4 Runners At Exeter

There are three meetings taking place this afternoon with all of the action coming over the sticks at Bangor, Exeter and Ayr.  The going at Exeter today is soft (good/soft in places), whilst Bangor and Ayr are both currently heavy.  It sounds obvious, but if you are thinking of having a wager, make sure that your selection is going to handle a bit of cut in the ground.  David has four runners today at Exeter; Mrs Miggins, Midnight Magic, Nordic Combined and Queens Cave (pictured above on the gallops).

Mrs Miggins contests the 2m7f conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle at 12.55pm.  She has been in good form this term, winning at Uttoxeter in June before finishing runner-up at the same track over today's distance.  She is 1lb higher than last time, but has had a little break since then and should be well suited by conditions.  She should go well once again and Lorcan Williams is in the saddle.

Midnight Magic runs in the 3m handicap chase and he has improved for the switch to fences, not finishing out of the first two in his last five starts and winning at Wincanton in October.  The trouble is, he has been creeping up the weights as a consequence and is now 9lbs higher than when successful.  He may also prefer a quicker surface, but if he handles it he should be thereabouts once again under regular rider David Noonan.

Nordic Combined runs in the 2m2f handicap hurdle at 3.40pm and he ran a very good race when a close third in a Listed Ascot handicap hurdle last time.  He also had some very good form in novices' events last season and is only 1lbs higher today than last time.  Today's conditions should suit and he looks to have an excellent chance under Tom Scudamore.

Queens Cave contests the mares' novices' hurdle at 4.10pm.  She looked very smart in bumpers last year and put up an extremely promising reappearance at Chepstow behind subsequent winner Silver Forever at Chepstow and that represents the best form on offer here.  A reappearance of that performance will make her very hard to beat under Tom Scudamore.

I see that Michael O'Leary has given his reasons to the Racing Post about why Davy Russell is not riding his horses at present despite the injury of Jack Kennedy.  Even so, he states that he would ride Tiger Roll in the National were he to run, although the chances of that are between 'slim and none'.  I find that quite extraordinary...why on earth would you deny him the chance of becoming the first horse to win three consecutive Grand Nationals?  He suggests the weight could be an issue, but when you are at the head of the handicap in the National you will either have your weight compressed to allow more horses in at the bottom of the weights (meaning that he would be 'well-in') or more horses will be out of the handicap - either way it is win/win scenario.  I would be amazed if he does not turn up at Aintree in April.

The eleven offenders who were responsible for the unsightly brawls at Goodwood last year have been jailed for 9 years and given lifetime bans from British racecourses.  Good job too - there is no place for this sort of thing at the races where people (including families with children) go to have an enjoyable time.

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There is EFL football action to look forward to tonight and there is a big game for local team Exeter City as they take on Premiership side West Ham.  Meanwhile, there is also something of a local derby taking place with Bristol Rovers facing Swindon.

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Why was the snowman looking through a bag of carrots?  He was picking his nose!

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