Hi all,
After two none runners on Wednesday I have a couple of selections in this afternoon’s Devon National at Exeter.
Exeter
3:50 – Virgin Bet Devon National Handicap Chase (Class 3) – 3m 6 ½ f
A field of 13 are set to meet the starter for this marathon contest.
Wayfinder was a 12-length runner-up to recent Sandown winner Dr Kananga at Chepstow last time. He finished clear of the rest that day and 8-year-old and ran like he can improve for the step up in trip.
Pemberley, a winner on his second start after an 11-month absence at Warwick in December has since finished runner-up in the Sussex National at Plumpton and was making steady progress from the rear when falling three out in the Surrey National. He’s got be respected for the inform Emma Lavelle yard.
Who’s In The Box was below his best on his first three starts this season. However, he was well backed before the North Yorkshire Grand National at Catterick (16/5 favourite). The market anticipated a much better run and they got it as the 8-year-old finished a 4 ¾ length 3rd of 8 to. The winner of last season’s Lincolnshire National, off 3lb lower, is on a competitive mark and softer ground will suit him.
Samuel Jackson won this race 12 months ago and can race off the same mark today. A good 3rd of 8 at Bangor on his seasonal return before suffering an overreach here on his next start. In better form when a 6 ½ length 4th of 15 to The Galloping Bear in the Surrey National Last time. This has likely been the 10-year-old target all season.
Classic Bear and The Two Amigos haven’t enjoyed victory for a long time but they are weighted to be contenders. Classic Ben has gone three years since tasting success. The 9-year-old was in the lead when falling three out here last month. It was too far from the finish to say that he would have won but he was still going well at the time. Slight question mark over stamina but respected.
The Two Amigos has also gone over three years since his last win. However, he has run plenty of good races in the meantime, including when 3-length 2nd of 18 in last seasons Welsh Grand National. Now 8lb lower. A well beaten 2nd of 7 at Haydock last time but he’s down in class here and the previous C&D winner’s stamina is guaranteed. Too well treated to ignore despite his yards form.
Verdict: Of the less exposed horses Pemberley has claims. Last year’s winner Samuel Jackson is respected in his bid for back-to-back wins in the race. Who’s In The Box stays well, is on a competitive mark and has each way claims. Hard to split Classic Ben & The Two Amigos but the latter’s guaranteed stamina just edges it for me.
1pt win – The Two Amigos – 10/1 @ Bet365 or 8/1- Gen
0.5pts each way – Who’s In The Box – 14/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes (both paying 4 places 1/5 odds)
Cheers
John