Hi all,

Inside today’s main piece I preview couple of decent looking handicap chases on Friday afternoon.

Exeter’s Virgin Bet Devon National Handicap Chase (3:15) and Warwick’s Feldon Dunsmore Budbrooke Handicap Chase (3:00) are Friday’s feature races.  

Exeter

3:15 – Virgin Bet Devon National Handicap Chase

Its good ground for this 3m 6 ½ f marathon race. Normally run on soft or even heavy ground. You must go back to 2013 for the last time the race was run on as quick ground as today.

It looks like 2021 winner Samuel Jackson is now a non-runner. It’s a shame he won’t be in the line-up as I liked his claims. His defection means we’re left with just nine runners.

The return to Exeter will suit Raddon Top who disappointed at Chepstow earlier this month. Normally consistent, he’ll bounce back sooner rather than later but I wonder if there will be enough juice in the ground for him. If he handles the ground this thorough stayer has solid claims.

No issues with good ground for Gazette Bourgeoise. The mare is a four race maiden over fences but she’s on a handy mark if she stays today’s marathon trip.

The Macon Lugnatic looks well treated but he’s hardly known for his consistency and is another with stamina to prove.

Premier D'troice stays 3m 2f well but today’s extra 4 ½ furlongs asks another stamina question of the 9-year-old. Not been at his best on four starts since returning from a break in November. Needs to bounce back from a poor effort at Chepstow three weeks ago. However, he’s now 2lb below his last winning mark which also came on good ground.

Warwick

3:00 – Feldon Dunsmore Budbrooke Handicap Chase

The ground at Warwick like Exeter is being described as good.  A field of nine are set to the meet the starter for this 2m 4f Class 3 handicap chase.  And you can give most of them some sort of chance.

Winning hurdler In Excelsis Deo made a winning chase/stable debut at Hereford in December. He jumped well for novice at Hereford and although he has a 9lb rise to contend with he’s open to plenty more improvement over the larger obstacles. This will be the quickest ground he’s encountered but if he handles it will take some stopping.

Iron Bridge made an impressive successful chase debut at Carlisle before a poor run at Chepstow. Back to winning ways in a match at Haydock 56-days ago. Another capable of better in the sphere.

Galahad Quest is a consistent handicap chaser but doesn't find winning easy. Back to his best when runner-up at Wincanton last month. Not handicapped out of this and the application of the first time cheekpieces could make a difference.

Unlike some of her rivals Precious Eleanor will love the ground. The previous C&D winner ran better than her 16 length 3^rd of 16 to Il Ridoto in a better race at Cheltenham last month suggests. The ground was softer than she would have preferred last time, and she can go close here.

Winning hurdler Bowtogreatness has shaped well on his three starts over fences. Looks on a winnable mark but I’m not sure he wants the ground to quick.

Venetia Williams won this race 12 months ago and she saddles Enzo D'Airy.  A winner at Chepstow on his seasonal return. The 9-year-old was back to form when runner-up at Lingfield 24-days ago. Vulnerable to improvers like In Excelsis Deo and Iron Bridge but not discounted.

Friday selection:

In Excelsis Deo impressed when winning his chase debut but he's unproven on today's ground. There are no going concerns for Precious Eleanor and that could tilt the race in her favour.

I'm off to Exeter and the Devon National for today's selection. The absence of Samuel Jackson means I'm going to take a chance on the outsider Premier D'troice. Granted his stamina isn't guaranteed and he needs to bounce back to form but will like the ground and can get into the places.

Exeter

3:15 – Premier D'troice – 11/1 @ Bet365.

Good luck with your Friday bets.

John