UK Horse Racing Tips: Exeter

SASSIFIED made it three wins from his last four starts when staying on to score over 2m3f at Fontwell earlier in the month and and a 4lb rise for that victory may not be enough to prevent this progressive five-year-old from going in again today. Lady Gwen only missed out by half a length off 1lb lower at Worcester last time and another bold bid is expected from Kim Bailey's mare, while Pittsburg completes the shortlist after a string of good efforts in defeat.
Prediction : 1st Sassified 2nd Lady Gwen 3rd Pittsburg

SHERBORNE blew away the cobwebs with a spin over hurdles 22 days ago and looks well treated in relation to his mark over timber now switched back to fences, especially with Freddie Gingell taking 7lb off in the saddle. Neigh Botha represents a yard in flying form and ran well enough when third off 1lb higher last time to be considered, while Stroll On By has slipped to a fair rating and warrants respect.
Prediction : 1st Sherborne 2nd Neigh Botha 3rd Stroll On By

Northern Poet is sure to be popular in his bid for a four-timer but a 9lb rise for his most recent success makes life tougher and slight preference is for SNIPE. Dan Skelton's gelding won with much more in hand than the margin would suggest on his chasing debut at Southwell three weeks ago and he has scope for plenty of improvement in this sphere, so he's taken to defy a 6lb hike in the ratings. Copperhead has filled the runner-up spot the last twice and he can have his say again.
Prediction : 1st Snipe 2nd Northern Poet 3rd Copperhead

GO TO WAR, a half-brother to useful hurdler Flight Deck, finished a creditable eighth in a Grade 2 bumper at Aintree when last seen. Fergal O'Brien's charge might prefer further in time, but this looks a suitable starting point over hurdles and he gets the vote. Stratford bumper winner Westerninthepark was behind in 12th that day so it would be no surprise were he to go well. Mikimoto and King Of The Lake are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Go To War 2nd Westerninthepark 3rd Mikimoto

In an open heat, it might be worth taking a chance on ITSO FURY. The gelded son of Fame And Glory competed in a couple of warm staying events at the back end of last season, and this drop in class could see him post an improved effort. The Imposter has won six of his last seven starts and he might have more in the locker, while Gentleman Valley would also hold solid claims if able to put a recent fall behind him.
Prediction : 1st Itso Fury 2nd The Imposter 3rd Gentleman Valley

Petticoat Lucy stayed on to win well when stepped up to 2m5f at Newton Abbot in May but the drop back in trip and a subsequent layoff might be enough to prevent her from defying a 6lb rise. With that in mind, the vote goes to SURTITLE, who bumped into a useful sort when second in his bid for a double at Uttoxeter in June and returns off the same mark for a yard in good form. Midnight Midge won a three-runner contest on his latest outing in March and warrants respect off 1lb higher.
Prediction : 1st Surtitle 2nd Petticoat Lucy 3rd Midnight Midge

With no form to go on, the market may prove the best guide to these newcomers but there is plenty to like about the chances of SORCELEUR. He cost 35,000 euros and represents an in-form yard with a fine strike-rate at this venue over the last five years, so it would be no surprise to see him make a winning start. The David Pipe-trained Marrakushi is closely related to a few winners and the 30,000-pound purchase must be respected, along with Mapogo and Caustic, who cost 75,000gns.
Prediction : 1st Sorceleur 2nd Marrakushi 3rd Caustic