'He's been knocking on the door all season and should have a nice chance' - analysis and quotes for a competitive handicap hurdle

Today's Offers

11

All offers

Exclusive new customer sign up offers

FREE BETS

FREE BETS

Two track specialists take the eye in a competitive running of this 2m5½f handicap hurdle. Asian Spice is 3-5 in handicaps at the Devon track, while Striking A Pose is 4-6 in all types of races at the course. 

The Jimmy Frost-trained Asian Spice has never tried a trip this far, but has been strong at the finish over 2m2½f here in previous runs, and could improve for it following an 80-day break. She is the only ride of the day for Charlie Deutsch, who teams up with Frost for just the fifth time.

Striking A Pose landed his first four at Exeter, but came unstuck twice in a higher grade on his latest two visits to the track in the autumn. He has regressed in subsequent outings, but the return here is an obvious plus, for all this nine-year-old is vulnerable to younger legs and may prefer slower ground.

The Emma Lavelle-trained The Long Point is probably the likeliest winner. This good-ground bumper scorer shaped promisingly when second on his handicap debut at Kempton, reversing form with Bredon Hill from their meeting at Warwick in November.

The Long Point is open to significant further improvement, but so is Night Duty. The lightly raced nine-year-old looked an excellent prospect when landing his point-to-point by a wide margin on good ground in May 2021 and has been brought back steadily by Fergal O’Brien this term.

Night Duty’s sole course visit in December was a positive one and this faster service is worth exploring.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders

Going report

The ground is good, good to firm in places and clerk of the course Jason Loosemore said: "We've watered the track, but there's still going to be some good to firm in it. We should maintain our position for raceday, but we have got some rain coming at the end of the week which will help us out for Sunday's meeting."

What they say

Emma Lavelle, trainer of The Long Point
He definitely wants this nicer ground. He was impressive on that type of surface when he won a bumper at Huntingdon. He seems in good form and the track should be ideal.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Bredon Hill
He seems in good shape. He's been knocking on the door all season and should have a nice chance. The track and trip should be fine as he stays well.

Jane Williams, trainer of Saint Cyr De Pail
I'm a little bit worried about the ground – if it is very quick he won't run. He wasn't right last time he ran so we can put a line through that. We tried this trip at Exeter a few starts ago on really soft ground and he didn't quite get home, but I'm keen to try again if it's good ground. He should have a reasonable chance.
Reporting by James Stevens

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.