap Highlights and Ones to Follow

The opening handicap hurdle was a proper cavalry charge, but it threw up some interesting pointers for the future. Bitsnbuckles and Mermaids Cave both carried the 'D' for disappointing recent form, but both showed enough to suggest their ratings might be becoming workable.

In the mares' handicap hurdle, Four Decades looked progressive under Jack Andrews. This Philip Hobbs-trained mare has been creeping down the weights, and with the going in her favour, she put in the kind of performance that suggests bigger things are on the horizon. The way she stayed on up that Exeter hill was particularly encouraging.

The staying chase over three miles was all about stamina, and Brother Boris under Mr Cian Murphy showed he's still got plenty to offer despite his veteran status. Amateur riders often get the best out of these older campaigners, and this fellow looks like he could pick up another race or two if connections can find the right opportunities.

Speaking of jockeys, wasn't it grand to see Freddie Gingell having such a productive day? The lad's riding with real confidence at the moment, and his partnership with Sonigino looks like one to follow throughout the season. He's got that rare ability to let a horse find its rhythm while keeping them focused on the job at hand.

Harry Skelton was his usual professional self, and you can always rely on him to get the best out of whatever he's riding. The Skelton operation continues to fire on all cylinders, and even their lesser lights often outrun their odds.

The amateur riders deserve a mention too - Mr Cian Murphy continues to show he's one of the best in the pointing ranks, and his feel for pace over the longer trips is second to none.

Looking Ahead: Where Next for the Stars?

So where do we go from here? Sonigino has to be one for the notebook, and I wouldn't be surprised to see connections stepping him up in grade sooner rather than later. There are some lovely staying novice chases coming up over the next few weeks, and he looks ready for better company.

Cotton Socks and Winston's Oath from the juvenile hurdle will likely be back in similar company, but both look capable of winning their maidens before too long. The key will be finding the right opportunities - soft ground for the former, a stiffer test for the latter.

Four Decades in the mares' division could be one for the spring handicaps if she continues on this trajectory. The Hobbs yard knows how to place their horses, and she's got that progressive profile that often leads to a nice touch at rewarding odds.

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable Monday's racing that reminded us why Exeter remains one of the most reliable tracks on the circuit. Roll on the next time!