Can last year's runner-up go one better this time against unexposed opponents?

Sunday: 3.00 Exeter
Exeter On Haldon Handicap Chase | 3m | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

The ground has seemingly turned at Exeter since the last meeting on Monday after more than two inches (50mm) of rain between Tuesday and Friday made the ground soft. A smattering of rain over recent days has maintained that level.

Exeter can be a different track once it becomes testing, therefore this 3m chase is likely to conform to its history, which includes recent winners who have gone on to win the Classic Chase (Russe Blanc) and finish second in the Eider (Crossley Tender).

So the answer is likely to be a horse who can keep rolling, although the established ones along those lines (Samuel Jackson, St Erney) are less interesting than a raft of unexposed sorts who appeal as being right for this sort of test.

There are three to single out: How's The Cricket, Bangers And Cash and Upton Road. The first of those is obvious, having improved significantly for the move to Harry Fry, and having scope to keep going as his stamina is drawn out.

Upton Road appeared on my radar after his chasing debut, when he finished fourth in the face of a stiff task over 2m3f here in February.

He ran in a Listed race after that and, although the handicapper has taken few chances with a mark of 122, it is expected this point winner will go on now he is in staying handicaps.

Bangers And Cash did not go on from a win over 2m7f at sharp Taunton last year, when he raced a little lazily and looked as if he would rather have been running at somewhere like Exeter. He remains unexposed as a stayer and his trainer Ben Pauling is having an excellent autumn.

There are others of slightly more subtle interest, such as talented stable-switcher Fado Des Brosses and Lady Kk, who shaped well behind Bangers And Cash at Taunton.

This may be only a 0-125, but winning connections would be within their right to look at some high-quality marathons such is the likely strength of the form.
Race analysis by Keith Melrose

'We'll be delighted if he can do so again'

St Erney attempts to go one better than a year ago when he was 2-1 favourite and went down by just three-quarters of a length to Favori De Sivola.

The joint senior runner in the 15-strong line-up at 11, St Erney is from the tiny Cornwall operation of Jackie Du Plessis for whom he is the stable star.

St Erney has won twice over today’s course and distance and finished fourth at the track last time, when his trainer thought he may have had excuses.

She said: “St Erney ran a brilliant race to be fourth at the track last time when he wasn’t helped by them taking out half of the fences due to the low sun.

"He finished second in this race last year and we’ll be delighted if he can do so again as it looks a stronger race this year, as you would expect for the prize-money they are putting on.”

What they say

Richard Mitford-Slade, trainer of Samuel Jackson
He’s in good form for a ten-year-old at home, but whether he needs his first run back after a layoff we will see. We had hoped to run him before now but the ground was too quick, so if it stays on the soft side he should be okay.

Joe Tizzard, trainer of Sizing Cusimano and Faustinovick
Sizing Cusimano won a terrible race in the summer, for which he was put up 10lb, but he’s coming down the handicap now and likes Exeter. It was nice to see Faustinovick get his head in front last time at Chepstow and hopefully that will give him some confidence – and he’s run well around Exeter before.

Sam Twiston-Davies, rider of The Newest One
He ran a nice race first time out and he has a chance in a competitive race as you would expect, as it is good money. We're hoping for a positive run.

Michael Scudamore, trainer of Upton Park
He’s had plenty of issues and we ran him in a Listed race at Carlisle the other day just to get him out. It was not easy to find a novice chase to run him in, but he’s entitled to come on from that, and as a former point-to-pointer we expect the three miles to play to his strengths. Hopefully, they get a bit of rain and he can run a nice race.

Harry Fry, trainer of How’s The Cricket
He won over two and a half miles on his debut over fences at Ffos Las. He travelled well and did it quite nicely. The step up in trip should bring about further improvement. We’d like to think he can still be competitive off his revised rating. They’re expecting softer conditions but this won’t pose a problem.

Jeremy Scott, trainer of Lady Kk
We don’t like to travel her long distances as she kicks the lorry to pieces, so hopefully an hour down the road to Exeter should be okay. It’s a very competitive race and perhaps we are aiming a bit high, but it’s great prize-money and hopefully we can get some of it.
Reporting by David Milnes

Sign up here. 18+. New UK & ROI customers only. Minimum deposit £/€5. Minimum first £/€5 bet at minimum odds 1/2 to qualify for 1x £/€20 free bet. Certain deposit methods and bet types excluded. Free bet valid for seven days. Stake not returned. Restrictions and T&Cs apply.