Let's hope there's been enough rain for Umberto to fire

Despite us being well into November, firm was still somehow in the going description at Exeter early yesterday.

The inclement weather forecast for the Devon region will have had to be accurate if Umberto D'Olivate is to stand any chance of snapping a losing run stretching back to March 2014 when he makes his reappearance in the RGB Building Supplies Handicap Chase (1.30) at Exeter.

There are no two ways about it – cut in the ground is essential for Robert Walford’s gelding, otherwise he is likely to be taken off his feet, as he was the last time he raced on going without soft in it. However, granted some ease, there is every reason to expect a big run from this horse off a mark of 108.