14:00 Exeter

Leg 1 Selections: Cap Du Mathan, Lac De Constance

The opener should be a good match-up between Dan Skelton and Paul Nicholls. CAP DU MATHAN got off the mark at the fourth time of asking over fences at Taunton last month, where he jumped well, and made all. He should go well for the champion trainer.

LAC DE CONSTANCE was unbeaten over hurdles last season and returned an impressive winner on his chase debut. He was still in contention when he unseated his rider in a Grade 2 next time and could get back on track here with the potential to rank higher. 

14:30 Exeter

Leg 2 Selections: The Carpenter

Nicky Henderson’s THE CARPENTER has a sizeable absence to overcome but he made a promising debut when second in a Navan Bumper back in March nearly two years ago.

Given the winner is now rated 135+, the form has a solid feel about it. He makes his stable for his powerful handler and, if he’s street-wise enough on his return, he should take some beating here. 

15:00 Exeter

Leg 3 Selections: Kissesforkatie, Kapga De Lily 

KISSESFORKATIE has developed into a consistent mare, who’s yet to finish outside the top two in all completed starts in the last twelve months as well. Her second to Pic D’Orhy on her chase debut reads well and she has since won and finished second in her two outings. She comes out best on these terms and is the one to beat with more to offer. 

KAPGA DE LILY made a winning return last season and stayed on strongly to finish a close-up third behind the bang in-form Certainly Red at Wincanton when last spotted. She is back up in grade here but she should be able to build on that latest eye-catching display and might emerge as the danger to the favourite. 

15:30 Exeter

Leg 4 Selections: Luccia

It is great to see the Nicky Henderson-trained LUCCIA back in action, who has so far looked an excellent prospect. She has won all three starts to date and bolted up in a pair of Listed events the last twice, including on hurdles debut at Newbury last time. 

With more to come, she should have little difficulty remaining unbeaten before potentially heading for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival next month. 

16:00 Exeter

Leg 5 Selections: Walking On Air, Espoir De Romay

WALKING ON AIR won on his hurdles debut and despite being pulled up in a Grade 1 next time, he has run well in both starts this season. The six-year-old is only a pound higher than last time and should go close here. 

ESPOIR DE ROMAY was pulled up over fences last time but is rated much lower over hurdles compared to his chase mark and has a chance on his return despite his big weight from a fair mark. 

16:30 Exeter

Leg 6 Selections: Run To Milan, Elegant Escape 

RUN TO MILAN took this twelve months ago from a five-pounds higher mark and has put together two solid placed efforts the last twice, including in the big Veteran’s event at Sandown when last spotted. He gets weight from all of his rivals and has been given an excellent chance by the assessor. 

ELEGANT ESCAPE has been below form the last twice but is a course-and-distance winner and is five-pounds below his last winning mark, so he is handicapped to have a big say if able to get back on form here.