UK Horse Racing Tips: Exeter

VINCENZO's stamina looked to give way late on when he weakened into third over an extended 2m3f in a deeper race at Ascot and, tackling a shorter trip with his sights lowered, he gets the vote to open his account. Intrepide Sud showed enough ability in bumpers to suggest that he can be competitive in a race of this nature and after a satisfactory debut over timber recently, better can be expected with that outing under his belt. Rangatira Jack also warrants consideration on the back of a Wincanton third.
Prediction : 1st Vincenzo 2nd Intrepide Sud 3rd Rangatira Jack

Punters will need to be in a forgiving mood to side with JOHNNY BLUE, but it might pay to do so. Nicky Henderson's charge was last seen finishing down the field over 2m3f at Fontwell in January but, prior to that, he was an excellent second to a useful rival over 2m at Hereford and as long as he arrives in similar form, he can take the gold medal. Dunbulcan Bay could only manage fifth in a bumper here in November, but better is expected on his hurdles bow. The more experienced Lost In The Mist completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Johnny Blue 2nd Dunbulcan Bay 3rd Lost In The Mist

PADDY IN THE CADDY got off the mark when pitched into handicap company for the first time at Huntingdon and having been nudged up 4lb, the suspicion is that there is more winning to be done before the handicapper has his measure. Soir De Gala looks the main danger on the strength of his comfortable victory over an extended 2m at Taunton last week, although a 7lb penalty may make life tougher. The unexposed Hillsin also merits consideration on just his second start for this stable, and his first since undergoing a breathing operation.
Prediction : 1st Paddy In The Caddy 2nd Soir De Gala 3rd Hillsin

THURLEY has been sent off at big odds for all of his four hurdle starts, but he showed glimpses of ability when fourth on his debut and on his latest outing at Wincanton. The five-year-old is fancied to step forward now he enters the handicap ranks and can capitalise on an opening mark of 97. The main threat might be Bullets Hill, who competed in Graded company last year but found his level when third at Uttoxeter last time. Can't Say and Miss Hunky Dory are others to note.
Prediction : 1st Thurley 2nd Bullets Hill 3rd Cant Say

COOLEENYMORE bolted up by 17 lengths over fences here earlier in the month and she switches back to this sphere, which could prove a shrewd move. Robert Walford's eight-year-old is in great heart and looks the way to go, with her main danger possibly Just In A Bit after his third at Wetherby. Ithaka makes some appeal after outrunning his odds to hit the frame at Taunton, and handicap debutant Kick Up A Storm is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Cooleenymore 2nd Just In A Bit 3rd Ithaka

DUNSTALL RAMBLER still held every chance when falling at the last on his chasing debut at Huntingdon and he may have been a tad unfortunate to go up 4lb for that display. However, Tom George's charge could have plenty of improvement in him so he can make amends. Hidalgo Des Bordes showed a lot more ability on his most recent effort over hurdles at Plumpton and it will be interesting to see how he fares in a first-time tongue-tie on his chase/handicap bow. Samtara is another to watch out for.
Prediction : 1st Dunstall Rambler 2nd Hidalgo Des Bordes 3rd Samtara

After beating a subsequent Listed winner in an Irish point-to-point, KINGSTON PRIDE changed hands for 200,000 euros but had to settle for second when sent off at odds-on for a bumper at Lingfield's Winter Million fixture. That form was given a massive boost when the winner went close in a Grade 2 at Aintree last weekend, and a race such as this should be within range for Nicky Henderson's five-year-old. Musselburgh scorer Wicked Thoughts has to give him 7lb, so Kap Ouest might be a bigger threat after his third at Chepstow back in October.
Prediction : 1st Kingston Pride 2nd Kap Ouest 3rd Wicked Thoughts

HEARTS CORNER has been progressing well between the flags and handed out a five-length beating to Harbour Queen at Kilworthy, with Grenadine Save fourth and Stadmallen disappointing back in fifth. The seven-year-old would appear to have quite a decent future and can confirm that superiority now racing under Rules. Funky Sensation was pulled up in that point-to-point so Manofmanywords looks the pick of Helen Bament's pair, although both need to raise their games to get anywhere near the selection.
Prediction : 1st Hearts Corner 2nd Harbour Queen 3rd Stadmallen