Nick Scholfield hopes quick return can pay off for in-form Deeper Blue

Tuesday: 3.36 Exeter
Harcombe Handicap Hurdle | 2m2½f | 4yo+ | RTV

Deeper Blue will have a major say in this handicap hurdle if turning out in the same form as when a hugely impressive 30-length winner at Fontwell on Saturday.

His backers will be encouraged that trainer Harry Fry is 2-5 with horses running within seven days of a victory and the drying ground at Exeter will be in his favour.

Prior to Fontwell, Deeper Blue registered a career-best effort on Racing Post Ratings the last time he encountered quick conditions when he was a six-length second to Challow Hurdle winner Stage Star at Chepstow in October.

Deeper Blue might have several pounds in hand, but the same is true for several rivals in opposition.

Sonigino was sent off a 16-5 shot for the same Newbury novice hurdle Chantry House landed a couple of years ago and despite finishing fifth, ran a blinder under a double penalty.

The Paul Nicholls-trained five-year-old cruised into contention approaching the last and mounted his challenge away from where the race developed.

A mark of 121 appears workable, but the concern is whether this strong-travelling type can get home over an extra two furlongs.

Grandeur D'Ame is the other with claims to rate much higher on his handicap debut.

There is no Aucunrisque or Shallwehaveonemore to compete with this time and this unexposed hurdler, who ran in a Listed bumper and the Tolworth last campaign, handles any conditions.

Among those expected to be inconvenienced by the ground drying out are Ballybreeze, easy recent course winner Bluffmeifyoucan, Global Agreement and Smurphy Enki.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

Nick Scholfield, rider of Deeper Blue
He won well at Fontwell on Saturday but now has a penalty to contend with. It's good prize-money and worth taking the chance with Harry Fry's horses being in such good order.

Chris Gordon, trainer of Smurphy Enki
We'll have a look at the ground in the morning as he wouldn't want it to dry out too much. If he does run, he goes there fresh and well with an each-way chance.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Sonigino
He didn't run a bad race at all at Newbury last time under a double penalty in a novice and this looks a nice opportunity for him.

Sue Gardner, trainer of Bluffmeifyoucan
He won well over course-and-distance last time and now goes in his first handicap. He's still got a lot to learn however and may well be a better horse next season.

Sam Drinkwater, trainer of Ballybreeze
He ran really well last time when second at Chepstow and the winner has since boosted the form by finishing third in the Imperial Cup. Providing he settles in the early stages he would have a good chance.

Alan Jones, trainer of Jack's A Legend
He pulled up on particularly testing ground last time but hopefully he will find this surface more suitable. He's previously had a wind operation and recently he's worked better in a tongue-tie, so we're giving that a try.

Milton Harris, trainer of Global Agreement
He's won three races for us this year on slow ground and if it doesn't dry out too much he would have a chance. It's nice prize-money and hopefully we can get some of it.
Reporting by David Milnes

Racing Post Live is your ultimate racing watchalong every Saturday and during major festivals. Our experts offer uninterrupted tips, analysis and reactions to the ITV action. Subscribe to the Racing Post YouTube channel here and never miss a minute