12.55pm Exeter Tips & Betting Preview 02/12/2016

This has the make-up of a good little race for the Grade as 10 go to post for the £15,640 prize. Read on for our experts’ thoughts and betting tips.

IN SUMMARY: Andy Kelly looked good when winning at Plumpton last year and had been off a year before unshipping his rider at Kempton 11 days ago. He can resume his progress here if keeping it together but he may have to play second fiddle to PRESENT MAN. He idled up the run-in when just winning at Ascot last time out and should know more today whilst his yard continue in top form. Uhlan Bute would be dangerous to discount if able to complete a clear round today.

1 Present Man – Hit the crossbar a few times over Hurdles but has won two out of his last three starts over Fences. He won comfortably when a well-backed favourite at Wincanton in October scoring by 4 ½ lengths and then unseated at the same track 22 days later. Got up to win by a neck on his latest start at Ascot and probably would have won by further if not for idling on the run-in. Up 7lb today and should go well under Jack Sherwood.

2 Opening Batsman – Won back-to-back races at Wincanton and Fontwell in Spring 2015 but has been hit-and-miss since then. Was a decent third at Kempton two starts back but could only manage a well-beaten fifth on return at Sandown. On a handy mark and yard going well but may find this trip a bit too sharp for now.

3 Always On The Run – Has been in fine form for Tom George so far over Fences winning 3 of his first 4 starts earlier this year. Only eighth of 14 at Chepstow on seasonal re-appearance and a fair fourth of 4 runners last time out at Towcester. Needs to put those behind him here and has the ability so not discounted.

4 Dark Flame – Won an Irish Point race and showed decent enough form over Hurdles including a win at Ascot in April. Won a decent Handicap Chase at Sandown on seasonal bow beating the favourite More Buck’s from the Paul Nicholls yard by 8 lengths. Should win more races this term but may find one or two too good today.

5 Templestatefloresco – Won three Points and made a winning start in a Handicap Chase at Newton Abbott in August. Hasn’t really kicked on since then including a faller last time out Cheltenham and looks an iffy jumper. Has a tough mark to contend with today and others looks more persuasive.

6 Andy Kelly – Won nicely at Plumpton last October getting up to score by 6 lengths but has had his issues since and managed to unseat his rider at Kempton 11 days ago. Hard to know what to expect here and market vibes would be positive.

7 Wishing And Hoping – Won a Bumper in good style two years ago and manage to score back-to-back victories last Autumn at Plumpton and then Ascot by short margins. A decent second on Chased debut at Plumpton in October but fell next time out at Plumpton on latest start. Remains of some interest here but did take a heavy fall and better to look elsewhere today.

8 Exmoor Mist – Claimed back-to-back victories in Handicaps at Leicester and Newbury this time last year but pulled up when last seen at Wincanton in April. Both of those wins were visually impressive but he has been an unreliable jumper since then and this test could come too soon for him against these.

9 Uhlan Bute – Won very nicely at Bangor on return last year and was unfortunate to unseat his rider when going well three out at Kempton 11 days ago. On the same mark today and if he’s in the same mood he could be a dangerous player here.

10 Headly’s Bridge – Won here two years ago but has been woefully out of form since. 11lb lower here today than that last win and a return to winning form looks doubtful today.