Hi all,
There are decent looking jumps cards at Exeter and Doncaster this afternoon and that means a couple of selections for you today. The best-looking race at the latter track is the Class 3 Sky Bet Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (1:40).
Doncaster
1:40 – Sam Barton won a maiden hurdle race here (soft) in February. Looking like a nice chasing prospect last season. He hasn’t done well on either start over fences in the autumn but has had wind surgery since disappointing at Market Rasen in November. Capable of better and this could be the day it all comes right for him over the larger obstacles.
At the prices though he doesn’t offer as much value as Our Power. The 7-year-old got off the mark over fences at the second attempt at Wincanton last month. He showed a good attitude to hold off Jacamar on the run-in. The runner-up has gone onto win at Kempton over Christmas so the form looks solid enough. That Wincanton success came on good ground but he had form on soft ground over hurdles.
Granted Our Power doesn’t have the scope of a Sam Barton over the fences. But he has the form in the book that should make him a bit shorter than his rival.
1pt win – Our Power – 5/1 – Gen
Exeter
2:30 – A Class 3 handicap chase and the best race on the Exeter card. Morning Spirit heads the early betting after his recent 1 ¾ length 2nd of 17 over C&D last month. He’s in form and if in the same form as last time he’s the one to beat.
Musical Slave takes a drop-in class for his first start since May and looks to be starting the season on a good handicap mark. However, he’s had a wind op since his last run and his jumping has tended to let him down in the past. If he can cut out the mistakes he can win.
Classic Ben is another who’s dropped down to a good mark. However, he’s not won since February 2019 and better could have been expected when well beaten on his seasonal reappearance here when well behind Morning Spirit. Best run did come over C&D on his seasonal return last season when 2nd of 18.
Musical Slave to gain a second success over fences.
1pt win – Musical Slave – 11/2 @ Bet365 or 5/1 – Gen
0.5pts win – Classic Ben – 8/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
Cheers
John