The penultimate race on Exeter’s card is an interesting staying handicap hurdle. See our betting tips below in the full race preview where we focus on an old timer who is finally getting on the good side of the handicapper.
IN SUMMARY: Mighty Leader ran well yesterday at this trip at Hereford and Absolutely Bygones has been pointing since a decent spell under rules. However, the old timer PHARE ISLE has been facing quite a scrap with the handicapper since winning twice in the spring of 2015, and after some decent runs this year the handicapper is relenting. His time may well be near and could be the one to side with today.
1 MONKHOUSE – Has posted some decent efforts over hurdles and was disappointing when trying chasing at Southwell latest (2m7f, Good). Doesn’t seem particularly well handicapped on previous efforts and might be facing a tough battle today.
2 MIGHTY LEADER – Stays well and posted two solid efforts at this trip previously, latest at Hereford yesterday (2m7f, Good). From previous evidence the gap between races shouldn’t be too much of a concern and should run well as he’s decently weighted.
3 PHARE ISLE – Has been facing an uphill battle with the handicapper since winning two staying hurdles back in 2015. Has posted some solid efforts this year however and the handicapper has started to relent. With Kendrick taking off 7lb he may well manage to finally notch up another win.
4 MOTHER MELDRUM – Completed a double at this track in Novice sellers, the latest of which is heavy ground over 2m2f back in March. That form is solid in the context of this race and is still relatively lightly raced, so there could be more to come. Place claims.
5 ABSOLUTELY BYGONES – Boasts solid C&D form last year and has gone pointing since, with an encouraging 2nd latest. Seems well handicapped but would prefer the ground much softer, which is a concern.
6 KID KALANISI – Had some encouraging early form with Dan Skelton but never really went on from that and hasn’t really posted any inspiring efforts since. Has stamina to prove at this trip and doesn’t appeal much.
7 PANIS ANGELICUS – Was decent at best on the flat and initially took to hurdling well with some solid efforts in defeat and notched up two wins along the way. Hasn’t been firing this year however and is doubtful to stay this trip.
myracing Forecast Prices: 2/1 Absolutely Bygones, 11/4 Mighty Leader, 4/1 Monkhouse, 9/2 Mother Meldrum, 5/1 Phare Isle, 8/1 Kid Kalanisi, 12/1 Panis Angelicus