Our resident pundit fancies a Michael Blake-trained runner in Exeter's concluding contest.
4.10 Kempton
MIRACLE NINETYNINE (best price 6-1) ran a promising race on his first outing for new connections at Chelmsford last time out and given that he’s entitled to come on considerable for that run, it makes perfect sense to expect another positive display. Formerly with John Feane in Ireland, the Big Bad Bob gelding found himself towards the rear of the field in the early stages at the Essex venue, but finishing with a good degree of gusto late on, he picked up the pieces to finish a never-nearer third at the line. Although the race in question wasn’t a massive number on the figures, it was still a solid one with regards to useful track form and with tonight’s slightly stronger straight likely to play into his strengths (well suited by Dundalk’s three furlong home run), Ed Vaughan’s charge makes plenty of each-way appeal.
4.20 Exeter
COOLE CODY (NAP) (best price 7-2) put up a brave fight against a very talented novice in the shape of Neon Wolf here last time out and a repeat of that performance will surely be good enough to ensure Michael Blake’s charge has a large say in this similar contest. Racing in the first-time hood, the son of Dubai Destination set off to make the running in usual fashion, but unlike his previous effort at Uttoxeter, he maintained a solid gallop all the way to the line. Although he had to eventually play second fiddle to Harry Fry’s charge in the latter stages, he still had enough in the tank to finish well clear of the remainder and with the time figure being the best furlong-per-furlong number on the card, the six-year-old has a fine chance of breaking the maiden tag under rules returning to the scene of that performance.
