Racecards
14:10 Exeter
Dean & Dyball Conditional Jockeys' Selling Handicap Hurdle (Class G)
- 5 Runners
- Distance: 2m 3f
- Going: Good to Firm
- Form 3P1061
- Age 4
- Weight 12-3
held up towards rear, headway approaching 5th, chased leader, ridden every chance when rider lost whip, bend approaching 3 out, soon beaten
- Form FP3U62
- Age 5
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer M C Pipe
- Jockey N Kavanagh
held up last, joined leaders 5th, ridden and weakened after 7th, soon no chance
- Form 221221
- Age 6
- Weight 11-8
- Trainer Ian Williams
- Jockey W A Worthington
chased leader, led on 5th, quickened clear 3 out, unchallenged
- Form P-5P043
- Age 6
- Weight 10-13
prominent, ridden 5th, weakened 6th, soon behind
- Form 000-F53
- Age 9
- Weight 10-0
- Trainer N G Ayliffe
- Jockey Dave Crosse
led until ridden and headed 5th, soon weakened
In depth
Verdict
A small but competitive field goes to post for the first on the card but the principals look to be Mantilla, L'Etang Bleu and Royal Prodigy and we will take a chance on Mantilla. The gelding from the Ian Williams yard won well last time out when defeating Grey Ciseaux and although he is taking a drop in distance here he has plenty of pace and that should not bother him. L'Etang Bleu rates the main danger as he was a fair second behind his stablemate Royal Prodigy last time but should gain revenge on that rival here as he is much better off at the weights. Of the remainder, Indian Beat could go well off a lowly mark but he is still a maiden so the confident vote goes to Mantilla.